Former Employee of Ice Cube’s Basketball League Describes ‘Toxic’ Work Environment

4514 Cole Ave, #600 | Dallas, Texas 75205

Call Kardell Law Group 214-306-8045

Ice Cube’s BIG3 three-on-three basketball league has provided a fun environment on the court for players to showcase their skills. However, the league has also had its fair share of scandal. A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the league, claiming that co-founder Jeffrey Kwatinetz created a hostile work environment.

The employee, Kainoa Henry, claims he was forced to quit his position after refusing to lie about an ongoing business dispute with Arab investors that he claims was highlighted by “racist rhetoric” and “erratic behavior.” He seeks $2 million in the lawsuit.

Case connected to prior issues

The deal with the Qatari investors has been the subject of public drama, as Ice Cube and Kwatinez have accused them of backing out of a promised $20.5 million deal. Kwatinetz bizarrely accused the investors of getting involved with the league solely to get close to Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Trump and a friend of Kwatinetz. Kwatinetz suggested the investors were involved in terrorism, accusations Henry describes in his lawsuit as part of increasingly Islamophobic tensions in the workplace.

Henry also claims BIG3 broke promises to him as an employee, preventing him from working on an Allen Iverson documentary he was required under contract to produce for Ice Cube’s company.

These are just the latest claims of a hostile work environment at BIG3. The former league commissioner, Roger Mason, Jr., accused the company of being “hostile and racist,” and said Kwatinetz often used racial slurs when referring to the athletes.

If you have experienced a hostile work environment, speak with legal counsel about the steps you can take to exercise your rights. Consult a trusted Dallas attorney with Kardell Law Group today.

By Steve Kardell | Published September 17, 2018 | Posted in Employee Rights | Tagged Dallas attorney, employee rights, hostile work environment

Awards & Honors

Our Office

Dallas Office
4514 Cole Ave
#600
Dallas, Texas 75205
Phone: 214-306-8045
Fax: 469-729-9926

Testimonials

"Steve Kardell was terrific in representing me in some very adversarial discussions with Citigroup and also later represented me in my testimony before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission." -Richard Bowen, Citigroup Whistleblower
"Incredible knowledge of employee related concerns and equally brilliant knowledge of health care regulations, standards of practice. I would recommend this firm to anyone." -V.B.
"Reaching out to Steve Kardell was the best decision I made. His ability to provide immediate insight and direction was very powerful, and a huge relief during a very stressful time period. For anyone struggling with a whistleblower situation, I would highly recommend at least speaking with Steve. After a 10 minute call with him, I had a better understanding of what I was dealing with. Even better, he gave me some immediate hope. In the end Steve did a better job than I thought was possible. Steve was able to get in contact with people in my organization, that I didn’t have access to. Because of his years of experience, he already has contacts in many organizations in Dallas. The entire situation was handled peacefully. I was impressed by his ability to “keep the peace”–rather than creating a battle with the organization. The reason I didn’t reach out to a lawyer initially, was because I thought it would mean an immediate end to any hope of a positive relationship with the company. Steve was able to address my concerns, and in the end I was able to continue to work for them." -KS
"Never thought my career would end like it did after 30 years of service. I was part of the first round of the so called reduction of force. I asked myself how can I be part of this with 30 years of seniority. How did they pick these 90 plus employees? Now, the culture of this organization made you question every decision they made. It wasn’t what you knew it’s was a culture of who you know. Nonetheless, I did not accept their severance package. I immediately starting looking for an attorney who would take on my case. After the initial call to Steve I had hope again. He was open and honest about everything and reassured me he would do his best for me, and he did. I had an awesome outcome. Thanks Steve you’re the best." -S.S.