Andrea Gordon Files Lawsuit Against Boston Transit Authority After Finding Gorilla, Well Dressed-Black Man Action Figures on Co-Worker's Desk

Gorilla, well dressed black man found on desk at Boston's MBTA office
(Andrea Gordon)

Andrea Gordon, a supervisor at Boston's MBTA, said she walked into a district office in Brookline last month and got the shock of her life. She discovered a toy truck with plastic action figures of a gorilla and a well-dressed black man in sunglasses sitting together. I guess racism is alive and well in the transit agency. Ms. Gordon took a picture of this horrific display with her cellphone camera and reported the discovery to her supervisors. She filed a complaint against the agency, saying that it was a direct violation of one of the MBTA's own rules. She has claimed that racism is a systematic problem in the transit agency and I am sure this is not the public relations nightmare they expected or even wanted.

"It brought tears to my eyes. I was embarrassed, I was angry," Gordon said. "I couldn't believe that something that racially disturbing would be sitting on a desk that upwards of 300 people could walk into at any time."

Attorney Michelle Carnevale helped Gordon file the complaint against the agency."At a minimum, the person who had this on her desk should have been disciplined, at a minimum, taken off the payroll for some amount of time," Carnevale said. "But nothing has happened. Nothing."

They're not optimistic that anything will happen given the MBTA's history of civil rights complaints. Discrimination against its own employees has already cost the agency and taxpayers millions of dollars. "I think it's going to get swept under the rug like everything else does," Carnevale said. Source: WCVB-TV

The MBTA isn't the only government entity that has a history of civil rights complaints and sadly, it won't be the last. There are too many racist people in our midst. The agency's policy states: "The following are examples of conduct that may constitute prohibited discrimination: Ethnic, racial, religious, age, sexual orientation or gender based slurs, jokes caricatures, cartoons or graffiti." I wish the coward who put the action figures on the desk would have been adult enough to stand behind his or her convictions and not hide. In other words, blacks didn't run from fighting for civil rights, in the face of unspeakable violence, so too should the punk who did this, not act in darkness.

Celebrity Briefs: Dallas Star Victoria Principal Sued by Former Maid Maribel Banegas for Threatening to Shoot Her, False Imprisonment

Do you remember the show "Dallas?" Gosh, I was a big fan of just about all the cast members, but especially Victoria Principal. I just loved her and Bobby Ewing, played by Patrick Duffy. Well, the erstwhile Pamela Ewing is in a heckuva mess. She is the target of an assault lawsuit brought by former maid Maribel Banegas, who claims Principal pulled a gun on her after she took too long walking her dog one evening. Is this a shake-down or is this for real?

According to the complaint filed late last week in Los Angeles Superior Court, before she allegedly pulled a gun, Principal fired housekeeper Maribel Banegas and told her to leave after accusing her of staying away from the house for too long with the pooch. The former maid said that Principal then went upstairs and, instead of returning with her checkbook as Banegas expected, she had a gun in her hand. The lawsuit alleges that the actress then aimed the weapon at Banegas and threatened to kill her, even asking another housekeeper who was in the room to step aside so that she could shoot Banegas.

The maid said she locked herself in another room and called 911. The lawsuit claims Principal stood outside the door the whole time, persisting in her threat to kill the plaintiff. Banegas said that she couldn't leave Principal's Malibu home until law enforcement arrived. She is suing Principal for lost wages and unspecified damages due to the false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional stress. She is also asking for exemplary damages from Principal for showing "willful and conscious disregard" for her ex-employee's rights and safety.

Victoria Principal has a big problem on her hands. This is bigger than any role she has ever played. I guess I find it a little hard to believe that the cops did nothing when they came to the home after this dust-up. Wouldn't they have filed charges against Ms. Principal for false imprisonment, at least? Wait, I forgot that's California and maybe things are a little different there. There is also the real possibility that this could be a shake-down by the maid looking to score big bucks. Either way, this isn't the way Ms. Principal ought to get her name in the news again, especially since you have been off the radar for a long time.

