A former assistant athletic trainer for the Sacramento Kings has filed a lawsuit against the organization, alleging pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. The suit, filed earlier this month in California Superior Court, claims Crystal Lee was demoted during her pregnancy and was not permitted to travel with the team or treat players upon her return from maternity leave.
According to the lawsuit, when Lee informed senior director of athlete health Jaspreet Randhawa of her pregnancy, Randhawa responded, “You’re f—ed,” and stated her life “is ruined after you have kids.” Lee alleges she raised her complaints with the team’s senior vice president of human resources and was terminated less than a month later.
The lawsuit also details negative interactions Lee experienced with former assistant coach Doug Christie and general manager Steve Perry. Lee claims she met with Perry about her concerns and was told that “complainers will not be tolerated.” Neither Christie nor Perry are listed as defendants in the suit.
Lee alleges that Perry and Kings vice president of human resources Stacy Wegzyn were responsible for her termination, citing an alleged failure to meet performance expectations, including not updating expense reports, as the reason for her dismissal.
The Sacramento Kings have issued a statement denying the allegations. "The Sacramento Kings categorically deny these allegations and reject the characterization of the organization and its workplace reflected in these claims made by a disgruntled former employee," Kings attorney Alexis Gabrielson told ESPN. "The Kings take allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously and are committed to maintaining a workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. The organization intends to vigorously defend against these claims through the legal process and will not comment further on the pending proceedings."
Lee’s attorney, Robert King, stated that prior attempts to resolve the matter with the Kings were unsuccessful, including attending a mediation session.