A former Major League Baseball player and manager, Phil Regan, has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the New York Mets. The lawsuit alleges that Regan was not hired as the team’s pitching coach because of his age, and these actions constitute discrimination violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in New York on February 14, 2022.
Regan, 84 years old, interviewed for the pitching coach position with the Mets in November 2021. During the interview, he claims that General Manager Billy Eppler asked him about his age and whether he thought he was too old for the job. Regan alleges that he was told that the Mets were seeking someone who was “more in tune with the analytics” and “more up to date on the latest trends in pitching.”
Regan’s lawsuit alleges that the Mets violated the ADEA by discriminating against him based on age. The ADEA is a federal law that protects workers 40 or older from discrimination in employment decisions based on age.
The lawsuit seeks front pay, back pay, damages, and attorneys’ fees.
Age discrimination remains a significant problem in the workplace, despite being illegal. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), age discrimination is one of the most common types of discrimination workers face. In 2021, the EEOC received over 15,000 age discrimination complaints, a 6% increase from the previous year.
Age discrimination can take many forms, including being passed over for promotions, job opportunities, or experiencing harassment. Employers often attempt to justify their actions by claiming they are looking for someone more “up-to-date” or better suited for the job, but this can often be used to mask age discrimination.
In Regan’s case, it is essential to determine whether age was the determining factor in the Mets’ decision not to hire him as their pitching coach. An experienced employment discrimination attorney can help investigate the facts of the case, such as whether the team’s preference for younger or less experienced candidates was discriminatory.
If age discrimination is found to have taken place, the court may order the employer to pay damages, including compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. An experienced employment discrimination attorney can help calculate the damages that the plaintiff may be entitled to receive.
Employees must understand that they have the right to be free from age discrimination and can take action if they believe they have been mistreated. They can report the discrimination to human resources or file a complaint with the EEOC.
If an employee has been the victim of age discrimination, it is essential to document the situation, including instances of bias, and report the matter to human resources. If the employer fails to take action or retaliates against the employee, it may be necessary to pursue a lawsuit.
Phil Regan’s lawsuit against the New York Mets is a vital reminder that age discrimination remains a significant problem in the workplace. Age discrimination is illegal, but it continues to occur in workplaces nationwide.
If you believe you have experienced age discrimination, speaking with an experienced employment discrimination attorney is essential. They can help you understand your rights and legal options and fight for justice. At Risman & Risman, we offer expert legal help for those facing discrimination in the workplace. Our team can provide you with specialized legal services for your issues. Call us today at 212-233-6400 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team.