Fired NBA Referee Seeks $178K in Attorney Fees After Legal Victory
Former NBA referee Ken Mauer is seeking $178,000 in attorney fees following a recent legal victory in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Mauer, who was fired in 2021 for failing to comply with the NBA’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate, filed a motion requesting reimbursement for legal expenses incurred during his fight to have his case heard in court.
The Second Circuit ruled in Mauer’s favor, determining that the NBA’s arbitration agreement did not prevent him from pursuing his wrongful termination claims in court. This decision allows Mauer to continue his lawsuit against the league, alleging that his dismissal was unjust and violated his rights.
Mauer argues that the NBA’s unsuccessful attempt to force arbitration led to unnecessary legal costs, justifying his request for attorney fees. The league has yet to respond to the motion, and the court’s ruling on the fee request remains pending.
Mauer, a veteran official with over 30 years of experience in the NBA, has been vocal about his opposition to vaccine mandates, stating that his personal beliefs and medical concerns led to his refusal to get vaccinated. He claims that the NBA’s strict enforcement of its policy unfairly targeted him and others who chose not to comply, resulting in what he sees as wrongful termination. His case has drawn attention from individuals and organizations concerned about personal freedoms and employment rights, particularly in the context of pandemic-related workplace policies.
The NBA has maintained that its COVID-19 vaccination policy was implemented to ensure the safety of players, staff, and officials during the height of the pandemic. League representatives have argued that the mandate was necessary given the close-contact nature of professional basketball and the risks posed by unvaccinated individuals. While some referees and players initially resisted the policy, the vast majority eventually complied. Mauer, however, refused and was subsequently let go.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set an important precedent for how arbitration agreements are enforced in professional sports. Many leagues, including the NBA, have clauses that require disputes to be settled through arbitration rather than litigation. The Second Circuit’s ruling in favor of Mauer raises questions about the limits of such agreements and whether employees in similar situations could successfully challenge them in court.
Additionally, this case could reignite debates over workplace vaccination mandates and employee rights. While COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted across the country, the legal battles stemming from mandates imposed during the pandemic continue to play out in courts. If Mauer ultimately wins his lawsuit against the NBA, it could encourage other employees in various industries to pursue legal action against companies that enforced similar mandates.
For now, Mauer’s request for attorney fees is just one step in what could be a lengthy legal battle. The court’s decision on the matter will provide insight into how the judiciary views the NBA’s handling of the case and whether the league’s insistence on arbitration was justified. Observers from both legal and sports communities will be watching closely as the case unfolds, as its outcome could have lasting effects on labor relations within professional sports and beyond.
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