Former Miami Dolphins scout Nate Sullivan says he was fired for taking care of his sick wife. Following new management's decision to first cut his medical benefits and then fire him altogether for working from home, Sullivan decided to sue. His wife Joann has Cystic Fibrosis.
According to FOX Sports News, Dolphins scout Nate Sullivan sent a letter through his attorney notifying them of his intent to litigate. Though he had arranged to work from home since 2004 in order to care for his wife, new General Manager Dennis Hickney fired him saying he did not approve of the arrangement.
In addition to cutting his medical benefits the Dolphins also violated his rights under Federal law (via Fox Sports):
"Sullivan's attorney, Jason L. Harr, contends that reasoning would violate Title 29 of the Americans With Disabilities Act that states 'it is unlawful for a covered entity to exclude or deny equal jobs or benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against, a qualified individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a family, business, social or other relationship or association.'"
The letter indicated that in a revamped medical benefits package, coverage for Cystic Fibrosis was gutted, and it was the only condition that was targeted.
Sullivan, a veteran of 17 years, seems to have every right to make the Dolphins pay up. If he had done his job for over ten years under the previous arrangement why would a new GM not honor that arrangement? Shame on Miami for not supporting one of their own.
What do you think? Should the new Dolphins GM have continued to allow Sullivan to work from home to take care of his sick wife? Did Miami clearly break the law, especially since he told him that was specifically why he was letting him go?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment field below.
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