Zamboni Operator Loses Disability Discrimination Suit on Appeal

The former head mechanic and maintenance supervisor of an Indiana ice rink failed to show that his employer discriminated against him due to his disability, a federal appeals court ruled July 23.

Arctic Zone Iceplex hired James Graham, Jr. to maintain the ice rink and operate its ice resurfacer, also known as a Zamboni, among other responsibilities. Customers soon began complaining that Graham had an attitude problem, and he had difficulty completing tasks on time.

A few months into his employment, Graham was injured on the job. When he returned to work, he had several medical restrictions, including that he ...