BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Clarence native is suing NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon for sexual harassment. Wendy Haskell worked as an executive assistant for Warren Moon at a company he co-founded called Sports 1 Marketing.
The lawsuit is filled with disturbing allegations. Attorney Diana Fitzgerald represents 32-year-old Haskell.
"He had a certain protocol that she was required to do on business trips, which were almost weekly, she was required to sleep in the bed next to him, she couldn't have her own hotel room," Fitzgerald said. The lawsuit alleges Moon committed sexual battery by grabbing Haskell's crotch during a trip to Seattle this year.
The lawsuit was filed in California. It says Moon wanted "unfettered access to the bathroom every time she showered." The attorney pointed to the complaint which accuses Moon of putting a drug in Haskell's drink during a trip to Mexico.
Haskell worked for Moon from July until October of this year. Her attorney says the unwanted treatment started almost from the time she began working for the company.
"She had reported it, but it was always looming over her head that she was going to get fired," said Fitzgerald. "She joins a small, but valiant group of women who stood up and said enough is enough."
Moon, now 61, retired after a 17-year NFL career in 2001. In 1995, a Minnesota Vikings cheerleader sued him over sexual harassment alleging he offered her cash for sex. The case was settled out of court.
Moon's attorney Daid Fears said in a statement: "Mr. Moon denies the claims by Ms. Haskell. Mr. Moon contends these claims are meritless, and he has every intention to vigorously defend himself in court."
Haskell said in the complaint that Moon had a dark and twisted side that commanded far more than just executive assistant services from her.
Warren Moon also works as a sports analyst for the Seattle Seahawks radio network. He is on temporary leave from the job at his request.
Fitzgerald said her client has done charity work for a Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback.
Haskell has done on-air work for the University at Buffalo. She's a graduate and former volleyball player.