WSOR Wins Appeal in Wrongful Termination Case Against Chicago White Sox

Cook County - February 14, 2025

Attorney John Winters of Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC is representing Brian Ball in a wrongful termination lawsuit against the Chicago White Sox, and he recently won a victory in the Illinois Appellate Court. The case had been dismissed by the trial court, but after review, the Appellate Court reversed this decision and allowed the lawsuit to proceed.

The plaintiff worked as a trainer for the White Sox from 2000 to 2020, but he was terminated in 2020 after being informed that he no longer "fit in" with the team's plans. He signed a termination agreement in which he purportedly waived the right to sue the White Sox for discrimination. However, he later learned that his sexual orientation was the true reason for his termination, and he filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination.

The trial court in Cook County dismissed the plaintiff's lawsuit based on his signing the termination agreement, which it believed prevented him from making a claim of discrimination. However, upon review, the Appellate Court found that this dismissal was incorrect. The lawsuit claims that the White Sox fraudulently concealed the actual reason for his termination. Because Mr. Ball had no knowledge that discrimination had occurred, he could not knowingly waive his right to pursue a discrimination claim. This decision will return the case to the trial court, where Mr. Winters will continue to advocate for Mr. Ball and seek justice for the discrimination and wrongful termination committed by the White Sox.

For more information about this case or to request an interview, please contact Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC at 312-236-6324.