Al Sobotka was the Detroit Crimson Wings’ Zamboni driver for 50 seasons, nevertheless it all ended virtually two years in the past.
Sobotka, now 70, was caught urinating in a drain at Little Caesars Enviornment throughout a sport in 2022.
Two weeks later, the Crimson Wings fired him.
Sobotka says he suffers from benign prostatic hyperplasia, a situation that makes it tough to manage urination.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Constructing Operations Supervisor and Zamboni driver Al Sobotka twirls an octopus thrown on the ice throughout a stoppage in play on the closing dwelling sport at Joe Louis Enviornment April 9, 2017, in Detroit. (Dave Reginek/NHLI through Getty Pictures)
Particulars about his lawsuit towards the crew have been reported by the Detroit Free Press, and Sobotka is accusing the crew of a cover-up in his firing.
Sobotka says Olympia Leisure, an organization owned by Ilitch Holdings, which runs the crew, fired him due to his age however used the urinating incident as an excuse to let him go.
He additionally says the corporate had an govt who didn’t know something about him fireplace him.
Olympia Leisure maintains Sobotka was let go for “egregious misconduct.”
Sobotka filed his lawsuit towards the crew in April 2022, claiming he was discriminated towards due to his age and incapacity.
Zamboni driver Al Sobotka resurfaces the ice previous to a sport between the Detroit Crimson Wings and the Edmonton Oilers at Little Caesars Enviornment Nov. 9, 2021, in Detroit. (Dave Reginek/NHLI through Getty Pictures)
Considered one of Sobotka’s attorneys claimed that administration was conscious of his medical situation and that Sobotka believed nobody was within the constructing on the time.
Sobotka texted Chris Ilitch, the CEO of Ilitch Holdings, with one final plea to maintain his job after being fired.
STANLEY CUP CHAMPION PERFORMS HEIMLICH MANEUVER ON CHOKING NHL EMPLOYEE IN PRESS BOX: REPORT
“Chris, I’m positive you heard that I used to be terminated,” Sobotka texted on Feb. 18, 2022. “I don’t assume I deserve it. After 50 seasons of arduous work, numerous hours, holidays, lacking out with the household … I might hope you had it in your coronary heart for one more probability.
“I might like to go (out) by myself and retire. I’ve a lot respect for you and your loved ones … I’m begging you, that is killing me.”
Ilitch by no means responded, in line with the lawsuit.
Al Sobotka, Zamboni driver and constructing operations supervisor for Olympia Leisure, works on the No. 7 emblem he embedded within the ice in honor of the late Detroit Crimson Wing and Corridor of Fame nice Ted Lindsay at Little Caesars Enviornment March 7, 2019, in Detroit. (Dave Reginek/NHLI through Getty Pictures)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Moreover steering the Zamboni at Crimson Wings video games, Sobotka was identified for eradicating octopuses thrown to the ice by followers, a Detroit custom at Olympia Stadium, Joe Louis Enviornment and now Little Caesars Enviornment. Followers cheered as he twirled the ocean creatures over his head.
Fox Information’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle e-newsletter.
