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The NHL is investigating what could be an explosive lawsuit filed by minor league player Jason Bailey against the Anaheim Ducks, alleging he was subject to systemic and repeated abuse while in the Ducks' farm system because he is Jewish.
The suit, filed Jan. 25 in California, refers to a period of time when Bailey, the 63rd overall pick in the 2005 draft, was playing with the ECHL Bakersfield Condors, then a farm team of the Ducks.
Among the allegations in documents obtained by ESPN.com, Bakersfield coach Martin Raymond and assistant coach Mark Pederson repeatedly made racial slurs referring to Bailey's Jewish faith. Raymond, who remains the team's head coach according to the Condor's website, allegedly told Bailey that Raymond's ex-wife was Jewish "and that she was a 'bitch' for taking all of his money."
When the team was discussing who should look after monies collected for a team party, it is alleged Bailey's name came up and Pederson remarked, "Well, I don't know if we can trust him with the money. He's Jewish."
Other allegations include frequent references made by Raymond about Jewish people and how they only care about money "and who's who."
During a road trip, Raymond allegedly turned to Bailey after seeing a CNN report on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and suggested, "Maybe you should go over there and fight in the war."
Raymond also allegedly told Bailey he would never want his son to be raised Jewish or to wear a Yarmulke.
Among the most damning pieces of the lawsuit are letters of apology from both coaches for their comments to Bailey.
"That's why they're trapped," Bailey's lawyer, Keith Fink, said of the defendants in the case that include the Condors and Ducks hockey clubs, and Raymond and Pederson.
In an undated letter included in the statement of claim, Raymond wrote:
"It was not my intention to offend you. The intent was to have a jovial moment. Please understand that prior to this incident, I was not trained to handle such a sensitive matter as a coach. As a French-Canadian, I too have come face-to-face with bigotry and understand how such remarks can negatively affect lives. I can certainly relate to you as I have repeatedly been called 'frog' through my playing and coaching career. This has affected me on and off the ice. Now that I understand that you were offended, I will no longer engage in this type of behavior nor condone it. I look forward to moving on and making a run for the playoffs as a team."
In a letter dated March 2, 2009, Pederson wrote that he never stopped to think how his words would make Bailey feel.
"Over the past week, I have had much time to think about this situation, and all that has transpired from my statement to you. I guess I never stopped to think about the impact my statement would have on you or how it would make you feel. It was not intended to insult or hurt you in any way, but it did, and for that I am truly sorry. From all that has happened, I have learned and become a better person. I am glad you are back, and I hope we can move forward from this and put our full concentration on our drive for playoffs. Please accept my apology."
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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/n ... id=6065644
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