Michael Baisden, ABC Radio Network Sued by James Rucker and ColorofChange Over Allegations of Misappropriation of Funds in Jena Six Case

According to Courthouse News Service, James Rucker and ColorofChange.org has ABC Radio Network, Citadel Broadcasting and popular radio show host Michael Baisden, saying that Baisden defamed him by stating on the air that the money he raised for the six Jena High School students who were expelled over a racially charged fight, "has not been going where it needs to go" and calling him "shady."

Rucker says he and his group raised and distributed $210,000 for bail and legal defense for the Jena 6, who were arrested after a racially charged fight. Rucker says he distributed the money by October 2007, and that Baisden's staff knew about it before the Nov. 5, 2007 show on which the defamation allegedly occurred.

On that day, Rucker says, Baisden said, "The money has not been going where it needs to go." He says Baisden added that "We contacted them [the plaintiffs] ourselves. ... I'm going to be frank. ... The perception of my staff is that he is a little shady."

Baisden defamed him again on Nov. 6, Rucker says, by saying: "He (James Rucker) sound shady to me. Sounds like a shady brother ... Slim Shady." (Parentheses in complaint.)

And on Nov. 9, Rucker says, Baisden read on the air and posted on his Web site a statement "that ColorOfChange.org was not authorized by the Jena 6 families to collect money on behalf of four of the six families." Source: Courthouse News Service

People can we all get along? Why must we always air our dirty laundry in public. I used to listen to Michael Baisden's show many evenings as I rode home from work and I remember hearing him make those allegations. I believe he apologized on the air shortly thereafter. I am almost positive it was in reference to this matter, unless I am mistaken. I thought to myself then, when he made the initial comments, why would he accuse these people on the air without first doing some investigative work to ascertain the veracity of those claims. Baisden does a lot of good things in the black community and I won't throw him under a bus, but I completely understand the position of James Rucker because of the nature of his organization. You simply cannot allow allegations of misappropriation of donations to surface about your organization when it is the very lifeline and goal of ColorofChange.

Actor Morgan Freeman Being Sued by Demaris Meyer, the Woman in the Car with Him in Car Accident

I am a big fan of Morgan Freeman and I was very disappointed to learn that he may have been stepping out on his wife with Demaris Meyer, her one-time friend. Well, it seems like Ms. Meyer is seeing dollar signs everywhere because she has sued the actor. Yup, my late grandmother always said if you lay down with dogs you will get up with fleas. Yeah, Morgan did just that.

As you recall, Demaris Meyer was the woman riding in the car with the actor in the wee hours of the morning when he crashed. She is telling the press that he had been drinking a lot that night. Naturally that begs the question of why did she get in the car with him knowing that he had been drinking and what could possibly have happened. Geez, why didn't she offer to drive the actor? She's suing Morgan for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent disability for short-term memory loss and damages. Oh, and short-term memory loss. Yeah, the same short-term memory loss she had when she forgot Morgan Freeman was married.

She said that she isn't his mistress, but what was she doing in the car with a married man in the wee hours of the morning, if something funny wasn't about to jump off. Meyer told reporters at a news conference Wednesday that when she met him that night at dinner, she saw that "throughout the course of dinner and afterward drinks were consumed by Freeman."

She said that she later met up with him at a friend’s home, where he "had at least one more drink." She says it was only after being offered a place to stay -- at his home, or rather, the guest house -- that she got in the car with him. Haven't we heard that tired story before? Please, the woman doesn't deserve one penny. To echo the words of Kanye West -- she ain't nothing but a gold digger and a wannabe homewrecker!

Actor Morgan Freeman Being Sued by Demaris Meyer, the Woman in the Car with Him in Car Accident

I am a big fan of Morgan Freeman and I was very disappointed to learn that he may have been stepping out on his wife with Demaris Meyer, her one-time friend. Well, it seems like Ms. Meyer is seeing dollar signs everywhere because she has sued the actor. Yup, my late grandmother always said if you lay down with dogs you will get up with fleas. Yeah, Morgan did just that.

