Memphis Grizzlies Sued For Unlawful Termination & Discrimination After Allegedly Replacing Black Security Employees w/ White Officers

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies Sued For Unlawful Termination & Discrimination After Allegedly Replacing Black Security Employees w/ White Officers

A longtime security officer for the #MemphisGrizzlies has filed a federal lawsuit claiming racial discrimination and wrongful termination, alleging the NBA team has been replacing its formerly all-Black security staff with mostly white officers.

Godfrey Howard, who worked with the #Grizzlies’ security team for more than two decades and was serving as interim director of the Grizzlies’ security fleet, says he was passed over for the permanent role in favor of Jason Pagenkopf, “a younger white male,” and then fired in April 2024 without explanation.

Howard’s complaint, filed March 5 in U.S. District Court, asserts that nearly all security positions were held by Black officers before the new director was hired but have since been filled with white men. He claims his firing was motivated by race and says he received no notice or reason for his termination. The lawsuit also notes that Howard filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which gave him the right to sue. He is now seeking to be reinstated, financial compensation, and a jury trial.