We rarely discuss sports on this blog, but the situation brewing between New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson, the team’s president of basketball operations gives us a high-profile workplace scenario that is worth discussing.
Given the latest public statements by the Knicks, it appears that the team would like to move on from Anthony and begin a rebuilding process. There’s only one problem; Anthony’s contract includes a “no-trade” clause, which would require him to approve any trade proposed by the Knicks. So in essence, Carmelo Anthony can veto any trade he believes is unsuitable.
While this may seem great for both sides, it is apparently not working out this way. Because of this, the Knicks’ front office (particularly Jackson) has leaked a number of negative comments about Anthony ostensibly with the hopes that he will leave and waive his “no-trade” clause.
While this may seem limited to professional sports, this, unfortunately, occurs more often than you might think. Employees may be discriminated against and harassed with petty issues in the hopes that they will leave voluntarily. Examples include certain public employees who may not be fired except for cause and tenured professors. Sure, you despise how you are being treated, and you want it to stop, but you need the job so you can meet your financial burdens, so walking off the job may not be an option.
If you are a victim of discrimination and you are looking for an attorney to advise you, an experienced employment law attorney can advise you.