As you recall, Demaris Meyer was the woman riding in the car with the actor in the wee hours of the morning when he crashed. She is telling the press that he had been drinking a lot that night. Naturally that begs the question of why did she get in the car with him knowing that he had been drinking and what could possibly have happened. Geez, why didn't she offer to drive the actor? She's suing Morgan for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent disability for short-term memory loss and damages. Oh, and short-term memory loss. Yeah, the same short-term memory loss she had when she forgot Morgan Freeman was married.

She said that she isn't his mistress, but what was she doing in the car with a married man in the wee hours of the morning, if something funny wasn't about to jump off. Meyer told reporters at a news conference Wednesday that when she met him that night at dinner, she saw that "throughout the course of dinner and afterward drinks were consumed by Freeman."

She said that she later met up with him at a friend’s home, where he "had at least one more drink." She says it was only after being offered a place to stay -- at his home, or rather, the guest house -- that she got in the car with him. Haven't we heard that tired story before? Please, the woman doesn't deserve one penny. To echo the words of Kanye West -- she ain't nothing but a gold digger and a wannabe homewrecker!

Former GM Elgin Baylor Sues Los Angeles Clippers for Racial, Age Discrimination

Photo: Elgin Baylor (Ric Francis)

I don't dabble much in writing about the sports world, but I found the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers' organization is being sued for racism rather interesting. Well, former Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor is suing the team for age and race discrimination. The allegations are scathing against team owner Donald Sterling, in that he had "a pervasive and on-going racist attitude as expressed to then NBA player Danny Manning during contract negotiations."

According to the lawsuit, Sterling once said of Manning: "I'm offering a lot of money for a poor Black kid." The lawsuit also claims NBA commissioner David Stern was present when Sterling made the remark about Manning.

Also in the lawsuit, the Times reports Baylor said Sterling once told him that he "wanted the Clippers team to be composed of 'Poor Black boys from the South' and a White head coach."

The Clippers responded to the reports of the lawsuit, which is expected to be revealed by Baylor at a news conference Thursday. "Not having seen the complaint, I cannot comment on Elgin's specific allegations," said Clippers attorney Robert Platt. "However, I can categorically state that the Clippers always treated Elgin fairly throughout his long tenure with the team. Prior to his decision to leave the team last October, Elgin never raised any claims of unfair treatment.

"It's hard to believe that he would now make these ridiculous claims after the organization stood by him during 22 years and only three playoff appearances. It would be hard to find any sports team that has demonstrated greater loyalty to its general manager." Source: LA Times

It is funny how this lawsuit came about when Mr. Baylor was no longer associated with the organization. Funny how you can spend 22 years with an organization and then turn around and sue for racism. He didn't seem to have an issue until he was relieved of his duties just before the 2008-09 season began.

The 74-year-old Baylor orchestrated some big moves for the Clippers in the offseason. Baron Davis was signed to a five-year, $65 million deal, and while the team lost the services of power forward Elton Brand, they did acquire veteran center Marcus Camby from Denver.

An 11-time All-Star, Baylor joined the Clippers in 1986 as VP of basketball operations after a stellar 14-year playing career with the Lakers and a brief coaching stint with the New Orleans Jazz. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976. Source: LA Times

For the most part, it seems that Mr. Baylor had a good record with the organization, but it is a shame to watch it go up in smoke with such a lawsuit. Don't know if this is all true, but it comes at a questionable point in this man's career. He waited until he was terminated to blow the whistle. Seems to me he should have screamed racism and ageism before now. Sounds like sour grapes to me and a Hall of Famer shouldn't sink to this level if allegations are unfounded.

Former GM Elgin Baylor Sues Los Angeles Clippers for Racial, Age Discrimination

Photo: Elgin Baylor (Ric Francis)

I don't dabble much in writing about the sports world, but I found the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers' organization is being sued for racism rather interesting. Well, former Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor is suing the team for age and race discrimination. The allegations are scathing against team owner Donald Sterling, in that he had "a pervasive and on-going racist attitude as expressed to then NBA player Danny Manning during contract negotiations."

According to the lawsuit, Sterling once said of Manning: "I'm offering a lot of money for a poor Black kid." The lawsuit also claims NBA commissioner David Stern was present when Sterling made the remark about Manning.

Also in the lawsuit, the Times reports Baylor said Sterling once told him that he "wanted the Clippers team to be composed of 'Poor Black boys from the South' and a White head coach."

