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

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.