Rose Harris, a former IT coordinator for the Anaheim Ducks’ parent company, has filed a lawsuit against the Ducks, their owner OC Sports and Entertainment (OCSE), and the NHL. The suit, filed on Tuesday, alleges years of sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination from 2022 to 2025. Harris claims she endured unchecked misconduct that ultimately led to her resignations and industry blacklisting.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace culture in professional sports. As details emerge, both organizations have yet to respond publicly to ESPN’s requests for comment. This story draws from the initial court filing details reported by ESPN’s Kristen Shilton.
Harris’s employment with OC Sports and Entertainment
Harris joined OCSE in July 2022 as an IT coordinator. OCSE owns the Ducks, their AHL affiliate in San Diego, and the Honda Center. Her role involved standard IT support for operations across these entities.
Almost immediately, she faced what she describes as repeated harassment. The environment allegedly included vulgar, sexist comments and homophobic slurs directed at her.
Key figures named include Nick Aguilera, a former PR team member. Harris accuses him of nonconsensual sexualized touching and inappropriate jokes.
Other PR staff reportedly spread rumors of a sexual relationship between Harris and Aguilera. This fueled further derogatory remarks in her workplace.
Ducks equipment managers also allegedly harassed her with sexist comments. One claimed a sexual relationship with her to colleagues.
Harris reported these incidents to OCSE HR. They acknowledged potential policy breaches but took no action to stop the behavior.
The lack of intervention created a hostile atmosphere. Harris continued working amid ongoing issues until late 2024.
Resignation and transition to NHL front office
Frustrated by inaction, Harris resigned from OCSE in December 2024. She quickly secured a new IT position with the NHL’s front office in New York starting January 2025.
This move marked a fresh start in league operations. However, Harris alleges OCSE conspired against her success there.
She claims OCSE informed NHL Senior VP and Chief HR Officer Patrice Distler of her status. They described her as a “sexual harassment victim and adverse witness” in another lawsuit.
That prior filing came from colleague Katherine Pearson. Pearson alleged her own harassment while at OCSE and Ducks.
Harris says this revelation led to targeted retaliation. She was assigned an IT ticket for Distler’s email shortly after.
Distler then accused Harris of hacking her email. Harris was fired immediately, with no prior warning.
Allegations of hacking and lack of evidence
Harris denies any hacking. The lawsuit states the NHL produced no documentation supporting the claim.
Her electronics were returned directly to Distler. No forensic evidence or investigation details have surfaced.
This rapid termination raises questions about due process. Harris portrays it as pretextual firing linked to her OCSE history.
Post-termination, she alleges continued blacklisting. Both OCSE and NHL supposedly made sports industry jobs unattainable for her.
- Key claims in the suit:
- Repeated physical harassment by Aguilera.
- False rumors spread by PR and equipment staff.
- HR inaction despite policy violations.
- Conspiracy leading to NHL firing.
- Industry-wide blacklisting.
Punitive damages are sought to address these harms.
Broader context in NHL workplace issues
This lawsuit arrives amid scrutiny of NHL accountability. Similar scandals, like the Hockey Canada sexual assault case, have spotlighted cultural problems (Wikipedia overview).
In that instance, players faced delayed league discipline until late 2025. It underscores patterns of mishandled complaints.
Harris’s case echoes calls for better HR protocols. The NHL has faced criticism for prioritizing image over employee safety.
OCSE and Ducks operate in a high-pressure sports environment. Yet, the suit argues basic protections failed.
As litigation proceeds, expect motions and discovery. Responses from defendants could clarify defenses.
The NHL’s player safety department has fined Ducks players recently, like Ross Johnston, showing league oversight exists elsewhere.
Implications for Ducks and NHL
This suit could impact Ducks operations. It ties into Pearson’s prior claims, potentially linking multiple cases.
For the NHL, front office credibility is at stake. Distler’s role in HR amplifies fallout.
Harris seeks justice and deterrence. Her story may encourage others to speak out.
Industry watchers note rising lawsuits in sports. Accountability demands structural change.
What happens next? Court schedules will dictate pace, but public pressure may prompt statements soon.
Resolution could set precedents for harassment claims league-wide. Stakeholders await developments closely.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.