Former Tennessee Titans employee sues group; claims fired over optimistic COVID-19 check

AP Photo by Mark Zaleski / The Tennessee Titans appear before their home game against the Baltimore Ravens in the wildcard round of the NFL playoffs January 10th.

NASHVILLE – A former Tennessee Titans employee is suing the NFL franchise for firing after being quarantined for violating federal law for a positive COVID-19 test.

Paul Miller said in the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Tennessee on Wednesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 on or about November 11, 2020 and was asked to quarantine. But Miller claims he was called on or about November 20 and learned that he would be fired.

“We are investigating the complaint but are currently unable to comment on any pending litigation,” the Titans said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

Miller was hired as a sports field assistant in October 2019 to help prepare practice and playing fields during the regular season. He also helped with special teams and returns during practice, and helped with equipment during practice and games.

The lawsuit alleges the Titans violated both the Family Medical Leave Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which requires qualified employees to be on sick leave for two weeks by firing an employee on sick leave. Miller’s lawsuit states that he was a qualified employee because he was quarantined.

Miller wants his job to be paid back along with his seniority and wants him to be paid back along with damages and legal fees. He also wants to prevent the Titans from discriminating against an employee because of a disability.

Last fall, the Titans became the first NFL team to have a coronavirus outbreak during the regular season, which resulted in them temporarily closing their team facility and changing their schedule as well as that of other NFL teams.