Allegations of Fraud, Breach of Contract, and Harassment: Consultant Sues Chicago Blackhawks

In a recent development, Nina Sanders, a consultant hired by the Chicago Blackhawks to enhance relationships with American Indian tribes, has taken legal action against the team, its charity foundation, and its CEO, Dan Wirtz. The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, accuses the Blackhawks of fraud, breach of contract, and sexual harassment.

The lawsuit details how Sanders was brought on board in response to mounting public pressure on the Blackhawks to reconsider their name and logo in 2020. Promised significant changes by CEO Dan Wirtz, including creating positions for American Indians, acquiring land for the Sac and Fox Nation, and altering the team’s logo, Sanders accepted the role. However, the lawsuit alleges that Wirtz failed to fulfill any of these commitments.

Furthermore, Sanders claims that she reported instances of sexual harassment to her superiors, including an employee attempting to coerce her into his hotel room in 2021. Despite ongoing harassment into 2022 and reports of other male employees groping women, Sanders asserts that no action was taken to address these serious concerns.

The lawsuit sheds light on a troubling situation within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, raising questions about accountability, workplace culture, and the treatment of employees. As the legal proceedings unfold, the allegations put forth by Nina Sanders serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing misconduct and upholding ethical standards in professional environments.