Former Adidas Executive Files Lawsuit Alleging Gender Discrimination and Unsafe Conditions
A former Adidas executive has launched legal action against the global sportswear giant, claiming she was subjected to gender discrimination and given twice the workload of her male colleagues. Lindsay Gregg, who served as head of women's basketball sports marketing, filed the lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon, according to court documents obtained by media outlets.
Allegations of Unequal Workload and Retaliation
Gregg, a former professional basketball player hired in January 2022, alleges she managed twice as many athletes as her male counterparts while growing Adidas' women's basketball program 'exponentially' despite operating in what the filing describes as a 'one-woman department.' She claims she was vocal about needing more investment and support but received inadequate resources.
'Gregg did not receive nearly enough resources to adequately staff and support the program,' stated her attorney Maria Witt of Albies & Stark LLC in the complaint.
The lawsuit details that Gregg reported her belief about unequal treatment compared to male sports marketing colleagues to a senior human resources director in January, but no action was taken. She is seeking compensation for lost wages, reinstatement to her position, or payment for future lost earnings.
Incident During NBA All-Star Weekend
The complaint further accuses Adidas of terminating Gregg after she reported what she considered unsafe treatment of two WNBA players during the NBA All-Star weekend in February. According to the filing, players Sophie Cunningham and Erica Wheeler were provided a trailer for changing and storing items when an unknown man was seen leaving and three individuals with access were found inside.
Gregg reported this incident to Benjamin Lee, Adidas' senior human resources director, on February 15, expressing concern that 'when men feel entitled to take over women's safe spaces, it undermines the purpose of those spaces by stripping women of environments where they can feel secure, safe, and comfortable.'
Termination and Response
Two weeks after reporting the trailer incident, Gregg was fired, with her supervisor describing it as a 'business decision.' In a press release, Gregg stated: 'For years, I advocated for athletes—for equitable resources and basic respect. I approached this work collaboratively, striving to partner with leadership and colleagues to create meaningful, lasting change. These women are exceptional competitors whose skill and professionalism deserve to be met with respect, support, and investment. However, when I spoke up about disparities and conduct that put women in unsafe situations, adidas chose to fire me instead of addressing those problems.'
The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about workplace equality and athlete safety within sports marketing departments. Adidas has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations.
