Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Are Gay Athletes Protected Against Discrimination?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: April 16, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
In the past year, both Jason Collins and Michael Sam came out as the first gay male athletes actively participating in a sport.
Most recently, UMass Amherst basketball player, Derrick Gordon, came out.
One would think this isn’t an issue in sports locker rooms, but last year’s bullying issue with the Miami Dolphins showed differently. For this reason, it is important to bring up the discrimination laws that protect these men in the workplace, locker room or playing field.
Lack of Discrimination Laws
There is currently no federal law that protects gays against workplace discrimination despite multiple attempts to pass such legislation. However, numerous states have laws in place that prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in public and private jobs. These are present in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Wisconsin – all of which have professional sports franchises. With such laws in place, any athlete found to be harassing or discriminating against a gay teammate could face legal issues.
Sports teams also have to make sure they are providing a safe work environment for athletes. In the Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito bullying case, the Miami Dolphins were accused of having an unsafe locker room environment, as Martin felt unsafe being at work.
In the coming years, player’s associations across professional sports may begin to treat workplace safety and discrimination more seriously. In fact, it could even become a major topic of conversation during collective bargaining. After the incident with the Miami Dolphins, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the NFL Player’s Association and owners come to an agreement for stricter locker room discrimination and safety practices in the next collective bargaining agreement.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
Author: Dan Brecher
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.