Zamboni driver fired for peeing in drain accuses Crimson Wings of cover-up in bombshell lawsuit

NHL

By Miles Schachner

There aren’t any second possibilities in hockey, not less than should you’re Al Sobotka.

Sobotka, the longtime Detroit Crimson Wings Zamboni driver who was fired for peeing in a drain and subsequently filed an age and incapacity lawsuit, alleges that the higher-ups at Crimson Wings father or mother firm Olympia Leisure engaged in a cover-up scheme by having an government who knew nothing about him hearth him, per the Detroit Free Press.

Weeks earlier than the peeing incident, Sobotka, 70, stated vp Tim Padgett approached him in a Zoom assembly and stated: “You’re getting outdated.”

Although Olympia claimed Padgett had nothing to do with the firing, the vp stated in his deposition he suggested president Keith Bradford, who made the choice to fireplace Sobotka, on Sobotka’s case.

Bradford had by no means met Sobotka, didn’t understand how lengthy he spent with the Crimson Wings and by no means mentioned the urinating incident with him or the witness that noticed him, in accordance with a Nov. 15 court docket submitting.

The senior vp of human sources additionally stated that Sobotka’s prostate concern “was not considered at any time” and she or he noticed it as an “excuse.”

Sobotka even despatched president and CEO of the Crimson Wings Christopher Illitch one final determined message that fell on deaf ears.

“Chris, I’m positive you heard that I used to be terminated,” Sobotka wrote, “I don’t assume I deserve it. After 50 seasons of onerous work, numerous hours, holidays, lacking out with the household … I might hope you had it in your coronary heart for one more likelihood.”

“I might like to go (out) alone and retire. I’ve a lot respect for you and your loved ones … I’m begging you, that is killing me.”

Illitch didn’t reply to a crushed Sobotka.

Sobotka, who was caught by a fellow worker urinating in a drain between two Zambonis on Feb. 2, 2022, says he has benign prostatic hyperplasia, which makes it tough to manage urination.

The 70-year-old, who launched into a 51-year profession with the Crimson Wings when he was 17, was a fixture at Little Caesars Area, the place he was identified for spinning octopi over his head after followers thew them on the ice.

“All of them know I used to be achieved improper,” Sobotka, who nonetheless struggles to sleep at night time, stated in a latest interview.

“It’s in my head, 24/7, ya know,” he stated. “I’ve nightmares.”