After an investigative report was published by The Athletic detailing issues with leadership, business practices and workplace culture apparently observed and experienced within the organization’s hockey business and operations departments, the Arizona Coyotes are threatening to take legal action. .
ESPN Greg Wyshynski he obtained the release of the Coyotes, who resented Katie Strang of The Athletic for his exhaustive report on alleged events within the organization since Alex Meruelo gained ownership of the club 18 months ago, questioning the ethics of the publication.
“We are very disappointed that The Athletic, for several months, has tolerated a harassment campaign against Mr. Alex Meruelo, Arizona Coyotes, the Meruelo Group and dozens of current and former employees.
“We question The Athletic’s potential trust in disgruntled former employees who have shown themselves untrustworthy and lacking frankness in confidential non-public information and suppliers with whom the Club has negotiated deals to undo years of financial mismanagement under previous ownership and club leadership. “
The statement continued to defend Meruelo’s work, praising the “massive investment” made in the club in the midst of an economic crisis, his role as a community leader and his “40-year track record of success in various sectors and companies.”
He concluded this way:
“As we will explore all of our legal options in response to Atlético, we will have no further comment.”
Strang’s article, which addresses alleged financial problems plaguing Meruelo and the team, questionable business tactics, complicated disputes between the club and its suppliers, abuse of power and a “toxic” work culture illustrated by former employees and one currently discontented, includes vision provided through interviews with more than 50 people.
Neither the NHL nor the Coyotes themselves, however, were willing to talk about it after several requests by the author.
Find the complete piece, which is certainly worth your time, here.
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