The club and its COO allege that the former sales executive was treated respectfully.
Last month we were treated to disturbing news that the former head of marketing for the Mets, Leigh Castergine, was suing the team because she was allegedly harassed for being single and pregnant. According to the lawsuit, the Mets eventually fired Castergine after she complained about the actions of COO Jeff Wilpon to the club's human resources department.
The suit is another black eye for a Mets organization that was already embarrassed for its involvement in the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme. Just like that episode, this lawsuit could effect the Wilpon family's ability to finance the Mets.
It's no surprise then, that Jeff Wilpon along with Sterling Mets have filed papers defending the executive and the team from any wrongdoing.
Jeff Wilpon says in court papers via lawyer that he treated Castergine "without regard to her gender, marital status, pregnancy or leave."
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) October 31, 2014Wilpon also says he treated her "fairly" and that her firing "was based on legitimate business reasons."
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) October 31, 2014Sterling Mets, also a defendant in the suit, filed papers in court with same wording defending treatment of Castergine and her dismissal.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) October 31, 2014If Castergine was fired for some other reason, the Wilpons did not mention it. Sure, ticket sales haven't been great in recent years, but that has a lot to do with the Mets not fielding a highly competitive roster.
Since this is a lawsuit we're talking about, it likely won't be resolved soon. In the meantime, most of us will continue being Mets fans while wondering if the new MLB commissioner Rob Mafred will stand up against anti-female behavior like the NFL has made a point to after its own issues.