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Former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker sues his team, alleging former coach Urban Meyer created a hostile working environment

Former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker sues his team, alleging former coach Urban Meyer created a hostile working environment

The lawsuit was filed in Duval County’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Court on Tuesday. Lambo claimed Meyer “kicked him in his leg, and used profanity as an insult during a practice in august.” [him]Tell him to keep his kicks. Specifically, [Meyer]She allegedly screamed at [Lambo], ‘Hey Dips**t, make your f**king kicks!'”

Lambo responded to Meyer, according to the suit, telling the coach, “‘Don’t you ever f**king kick me again!’ [Meyer] responded, “I’m the head ball coach, I’ll kick you whenever the f**k I want.'”

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Meyer refuted what Lambo claimed was true.

Meyer stated that Josh’s description of me and the incident was completely inaccurate and that there are eyewitnesses who can refute his account. “General manager Trent (Baalke), and myself met multiple times to encourage Josh’s performance, but this was never brought up. I was there to support Josh and wish him all the best.

Meyer (left) talks with Lambo after the kicker missed his second field goal against the Denver Broncos during the first half on September 19, 2021.Meyer (left) talks with Lambo after the kicker missed his second field goal against the Denver Broncos during the first half on September 19, 2021.

The suit claims that Lambo told the Jaguars about the incident through Richard Irvin’s agent, but that the team did not “initiate an investigation” or “intervene within the close working conditions” between them.

Meyer was accused of creating a hostile working environment and a pattern in harassment. According to the suit, Meyer threatened to terminate Lambo “if he ever objects to his behavior or challenged him again.”

Meyer continued to harass the kicker verbally according to the complaint and used intimidation tactics in order to distract. [him]While he was practicing kicks.” Lambo “felt stressed” by the coach’s retaliatory actions. This affected his ability to perform kicks. [Lambo’s]The complaint stated that the complainant was unable to sleep, practice, nor perform his job in the same way as he did under previous coaches.

CNN reached out Meyer and the Jaguars to get their feedback.

Jacksonville cut Lambo in October following the kicker’s three missed field-goal attempts during the first three weeks in 2021. The suit stated that his missed field goals had not caused any losses to the Jaguars.

According to the filing Lambo’s release was allegedly in violation of the Florida Private Sector Whistleblower’s Act, “concerning assault, battery, workplace violence in support of an employer’s benefit.”

After being cut, the lawsuit claims Lambo suffered “professional ramifications” including lost wages and benefits, as well extreme emotional and mental distress as a result of harassment, hostile workplace environment, and retaliation from the Jaguars.

Meyer on the sidelines during a game against the Tennessee Titans.Meyer on the sidelines during a game against the Tennessee Titans.

Lambo is seeking damages for “back pay”. Spotrac reports that Lambo’s 2021 season salary was $3.5 million.

Meyer was fired by Jaguars in December, after only 13 games (2-11) during his first NFL coaching season.

Shad Kahn, team owner, released a statement at the time of Urban’s firing saying, “Thorough analysis and review of Urban’s tenure with our team has led me to the conclusion that immediate change is necessary for everyone. Urban was informed by me this evening. As I said in October, it was crucial to regain our trust and respect. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.

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