by Sharelle B. McNair

July 28, 2025

Flau’jae Johnson Momager’s Tough Love Helps Solidify Her Future

Johnson's mom, Kia Brooks, makes sure her child isn’t being taken advantage of

As Louisiana State University’s star athlete, Flau’jae Johnson, prepares for her upcoming season, she opened up about how her mom, Kia Brooks, is solidifying her role — and salary — as a manager in the sports world.

Johnson has become a household name both on and off the court while playing guard for the Tigers. But during an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, the WNBA prospect opened up about how some of the credit goes to her mother, whose tough love approach and stepping up as a manager has helped secure her future with an abundance of name, likeness, and image (NIL) deals. “She cut my checks in half,” Johnson said.

“She’s like, ‘You giving away this money, I know you are.’”

Johnson’s skills have caught the attention of major corporations that she now has NIL deals with including JBL, Experian, Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge, Tinder, Unrivaled, Bazooka, Powerade, and Apple Cash. And with new wealth comes new responsibility and boundaries. That’s where Brooks has stepped in tremendously as the financial gatekeeper, creating boundaries, so her daughter doesn’t get carried away with things. “I learned that people don’t have limits on what they need,” Johnson said of her mother’s tactics, admitting that “it’s hard to say no.”

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A post shared by Club Shay Shay (@clubshayshay)

Brooks stepped in to confirm her role in her daughter’s business, saying it’s all about keeping her protected, especially from unnecessary requests. “I built this empire with her, and if I don’t ask for a dime, I won’t let anyone take advantage of my child,” Brooks wrote on her Instagram story.

Comments on the interview started to pour in, celebrating the soon-to-be LSU senior for her accountability and moving in business with the one person she knows has her best interest at heart. “Some parents be knowing and pointing the fake ones out way before you can realize it. Shoutoutout to all the good parents with good intentions for their child and their future,” @noxcusejustproduce wrote.

Other social media users tagged Brooks, calling her “the foundation” for continued success.

Brooks is part of a growing trend of Black parents taking ownership of their celebrity children’s careers in the sports industry as a manager. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, often goes viral for interjecting in her son’s career, even being accused of blocking certain women from getting his attention, according to Hot 1009. However, after becoming a licensed sports agent, Jackson is opening the door for professional empowerment in a world filled with sharks waiting to take a bite out of the next best athlete.

The basketball and football momagers aren’t the only ones. Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, was often ridiculed for his described over the top behavior to guarantee his daughters received fair treatment on and off the tennis courts.

LaVar Ball also received mass criticism for always speaking on behalf of his sons, Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo. The tactics worked as two out of three sons play in the NBA and the other is a rising hip-hop star.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 28, 2025

Ice Cube Explains Why Caitlin Clark Was Offered $5M To Play in BIG3 League Instead Of Angel Reese

It was strictly a business decision

BIG3 cofounder Ice Cube recently revealed to TMZ that the reason he offered millions to Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark, rather than her rival, Chicago Sky player Angel Reese, came down to the financial impact on the league.

When Clark (and Reese) was gearing up to play for the WNBA, Cube reportedly extended an offer of $5 million to lure her into the BIG3 league, where she would play a total of eight games for the season. She eventually turned it down and went on to make a name for herself in her rookie season in the WNBA.

Cube was asked about offering Reese a contract to play in the summer 3-on-3 basketball league. He did acknowledge that Reese is a “great player,” but then he went on to explain why Clark was offered the deal instead of Reese.

“The thing with Caitlin Clark, it was just to unlock millions for the league because of her stardom. What our sponsors [were] telling us, they didn’t tell us the same thing about Angel Reese, so I don’t know if we can make that same offer.”

After being asked if the league could make a different offer to Reese that wouldn’t pay her as much as what Clark was offered, Cube shook his head and said, “I don’t think we can make that same offer because it won’t have the same impact on the league.”

Cube showed that he is always thinking about business and how to grow the BIG3 league, and made one last statement on Reese’s involvement in the basketball league. Although he seems to have respect for her skill level, he stated that the decision isn’t personal.

Meanwhile, the business of actor Ice Cube continues as he stars in a remake of the classic movie War of the Worlds, which will be available on Prime Video starting July 30, according to Deadline. In the modern-day version of the film, Cube plays the role of a top cybersecurity analyst for Homeland Security, who uncovers a threat that could destroy the world.

