MLB Umpire Sues League for Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Brandon Cooper, a bisexual male minor league umpire, has filed a lawsuit against Major League Baseball (MLB) and an affiliated entity, PDL Blue Inc., alleging sexual harassment by a female umpire and discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. Cooper claims that MLB has implemented an "illegal diversity quota" requiring the promotion of women regardless of merit, in an effort to address its lack of gender and racial diversity among umpires.

According to the lawsuit, Cooper was subjected to homophobic slurs and crude remarks by fellow umpire Gina Quartararo after she learned about his sexual orientation. Cooper alleges that he notified MLB officials about the harassment but was then accused of violating the minor league anti-discrimination and harassment policy. He says he was skipped for the playoffs and ultimately fired in October 2022, despite being the only one let go from a group of 26 umpires hired.

Cooper claims he was told by MLB officials that women and minority candidates had to be hired first, and that at least two women had to be hired among 10 new umpires. He alleges a hostile work environment and wrongful termination or retaliation due to his gender and sexual orientation under New York state and city law.

Why this matters: The lawsuit sheds light on the challenges and potential discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals in professional sports. It also raises questions about the legality and fairness of diversity initiatives that may prioritize certain demographics over merit-based hiring and promotion practices.

MLB has declined to comment on the pending litigation. However, the league confirmed that Quartararo was among nine women working as minor league umpires this season, and that Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire major league spring training since 2007. Pawol is currently working at the Triple-A level, one step below the majors.

Cooper's attorney, Kevin L. Murphy, stated, "My client was an outstanding umpire who was fired simply because he did not fit into MLB's diversity initiative. No person's employment should be conditioned on their sexual orientation or MLB's desire to have a woman umpire in the major leagues." The lawsuit seeks Cooper's reinstatement, back pay, and other compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged discrimination and retaliation he faced.

Key Takeaways

• Bisexual umpire sues MLB for harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination
• Alleges MLB has "illegal diversity quota" favoring women over merit
• Faced homophobic slurs, retaliation after reporting harassment by female umpire
• Lawsuit seeks reinstatement, back pay, damages for discrimination
• MLB declines comment, confirms women umpires working at minor, major league levels