The Clippers responded to the reports of the lawsuit, which is expected to be revealed by Baylor at a news conference Thursday. "Not having seen the complaint, I cannot comment on Elgin's specific allegations," said Clippers attorney Robert Platt. "However, I can categorically state that the Clippers always treated Elgin fairly throughout his long tenure with the team. Prior to his decision to leave the team last October, Elgin never raised any claims of unfair treatment.

"It's hard to believe that he would now make these ridiculous claims after the organization stood by him during 22 years and only three playoff appearances. It would be hard to find any sports team that has demonstrated greater loyalty to its general manager." Source: LA Times

It is funny how this lawsuit came about when Mr. Baylor was no longer associated with the organization. Funny how you can spend 22 years with an organization and then turn around and sue for racism. He didn't seem to have an issue until he was relieved of his duties just before the 2008-09 season began.

The 74-year-old Baylor orchestrated some big moves for the Clippers in the offseason. Baron Davis was signed to a five-year, $65 million deal, and while the team lost the services of power forward Elton Brand, they did acquire veteran center Marcus Camby from Denver.

An 11-time All-Star, Baylor joined the Clippers in 1986 as VP of basketball operations after a stellar 14-year playing career with the Lakers and a brief coaching stint with the New Orleans Jazz. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976. Source: LA Times

For the most part, it seems that Mr. Baylor had a good record with the organization, but it is a shame to watch it go up in smoke with such a lawsuit. Don't know if this is all true, but it comes at a questionable point in this man's career. He waited until he was terminated to blow the whistle. Seems to me he should have screamed racism and ageism before now. Sounds like sour grapes to me and a Hall of Famer shouldn't sink to this level if allegations are unfounded.

NY Knicks Center Eddy Curry Slapped with Sex-Harassment by Former Chauffeur David Kuchinsky

I have never understood why people resort to frivolous lawsuits for aimed at exacting money from the defendant. New York Knicks center Eddy Curry was slapped with a sexual harassment suit by his former driver, David Kuchinsky, who claims the hoopster tried to solicit gay sex from him. Okay, that's just plain nasty, but I am bothered by the fact that this man worked for Curry from October 2005 through October 2008. Why did you stay that long? Remember Anita Hill and Clarence "Uncle Tom" Thomas? Maybe she was telling the truth, but what I found confounding was why she followed him from job to job? The same issue is applicable here. Why did you allow yourself to be denigrated in such a manner for five years? I would have left and filed a lawsuit immediately. If you ask me, Kuchinsky is after the Curry's money.

The court papers claim Curry, a married father of three, repeatedly approached chauffeur David Kuchinsky "in the nude," allegedly telling him, "Look at me, Dave, look" and "Come and touch it, Dave." Curry, according to the court documents, also made Kuchinsky perform "humiliating tasks outside the scope of his employment, such as cleaning up and removing dirty towels [Curry had ejaculated into] so that his wife would not see them." Again, why did man stay in this environment?

Kuchinsky, who is straight and Jewish, also alleges racial discrimination, saying that Curry hurled slurs at him including "f---ing Jew," "cracker," "white slave," "white devil" and "grandmaster of the KKK." Again, why did he stay five years in such a hostile environment? Don't get me wrong, if these allegations are true, Eddy Curry's marriage is over and he has ruined his reputation. Whatever that is.

Here's another twist to this disgusting tale. Kuchinsky further claims in his suit that Curry pointed a "fully loaded" gun at him on at least two separate occasions to keep him from complaining about his treatment. Wow, doesn't this remind you of former NJ Nets star Jayson Williams' manslaughter case? "Look, I have one in the chamber," Curry allegedly said. Again, why did this man stay in this position for five years? You threaten me with a gun and I am gone because one day you may be crazy enough to pull the trigger.

Kuchinsky, who worked for Curry from October 2005 through October 2008, says he was initially hired as an around-the-clock chauffeur for Curry and his family at their Burr Ridge, Ill., mansion.