FAMU, Florida A and M University, FAMU Board Of Trustees, Dubious Donation

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 28, 2025

Supporters Of FAMU’s Polarizing New President, Marva Johnson, Speak Out On Her Behalf

Johnson has already received pushback as her appointment suggested the state's conservative leadership influence.

Supporters of Florida A&M University’s polarizing new presidential choice, Marva Johnson, speak out on her behalf.

Johnson’s appointment to lead FAMU has left the HBCU’s community divided. Many have called out the school’s presidential search for its lack of transparency, especially with a final decision backed by Florida’s conservative leaders.

Opponents not only felt concerned about Johnson’s connection to “MAGA”-affiliated state officials, but also her readiness and expertise in academia. However, supporters of the lawyer and corporate lobbyist believe she is more than ready for the task.

One of her strongest supporters and childhood friend, Yolanda Sharpe, described Johnson as a “leader” destined for success. Sharpe also admired her courage in navigating the challenging presidential selection process, which put a harsh spotlight on her friend.

“It doesn’t surprise me one bit that she’s made it this far,” Sharpe said to the Tallahassee Democrat. “I’ve always known that she’d be highly successful. She’s super disciplined. She’s self-motivated, and her work ethic was unbelievable from the start…She’s always been this way.”

“The level of excellence that she brings and expects from folks around her, I know she’ll bring that same mentality to FAMU,” she added. “I think FAMU is going to be better off with her there. I would never bet against her.”

The former group vice president for Charter Communications became FAMU’s 13th President, appointed by the Florida Board of Governors, on June 18. Some deemed Johnson’s appointment a clear sign of the growing influence Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has on the state’s higher education. This influence proved troublesome for many parts of the HBCU community, especially given the national and statewide push away from diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Voting records do show her registration with the Republican Party, furthering worries that Johnson will push a conservative agenda onto the HBCU’s campus. Despite the intense backlash from FAMU alums, Johnson’s confirmation went forth, leading to others advocating for her leadership experience.

She once served as the former chair of the Florida Board of Education, appointed under former Gov. Rick Scott in 2014. During her tenure, she established the State University System’s performance-based funding metrics. A fellow board member and colleague, Madeline Pumariega, also spoke highly of Johnson’s appointment.

“Her vision, integrity and executive experience make her an outstanding choice,” Pumariega said in a statement sent to the Democrat. “As former chair of the Florida State Board of Education, Marva championed innovation and student success, leaving a lasting mark on our state’s educational landscape. I had the privilege of working closely with her and know firsthand her unwavering commitment to excellence and access in higher education.

Raised in Tampa but born in a predominantly Black, rural Georgia town, Johnson says her upbringing instilled in her a willingness to “stand out” amongst the crowd. The wife and mother of three also gained support from Erika Donalds, chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Education Opportunity, and, more notably, wife of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.

Donalds currently stands as the GOP frontrunner for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race.

As for concerns about how Johnson’s MAGA ties will impact FAMU, one supporter suggests allowing her to hear all sides.

“If they’re afraid that she’s going to implement DeSantis’ plans – based on some of the things I’ve read – he leaves in 2026, so what are they going to do to replace him?” explained Jasper Hendricks III, who works for the Democratic Leader of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

“People may not necessarily know her, but I would recommend that they reach out, try to forge a bridge and give her an opportunity before assuming she’s coming in to do harm.”

by Mitti Hicks

July 28, 2025

Purchasing Power Of Black And Latino Consumers Too Great For Companies To Ignore DEI

Black and Latino Americans have a combined spending power of $6 trillion

A new report shows that the combined purchasing power of Black and Latino consumers is too great for companies to ignore diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Black and Latino Americans, who make up more than 30% of the U.S. population, have a combined spending power of $6 trillion, according to the National Urban League. For perspective, their spending power exceeds that of most countries, except the United States and China.

The study comes as U.S. companies abandon their commitments to DEI policies following pressure from the Trump administration. The NAACP maintains a list of companies that have either eliminated or scaled back their DEI initiatives. Many of these initiatives were created in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd. The list encourages Black consumers to spend their money where DEI still matters.

Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniels, pulled out from participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Leaders said the “world has evolved, our business has changed, and the legal and external landscape has shifted dramatically.” Lowe’s announced that it would review its programs following the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, announced that it would not be renewing its five-year commitment to an equity racial center. McDonald’s, Amazon, and Meta, along with the retailer Target, all pulled back on their diversity practices.

As a result, companies that backtracked are losing to companies that stood firm in their commitments. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Target saw a 7% decrease in first-quarter sales. Meanwhile, when comparing year-to-year visits, Target saw a decline of nearly 5 million shoppers during a four-week period that ended on February 9. Costco, the big-box store corporation, saw an increase of 7.7 million visits.

While there has been political pressure to drop DEI policies, Black and Brown consumers prove that prioritizing people is profitable. Failing to do so could hurt businesses’ bottom line in the long run, according to the National Urban League.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 28, 2025

Ciara ‘Levels Up’ With Benin Citizenship, Celebrates Milestone In Emotional Ceremony

The wife of Russell Wilson travelled to the West African nation as Rolling Stone Africa's latest cover star.

Ciara is leveling up her nationalities with a new citizenship in Benin. The artist traveled to the West African country where she received the life-changing certificate.

The R&B singer visited the country with Rolling Stone Africa where she was offered citizenship to remain a part of its community. She gained the status during an emotional ceremony which took place July 26. A local tourism agency, Explore Benin, shared photos from the momentous occasion.

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A post shared by My Afro Origins (@myafroorigins)

The 39-year-old received the certificate alongside two others in the unforgettable moment. The ceremony offers Beninese citizenship to people of Afro descent as a way to connect the diaspora.

“This initiative translates the willingness of Benin to assume its historical responsibility, to reconnect with its children scattered around the world, and to make its territory a land of welcome, memory and future,” shared Explore Benin in its caption.

Special guests at the ceremony also included Beninese government officials such as Mr. Yvon Detchnou, Minister of Justice and Legislation; Mr. Babalola Jean-Michel H. Abimbola, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts; as well as Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Of her new status, Ciara shared how “proud” she felt about reconnecting with Africa in a major way. She reportedly became teary-eyed at the ceremony, especially as it speaks to her heritage and identity as a Black woman.

“I feel incredibly proud,” she expressed. “The significance of this moment is so special.”

Ahead of the milestone, Ciara engaged in a cultural trip to Benin with Rolling Stone Africa and the travel agency. As the magazine’s latest cover star, Ciara chose Benin as the first Francophone African country she visited. The publication called the decision a testament to the country’s “profound contribution to the story of humanity.”

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“@Ciara marks this moment not only to celebrate her historic Rolling Stone Africa cover but also to shine a light on the soul of a country whose culture, resilience, and beauty have inspired generations across the world,” added the caption. “Benin is more than a destination. It is history, spirit, and sacred ground, and today, it welcomes a woman whose voice and presence carry messages of empowerment, strength, and transformation.”

The visit documented her travels through the culturally rich nation. She first explored the history of its largest city, Cotonou, before traveling down to another city called Ouidah. The coastal city is the home of major ports with several historic markers of the Atlantic Slave trade, such as the Slave Route trail and the Door of No Return.

Ciara is now part of a growing movement for Black Americans, celebrities and otherwise, to “come home” to Africa. Countries embracing this wave of “reverse migration” include Ghana, Kenya, and Gabon.

by Daniel Johnson

July 28, 2025

As Epstein Questions Swirl, Trump Posts Meme Of Himself And JD Vance Chasing Obama In OJ’s Bronco

Trump has shifted focus back to a familiar political target: former President Barack Obama.

As questions continue to circulate about Donald Trump’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein and the Epstein list he previously said he would release during his campaign, Trump has instead shifted focus back to a familiar political target: former President Barack Obama.

In his latest salvo of attacks toward Obama, Trump accused him of treason, which the former president, who rarely comments on anything the Trump administration says, responded to by calling his accusations “bizarre,” in a statement from his office.

On social media, Trump posted a meme that depicts the former president as O.J. Simpson and himself and Vice President JD Vance as the police officers chasing Obama in a scene similar to Simpson’s infamous 1994 low-speed police chase.

