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Jacksonville-Based Fanatics Accused Of Racial Discrimination And Harassment In Federal Lawsuit

Fanatics started as a small Jacksonville firm. Over the years it has built a global business in online sports retail. But now the firm faces a major obstacle.

A complaint from the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges a Fanatics employee, Vincent Perkins, was subjected to racial slurs.

The commission filed suit last week alleging the online retail giant’s Jacksonville workplace was “racially divided.”

Perkins claims he was denied a promotion when he complained to human resources.

Our Jacksonville Daily Record news partner has been following this story.

“Things like referring to him as having ‘Aunt Jemima’ lips, or being called a monkey, or asking him whether or not he could read, because you know, quote, black men can’t read,” are among the allegations  said Jacksonville Daily Record reporter David Cawton.

In a statement the company denied the allegations and said it would defend itself in court.

You can read more about the suit at the Jacksonville Daily Record's website.

Melissa Ross can be reached at mross@wjct.org, 904-358-6382 or on Twitter at @MelissainJax.

Court gavel photo used under Creative Commons license.

Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.