A Black former general manager for a sports card entertainment company has tentatively settled his lawsuit against the firm in which he alleged he was paid less that non-Black colleagues and also not compensated for all hours worked.
Attorneys for Joshua Ellis filed court papers on Friday with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Teresa A. Beaudet notifying her of a “conditional” settlement in the suit against Dappz Sports with the expectation a request for dismissal will be filed by Jan. 1. No terms were divulged.
Dappz Sports is a major sports and entertainment media company that pioneered live stream shopping for sports cards and collectibles. In their previous court papers, Dappz attorneys denied Ellis’ allegations and cited multiple defenses, including violation of the statute of limitations and that his claims were barred by his own breach of duties.
Ellis was 37 years old when he sued on Feb. 28, alleging racial discrimination and multiple violations of the state Labor Code. He started as a general manager in March 2023 and although the position was advertised as paying up to $100,000 annually, he was hired at $20 an hour with no benefits or incentives the suit states.
Ellis was the only Black employee in his position and he requested and was denied raises three to four times, even though non-Black workers regularly received pay increases, the suit states. He also was classified as an independent contractor even though the company exercised significant control over his work scheduled and location, the suit states.
Ellis regularly worked unpaid overtime, was denied meal and rest breaks as well as sick leave benefits and was not reimbursed for business-related expenses he incurred, the suit states.
Ellis was unable to work the day after Christmas in 2024 and notified a co-worker because there were no supervisors or a human resources department, the suit states. Five days later, the plaintiff was fired and told he was a “no call, no show” the day he did not go to work, according to the suit.