The response on social media has ranged from laughter to fact-checking to outrage, depending on where those offering commentary sit on the political spectrum.

Trump shared a deranged meme showing Obama behind the wheel of the white Ford Bronco in O.J. Simpson’s 1994 car chase.https://t.co/kJB1Vxd7Lf
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) July 26, 2025

According to The New York Times, Trump’s base had been furious with him over their perception of his decision to renege on his promise to release the Epstein files. Somewhat ironically, after The Wall Street Journal reported on a lewd drawing that Trump allegedly sent Epstein, his base came back to his defense as he filed a lawsuit against the outlet and then crowed about it in a post to his Truth Social account.

“This lawsuit is filed not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media,” Trump wrote.

On July 22, while in Scotland, Trump told reporters that he believed Obama had committed treason by manipulating evidence to go after him.

“It’s there. He’s guilty. They – this was treason. This was every word you can think of. They tried to steal the election,” Trump told reporters.

According to Jenna McLaughlin, NPR’s cybersecurity correspondent, the assertions from both Trump and Tulsi Gabbard are inconsistent with the truth.

“Gabbard appears to be conflating two separate things. The intelligence officials who wrote this report never said that Russia hacked the election. They said that Russia had attempted to influence the election, using disinformation on social media, hack and leak campaigns of the Clinton camp’s emails, bot farms, things like that — all things that have been made public over the years,” McLaughlin said.

by Daniel Johnson

July 28, 2025

Cam Newton Says It’s Time For ESPN To Give HBCUs The Gameday Spotlight

Newton says he can bring the same kind of spotlight to HBCU football programs that Pat McAfee brings to college football programs.

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton wants to bring an HBCU-focused College Gameday experience to ESPN, which he pitched during a recent episode of his podcast “4th and 1 with Cam Newton.”

According to Sports Illustrated, in Newton’s opinion, he believes that he can bring the same kind of spotlight to HBCU football programs that Pat McAfee brings to college football programs–minus the controversy that McAfee courts–during his appearances on ESPN’s flagship College Gameday program and his own show, which ESPN hosts, but does not produce.

“You give me that @PatMcAfeeShow deal… I’ll show you what box office REALLY is!”

Cam Newton doesn’t want to join @CollegeGameDay… he wants his OWN version for HBCUs pic.twitter.com/BJA0grHmkL
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) July 25, 2025

“Give Cam Newton a Pat McAfee-like deal… You talk about the content, then you can start showing the tailgates, the student section. When it comes to box offices, I can show you what’s interesting about HBCUs. Well, you talking about the content? Which one of these members of the media is willing to go into the student section? I am. This is the sweetest gig in sports,” Newton noted.

He continued, “I wanna be a part of the Black College Football Gameday. You get me to the Tuskegee, the Savannah States, the Tennessee States, the Jackson States, the Morgan States, the North Carolina Centrals, the North Carolina A&Ts, the North Carolina A&M — Alabama A&M. My personality is lively. It’s so much to tell about the college experience that I would love to be a part of it.”

Although Cam Newton certainly has star power, his pitch is contingent upon network bosses at ESPN recognizing the value of a program centered around HBCUs, taking up valuable media real estate like The Pat McAfee Show or First Take, which did a number of HBCU road shows in 2024.

Shannon Sharpe, Cam Newton, and Stephen A. Smith kick off First Take live from Clark Atlanta University as part of their HBCU road show!pic.twitter.com/pellzJ1HSu
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) November 8, 2024

https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe/status/1837183459468452102?s=19

Although specific ratings numbers for those shows aren’t available, clips of the appearances shared by ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe were popular on social media sites.

For Newton to secure such a deal, however, he will have to prove his worth to ESPN executives, not necessarily the value of programming centered around HBCUs.

As a 2023 press release from ESPN notes, McAfee’s $85 million multiyear licensing deal with the network came about because of his ability to leverage his show’s popularity. If Newton wants that type of deal, he needs to turn his podcast into appointment new media, similar to what McAfee was able to do with his show.

“Pat is a proven talent. He and his team have built The Pat McAfee Show into one of the most engaging programs in sports and all of media,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in the press release. “It’s a destination for athlete interviews and breaking news, and the centerpiece of a growing community of sports fans. We’re honored to bring Pat and the show to ESPN through a multifaceted, multiplatform approach.”