But shortly after starting work, he soon found his duties fell well outside his job description and "progressively became Curry's "house-boy,'" his suit says. He is seeking $98,000 plus compensatory damages from the injured Knick, whose contract pays him $9.4 million this year. Kuchinsky says he is owed $68,000 in unpaid wages, as well as $25,000 in expenses for which Curry never repaid him.

"Instead of paying him, they discriminated against him, figuring that it would keep him there," said Kuchinsky's lawyer, Matthew Blit. "Imagine going into your boss's office ... and he stands up and drops his pants and he asks you take care of him. Those actions are unacceptable whether it's in a corporate office or a private home." Source: NY Post

This is a frivolous lawsuit, but the plaintiff might just prevail, given the history of the New York Knicks where sexual harassment is concerned. Isaiah Thomas set the wheels in motion with the harassment of the team's VP of marketing, Anucha Browne Sanders, who filed a 2006 sexual harassment suit claiming the general manager made advances toward her and even said he "loved" her. He also allegedly called her "ho" and "bitch." She also complained the team was allowed to become a sleazy old-boys club, in which Stephon Marbury had sex with a female intern in an SUV. Sanders was awarded $11.6 million in punitive damages and the Knicks settled with her. Eddy Curry may very well be a scumbag on the "down-low" and should be called out on his alleged behavior, but why work for him for five years and then file a lawsuit? He should have left a long time ago, unless of course, his criminal history factored into this matter.

NY Knicks Center Eddy Curry Slapped with Sex-Harassment by Former Chauffeur David Kuchinsky

I have never understood why people resort to frivolous lawsuits for aimed at exacting money from the defendant. New York Knicks center Eddy Curry was slapped with a sexual harassment suit by his former driver, David Kuchinsky, who claims the hoopster tried to solicit gay sex from him. Okay, that's just plain nasty, but I am bothered by the fact that this man worked for Curry from October 2005 through October 2008. Why did you stay that long? Remember Anita Hill and Clarence "Uncle Tom" Thomas? Maybe she was telling the truth, but what I found confounding was why she followed him from job to job? The same issue is applicable here. Why did you allow yourself to be denigrated in such a manner for five years? I would have left and filed a lawsuit immediately. If you ask me, Kuchinsky is after the Curry's money.

The court papers claim Curry, a married father of three, repeatedly approached chauffeur David Kuchinsky "in the nude," allegedly telling him, "Look at me, Dave, look" and "Come and touch it, Dave." Curry, according to the court documents, also made Kuchinsky perform "humiliating tasks outside the scope of his employment, such as cleaning up and removing dirty towels [Curry had ejaculated into] so that his wife would not see them." Again, why did man stay in this environment?

Kuchinsky, who is straight and Jewish, also alleges racial discrimination, saying that Curry hurled slurs at him including "f---ing Jew," "cracker," "white slave," "white devil" and "grandmaster of the KKK." Again, why did he stay five years in such a hostile environment? Don't get me wrong, if these allegations are true, Eddy Curry's marriage is over and he has ruined his reputation. Whatever that is.

Here's another twist to this disgusting tale. Kuchinsky further claims in his suit that Curry pointed a "fully loaded" gun at him on at least two separate occasions to keep him from complaining about his treatment. Wow, doesn't this remind you of former NJ Nets star Jayson Williams' manslaughter case? "Look, I have one in the chamber," Curry allegedly said. Again, why did this man stay in this position for five years? You threaten me with a gun and I am gone because one day you may be crazy enough to pull the trigger.

Kuchinsky, who worked for Curry from October 2005 through October 2008, says he was initially hired as an around-the-clock chauffeur for Curry and his family at their Burr Ridge, Ill., mansion.

But shortly after starting work, he soon found his duties fell well outside his job description and "progressively became Curry's "house-boy,'" his suit says. He is seeking $98,000 plus compensatory damages from the injured Knick, whose contract pays him $9.4 million this year. Kuchinsky says he is owed $68,000 in unpaid wages, as well as $25,000 in expenses for which Curry never repaid him.

