Maybe Harrah’s needs to rethink its relationship with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
In addition to finding itself embroiled in a nasty lawsuit brought by a Harrah’s employee who claims that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in July 2008, Harrah’s now faces a claim that, in the same month, an employee of Harrah’s Cabo Wabo Cantina was fired after asking a woman who was with Roethlisberger to produce proof that she was over the age of 21.
Alvaro Brito was the assistant manager of the establishment, and he claims that, after asking to see the woman’s ID, Roethlisberger and the woman mocked Brito’s accent and verbally abused him.
Brito contends that he tried to call security, but that they weren’t available.
Eventually, the ID was produced. Brito alleges that Roethlisberger later said he planned to inform Harrah’s president, John Koster, about the incident.
And, within days, Brito was fired. He says that the company cited the incident with Roethlisberger in terminating Brito’s employment.
Of course, it’s possible that Brito got out of line during the discussion; for now, the only side of the story that’s available is Brito’s.
Still, even if Harrah’s ultimately is vindicated, the company will have to fork over a nice chunk of its gambling revenues in order to pay its lawyers.
And Harrah’s can ultimately thank Big Ben for it. (The lawyers can thank him, too.)