To that point, Newton’s podcast only has 500K followers on YouTube, while McAfee’s show has more than 2.9 million, a stark contrast that any studio executive would point to if they were asked for a deal in the range of or with a similar structure to McAfee’s deal.

While Newton’s idea would undoubtedly be good for the visibility of HBCU sports, perhaps Newton should seek to pivot and turn segments of his podcast into a showcase for HBCUs that he envisions, so he can both create value in the eyes of network executives and exposure for the storied HBCU programs he seems to have an affinity and respect for.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 28, 2025

From Essence To EBONY: Cori Murray Is The New Executive VP Of Editorial Content

Cori Murray is bringing her award-winning storytelling skills to EBONY Magazine’s executive team.

Award-winning journalist Cori Murray is joining EBONY Magazine as the legacy brand’s newest executive vice president of Editorial Content.

After 23 years at ESSENCE, including a two-year run as the magazine’s Deputy Editor from 2020 to 2022, Murray is taking her talents to EBONY, where she’ll serve as a “proud steward” in “moving Black forward,” she shared in an Instagram announcement.

“Eighty years ago, John H. Johnson and his wife Eunice Johnson built @ebonymagazine to amplify Black stories,” Murray wrote. “Today, in my new role as EVP, editorial content, I’m a proud steward of this legacy brand as it continues chronicling our voices and moving Black forward. Stay tuned for what’s ahead!”

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A post shared by Cori Murray (@corimurray)

A 2022 recipient of Black Women in Film’s ElevatHER Award for her dedication to telling “the untold stories of Black women,” Murray has dedicated herself to the art of journalism with a special focus on Black culture. Under Murray’s leadership, ESSENCE made history by winning its first American Society for Magazine Editors National Magazine Award for Photography in April 2022 and featuring a same-sex couple on its cover for the first time in its 52-year history.

Murray’s creative touch shaped ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards and its Oscars’ Week events, while her insights on the brand’s cultural impact were featured in the OWN docuseries Time of Essence and the two-time Webby-nominated Yes Girl! podcast. A respected cultural critic and member of the African American Film Critics Association, the Hampton University graduate has shared her expertise on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, CNN, and MSNBC, and has also appeared in Ava DuVernay’s 2010 documentary My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women in Hip Hop.

A true cover story powerhouse, Murray has penned standout features for InStyle, Women’s Health, and EBONY, while also contributing to The Hollywood Reporter, Emmys.com, Apartment Therapy, and WWD’s Beauty Insider. Most recently, she featured the legendary Angela Bassett on the cover of EBONY in May, a taste of the star power and storytelling she’s set to bring in her new leadership role.

Black Americans Move To Kenya In Act Of ‘Reverse Migration’ To Find Shared Heritage

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 28, 2025

Black Americans Move To Kenya In Act Of ‘Reverse Migration’ To Find Shared Heritage

Many are headed to Kenya to reclaim their roots and escape the anti-blackness found in America.

Black Americans are now “coming home” to Kenya to reconnect with their shared heritage.

The “reverse migration” effort has grown in popularity over recent years. Black Americans have established their own businesses and ventures to build a new life in Kenya. The move helps this demographic, with many only knowing an ancestral history of enslavement, forge a new legacy and reclaim their roots.

It also grants them a new perspective on life outside of America. In the United States, systemic and blatant racism still plagues society across many aspects. However, white supremacy persists globally and does not entirely fade in Africa.

Despite this, the move does offer a glimmer of freedom and hope for expatriates needing a break. In the East African nation, Blackness is the majority, and where one’s melanin is the norm.

One expatriate, Kenneth Harris, says his move to Nairobi, Kenya, stems from two factors. Not only does the nation’s weather feel serene, but also its people.

“I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places,” he told Politico. “That is what allowed me to make a home away from home, and Kenya is my new home.”

Some have followed paths like Harris to make the big move and create their own living through entrepreneurial efforts. From travel agencies to Airbnbs and restaurants, the country makes it possible for those with capital to launch a new venture.

Others, however, may seek refuge elsewhere to evade the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As they feel the current president jeopardizes the livelihoods of Black people, going to the continent where they originally derived from seems like the optimal next step.

