CHICAGO – In a lawsuit filed in Cook Country Court on Monday, Brian Ball, a former longtime employee of the Chicago White Sox, alleges he was dismissed as head athletic trainer following the 2020 season because of his sexual orientation.

Ball served as assistant athletic trainer for 18 seasons before being promoted to head athletic trainer prior to the 2019 season. He had been openly gay prior to that promotion.

The Chicago White Sox issued the following statement Tuesday night in response:

“The Chicago White Sox organization categorically denies the baseless allegations made by former Head Trainer Brian Ball in his lawsuit against the club.

“It is extremely disappointing that a former colleague, who was supported, developed and promoted over two decades, chose to attack the club in this way. It is also surprising to many who know Brian, and supported him throughout his career, to read the allegations included in his lawsuit.

“The Chicago White Sox are unified against discrimination in any form and support anti-discrimination laws that provide protection to those wronged by an employer. Those laws are essential to protecting anyone who has been victimized by discrimination and to creating a culture of empowerment and opportunity for all individuals.

“Brian’s dismissal from the organization was based on his performance and did not run afoul of any of the protections afforded to employees under the law.

“Although we do not intend to provide further comment until this matter is resolved, we are committed to vigorously defending the club’s reputation against Brian’s meritless allegations, including the pursuit of all remedies under the law.”