MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A newly filed lawsuit claims that the Memphis Grizzlies have been steadily replacing their all-Black security team with young, white men since the current director was hired in late 2023.
Godfrey Howard, a Memphis police officer since 1993, worked as security for the team for 23 years before he was fired in 2024, according to a federal lawsuit.
The suit, filed March 5, accuses the Memphis Grizzlies of unlawful termination and workplace discrimination. Howard claims that he was fired because he is Black.
There are more than 500 employees who work for the Memphis Grizzlies in various roles, according to the lawsuit.
In 2001, while serving as an MPD officer, Howard began working part-time for the team’s security. After 12 years, he was promoted to serve as an official security guard for the players during home and away games.
He opted to continue working as a security guard at FedExForum after the 2012-13 NBA season ended, but resumed his role with the Grizzlies in 2021.
Howard was promoted again in 2023 to team leader and also filled in as interim director of the security team when the then-director resigned.
Two months later, the Memphis Grizzlies hired Jason Pagenkopf, “a younger white male,” as director of team security instead of giving Howard the permanent role.
The lawsuit claims Howard was never formally offered the position, nor made aware that the team was looking to fill the position elsewhere.
Then, Howard says he was fired without reason.
“…Instead of being promoted to a new position, Plaintiff was terminated on or about April 25, 2024. Plaintiff received no separation notice or reason for the termination.”
The suit claims all members of the Grizzlies’ security team were Black before Pagenkopf became director. Since then, almost all positions have been refilled with young, white men.
Howard believes his firing was due to his race.
Howard filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which ruled that he had the right to sue.
Howard is now seeking his job with the Memphis Grizzlies back, plus financial compensation and a jury trial.
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