During a two-day span during the first week of January, two individuals associated with law firm Seyfarth Shaw met with Coyotes employees in Glendale. It is not immediately clear what prompted their involvement.
According to multiple employees who met with these individuals, one topic discussed was sexual harassment, both in broader terms of workplace atmosphere and about one incident specifically, including the team’s holiday party in December 2019, held at a local restaurant. At the party, an employee of the Meruelo Group allegedly made an unwanted sexual advance toward a female Coyotes employee. This incident was widely discussed within the organization; five employees told
The Athletic that they had heard about it. (The female employee declined to comment when reached by telephone.)
Among the other matters Seyfarth Shaw representatives have asked about:
- The accuracy of financial documents provided to third parties, such as banks and private lenders, required to meet specific loan obligations.
- The accuracy of financial reports the organization sent to the league, which reflect team revenues and can potentially impact player salaries and the salary cap.
- The team’s appropriation of monies from the Industry Growth Fund allotment provided by the league, which is given to all 31 teams, “to help fund programs and initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the game, as well as promoting social justice and racial equality,” according to the NHL/NHLPA’s collectively bargained Memorandum of Understanding.
- The general workplace culture of the organization, including allegations of intimidation and threats made against current and former employees.
- Health policies and procedures, particularly relating to COVID-19 protocols and internal compliance.
- Separation agreements with former employees, including Paris, the sales manager who is suing the team for what he alleges are unpaid wages.