Atlanta Hawks face racial discrimination lawsuit

A racial discrimination and wrongful firing lawsuit was filed against the Atlanta Hawks by a former manager of security operations, according to federal court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

Samuel Hayes, who was fired in late April from his post at Philips Arena, claims in the lawsuit that preferential treatment for white celebrities was tolerated by management, but black celebrities were not treated in the same manner, thus putting himself and other African-American employees under duress during official events.

Hawks chief diversity and inclusion officer Nzinga Shaw told USA TODAY Sports in an email: “Samuel Hayes is a former security manager at Philips Arena. He was terminated for poor performance and his claims are baseless. We will defend vigorously.”

Hayes claimed that white celebrities such as Amy Schumer, Adele, Ariana Grande and Bon Jovi requested and were allowed to bypass metal detectors on their way inside Philips Arena for concerts or basketball games. But according to Hayes' lawsuit, black celebrities such as Drake, Future, Kanye West and Sean Combs who requested the same privileges were denied.

Hayes also claims in the lawsuit that Hawks vice president of customer service and operations Jason Parker made racist comments during his employment.

Hayes claims that Parker wrongfully fired him in “retaliation” for continually bringing the racial discrimination to light with both Parker and other Hawks staff members.

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