"Instead of paying him, they discriminated against him, figuring that it would keep him there," said Kuchinsky's lawyer, Matthew Blit. "Imagine going into your boss's office ... and he stands up and drops his pants and he asks you take care of him. Those actions are unacceptable whether it's in a corporate office or a private home." Source: NY Post

This is a frivolous lawsuit, but the plaintiff might just prevail, given the history of the New York Knicks where sexual harassment is concerned. Isaiah Thomas set the wheels in motion with the harassment of the team's VP of marketing, Anucha Browne Sanders, who filed a 2006 sexual harassment suit claiming the general manager made advances toward her and even said he "loved" her. He also allegedly called her "ho" and "bitch." She also complained the team was allowed to become a sleazy old-boys club, in which Stephon Marbury had sex with a female intern in an SUV. Sanders was awarded $11.6 million in punitive damages and the Knicks settled with her. Eddy Curry may very well be a scumbag on the "down-low" and should be called out on his alleged behavior, but why work for him for five years and then file a lawsuit? He should have left a long time ago, unless of course, his criminal history factored into this matter.

Habitat for Humanity Reputation Under Fire, Homes in Fairlawn Oaks Subdivision Literally Crumbling

The reputation of Habitat for Humanity is on the line. I first read about this on conservative Michelle Malkin's website yesterday. It seems that the residents of Fairway Oaks, located in northern Florida, got more than they bargained for from Habitat, an organization founded by former president Jimmy Carter. It was built on wasteland by 10,000 volunteers in a record 17-day “blitz” organized by the charity Habitat for Humanity. Eight years later it is better known for cockroaches, mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

A forthcoming legal battle over Fairway Oaks threatens the reputation of a charity envied for the calibre of its celebrity supporters, who range from Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt to Colin Firth, Christian Bale and Helena Bonham Carter.

The case could challenge the bedrock philosophy behind Habitat for Humanity, claiming that using volunteers, rather than professional builders, is causing as many problems as it solves.

April Charney, a lawyer representing many of the 85 homeowners in Fairway Oaks, said she had no problems taking on Habitat for Humanity, despite its status as a “darling of liberal social activists”. She said the charity should have told people that part of the estate had been built on a rubbish dump.

One man pulled up his floorboards to find rubbish 5ft deep under his kitchen. Other complaints include cracking walls and rotting door frames that let in rats and ants. Many residents have complained of mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

One resident said her children were suffering from skin complaints. “The intentions are good, but when the politicians and big-shot stars have left we’re stuck with the consequences. This house looks pretty but inside it either stinks or sweats,” she said. Source: UK Timesonline

Okay, this is very embarrassing. The organization has helped thousands of low-income people live the American Dream. The last thing they need is bad publicity.

Habitat for Humanity Reputation Under Fire, Homes in Fairlawn Oaks Subdivision Literally Crumbling

The reputation of Habitat for Humanity is on the line. I first read about this on conservative Michelle Malkin's website yesterday. It seems that the residents of Fairway Oaks, located in northern Florida, got more than they bargained for from Habitat, an organization founded by former president Jimmy Carter. It was built on wasteland by 10,000 volunteers in a record 17-day “blitz” organized by the charity Habitat for Humanity. Eight years later it is better known for cockroaches, mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

A forthcoming legal battle over Fairway Oaks threatens the reputation of a charity envied for the calibre of its celebrity supporters, who range from Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt to Colin Firth, Christian Bale and Helena Bonham Carter.

The case could challenge the bedrock philosophy behind Habitat for Humanity, claiming that using volunteers, rather than professional builders, is causing as many problems as it solves.

April Charney, a lawyer representing many of the 85 homeowners in Fairway Oaks, said she had no problems taking on Habitat for Humanity, despite its status as a “darling of liberal social activists”. She said the charity should have told people that part of the estate had been built on a rubbish dump.

One man pulled up his floorboards to find rubbish 5ft deep under his kitchen. Other complaints include cracking walls and rotting door frames that let in rats and ants. Many residents have complained of mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

One resident said her children were suffering from skin complaints. “The intentions are good, but when the politicians and big-shot stars have left we’re stuck with the consequences. This house looks pretty but inside it either stinks or sweats,” she said. Source: UK Timesonline

Okay, this is very embarrassing. The organization has helped thousands of low-income people live the American Dream. The last thing they need is bad publicity.