Former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar has filed a lawsuit against BIGPLAY Media, claiming he was wrongfully terminated for his involvement in gambling-related activities. Kosar, who played for the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins during his career, alleges that his dismissal was a violation of his First Amendment rights and was fueled by discrimination against his gambling habits.
The lawsuit, which was filed in a federal court in Ohio, alleges that Kosar was fired from his position as a commentator for BIGPLAY Media after the company discovered his participation in a high-stakes poker game. Kosar claims that he was targeted for his gambling activities, which he insists were legal and had no bearing on his ability to perform his job duties.
According to the lawsuit, BIGPLAY Media cited a clause in Kosar’s contract that prohibited him from engaging in activities that could bring negative publicity to the company. However, Kosar argues that his poker game participation was a private matter and had no connection to his work as a sports commentator.
In a statement released to the press, Kosar’s legal team argued that their client’s firing was unconstitutional and a blatant violation of his right to free speech. They also accused BIGPLAY Media of engaging in discriminatory practices by targeting Kosar for his gambling-related activities.
BIGPLAY Media has yet to respond to the lawsuit, but in a statement released last month, the company defended its decision to terminate Kosar. The company claimed that Kosar’s participation in the poker game demonstrated poor judgment and was not in line with their values as a sports media outlet.
This lawsuit comes at a time when the issue of gambling in sports media is a hot topic of debate. With the rise of sports betting and online gambling, many companies are grappling with how to handle employees who engage in gambling-related activities. Kosar’s case sheds light on the complexities of navigating the intersection of sports, media, and gambling.
As the legal battle between Bernie Kosar and BIGPLAY Media unfolds, the sports world will be watching closely to see how this case could impact the future of sports media and the rights of employees in the industry. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.