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According to the Star Telegram, Fidelity Investments fired four workers for involvement in a Fantasy Football league. This news send shivers down cubicle workers everywhere today, as details on the firings emerged.
From the Telegram: "Firing a guy for being in a $20 fantasy league? Let's be honest; that's a complete overreaction," said Pettigrew, who lives in Grapevine and has an MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington. "In this economic time, especially. To fire people over something like this, it's just cold."
Said Fidelity spokesman Vin Loporchio: "We have clear policies that relate to gambling. Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited. In addition to being illegal in a lot of places, it can also be disruptive. We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients."
Pettigrew, who was the commissioner of his league, knew Fidelity had a policy against playing fantasy football at the office. But he said the policy was poorly communicated and ignored by leadership. Pettigrew said there were at least 10 fantasy leagues in which leaders and managers played.
It was also reported the Pettigrew never used his work email address for Fantasy Football messages. However, investigators found two instant messages that had fantasy-football-related material.
While this Fidelity branch stands by it's anti-gambling, anti-Fantasy League policy, many other companies either turn a blind-eye, or have no policy on this. However, some business experts warn that due to the weakened economy, companies may use this as an excuse to fire staff.
