TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Mar 10, 2026

A former Memphis Grizzlies security leader has sued the team, alleging his firing was illegal and based on his age and race, the Commercial Appeal reports. In 2023, according to the federal lawsuit, Godfrey Howard, who began working security for the team in 2001 and also serves as a Memphis police officer, claims he was passed over for two security leadership positions in favor of younger white men despite serving as interim director of team security in 2023. Howard, who is Black, was terminated in April 2024 without being given a reason, the lawsuit also states. After filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which dismissed the charge and issued a right-to-sue notice without making a determination on the merits, Howard filed suit alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and other equal rights laws. The Memphis Grizzlies declined to comment, citing a policy against discussing pending litigation.