A sports writer is suing the New York Post, claiming they illegally terminated him in January after he posted a controversial tweet about President Trump. Bart Hubbuch‘s post, which has since been deleted, said, “12/7/41. 9/11/01. 1/20/17.” Those dates, of course, represent the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the September 11 attacks, and Trump’s inauguration. A week later, Hubbuch was fired, and now he’s suing.
An important status update: pic.twitter.com/kjZVOWjoRr
— Bart Hubbuch (@BartHubbuch) January 31, 2017
The Post had said in a statement, “Mr. Hubbuch has engaged in a pattern of unprofessional conduct and exhibited serious lack of judgment, including most recently showing disrespect for the victims of Pearl Harbor and 9/11.” But Hubbuch’s lawsuit says the writer posted “on his own time, from his own computer, and from his own home,” according to NBC Sports. The lawsuit cites a New York law that says it is unlawful for an employer to terminate someone’s employment due to their “legal recreational activities outside work house, off of the employer’s premises and without use of the employer’s equipment or other property.”
The lawsuit mentions that the Post told Hubbuch that he wouldn’t be fired if he apologized for the tweet, and that he did so. It also notes the Post‘s reputation for being controversial, saying it “pushes the bounds of what is considered appropriate news coverage,” and is “[n]ot known for its sensitivity.”
Hubbuch is asking to be reinstated at his job, and for monetary damages.
LawNewz.com reached out to the Post for comment on the lawsuit, but they have not responded.
[Image via ABC screengrab]