While Harris does not know people personally relocating for an escape from political turmoil, he believes Kenya offers a different quality of life that many could find invaluable.

“I can’t say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,” Harris said.

However, Kenya is not the only country with a wave of Black American expatriates. Since its launch in 2019, Ghana’s “Year of the Return” program has helped thousands of Black Americans gain citizenship in the West African nation.

Others have found purpose in helping potential expatriates make the jump to Africa, such as Adliah Relocation Services. The company’s founder, Adilah Mohammad, has noticed the rising shift. Now, she helps people make their dream of living in Kenya a reality.

In turn, these nations will also benefit from having the “reverse migration” of Black Americans. Not only does the population shift help with the perception of these nations, but it could also help fix corruption, making investments in these countries even more ideal.

Beyond this, the move helps bridge the gap within the diaspora, ensuring all Black people can feel safe, supported, and uplifted on the continent.

“For me, it is a movement,” shared Mohammad. “It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic.”

lawsuit, Major League Soccer, Exec, Racial Retaliation

by Daniel Johnson

July 27, 2025

Fired After Speaking Up? Former Major League Soccer Exec Sues For Racial Retaliation

Shine's lawsuit alleges that MLS supervisors retaliated against him by firing him in May 2025 after he made complaints about racial discrimination.

A lawsuit against Major League Soccer was filed by Cedric Shine, a former employee of the company, on July 18. In Shine’s lawsuit, which was filed in New York’s Southern District Court, he alleges that both MLS and Soccer United Marketing retaliated against him by firing him in May 2025 after he made complaints about racial discrimination Shine experienced during his tenure as a director of cultural marketing.

According to the lawsuit, during much of the period in question, between December 2020 and his eventual firing in May 2025, Shine also served as the co-chair of MLS’ resource group for its Black employees, Pitch Black.

The lawsuit also sets forth a chain of events related to the decision to fire another Black director of marketing, one of the few in the company, Justin Cox. Per Shine’s complaint, after Cox was fired, MLS supervisors hired a white man with less experience in the marketing department than Shine in a role that the company had previously told Shine that he would get.

Shine determined that this development was, at the very least, problematic, and took his complaint directly to MLS’ Human Resources department.

After his complaint, MLS brass made the decision to hire Shine in the role anyway, disregarding the objections of his supervisors in the process, which the lawsuit indicates did not sit well with them. Shine’s lawsuit alleges that his supervisors engaged in a campaign of retaliation against him.

Shine took note of the various forms of retaliation and took his complaints to MLS’ human resources department, but nothing was done about the retaliation.

Instead of facilitating a meeting with MLS Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson to solve these problems, the lawsuit alleges that the company both permitted and condoned the plan of Shine’s management team to fire him, which the lawsuit sets forth was a violation of his civil and human rights, under New York City Human Rights Law.

According to the lawsuit, “As a result of MLS’s conduct, Shine has suffered the adverse effects of unlawful retaliation, the quality of his life has been irreparably damaged and his self-esteem, self-respect, and well-being have been irreversibly harmed because he has been subjected to the humiliating and demeaning type of conduct described herein, all of which will continue to be a source of humiliation, distress, and financial loss to Shine.”

The lawsuit continued, “MLS acted with willful or wanton negligence, or recklessness, or a conscious disregard of Shine’s rights under, among other things, the New York City Human Rights Law, and its unlawful actions against Shine were so reckless as to amount to a disregard of Shine’s rights. Accordingly, in addition to damages inflicted upon Shine, MLS should be required to pay punitive damages as punishment for its discriminatory and retaliatory conduct to deter it and others similarly situated from engaging in such conduct in the future.”

In addition to the damages that Shine is seeking from both MLS and Soccer United Marketing, Shine is seeking a trial by jury instead of leaving the interpretation of his grievances to a judge.

Major League Soccer, meanwhile, has denied that Shine’s allegations are legitimate and has pledged to fight his lawsuit, adding that it is committed to equity and inclusion in a statement the organization issued to The New York Post.

“Shine’s allegations of retaliation have no merit and the League intends to vigorously defend the recently filed lawsuit,” MLS said before touting its commitment “to providing an equitable and inclusive environment.”