CEO  of  $6  Billion  Company  Resigns  Over  Animal  Abuse  Scandal  

Over  the  past  week,  a  number  of  media  outlets  reported  on  the  

leaked  elevator  video  that  shows  the  CEO  of  Centerplate  repeatedly  

kicking  and  abusing  what  appears  to  be  a  Doberman  puppy  in  an  

elevator.  

Centerplate,  a  sports  catering  giant  worth  $6  billion,  has  contracts  in  every  major  sporEng  league,  including  9  NFL  teams  and  the  

enErety  of  Notre  Dame  athleEcs.  

The  video  depicts  a  man,  idenEfied  as  Centerplate  CEO  Des  Hague,  

walking  the  dog  into  an  elevator  in  a  Vancouver  hotel.  

He  yanks  the  dogs  leash  to  force  the  cowering  animal  into  the  elevator  and  then  proceeds  to  kick  the  helpless  puppy  repeatedly.  

It  is  clear  that  the  abuse  is  unprovoked  and  the  act  of  a  small,  

angry  man.  

The  footage  is  difficult  to  watch  (for  that  reason,  it  won’t  be  shared  here,  though  it  is  easily  found  online).  

Before  the  long  weekend,  Centerplate’s  posiEon  was  that,  to  conEnue  to  be  employed,  Des  Hague  would  need  to  donate  

$100,000  USD  for  the  establishment  of  the  Sade  FoundaEon,  an  

organizaEon  dedicated  to  protecEng  animals  in  the  Vancouver  area.  

In  addiEon  to  money,  Hague  would  need  to  donate  Eme  as  well:  1000  hours  of  community  service  and  

aXend  anger  management  company.  

However,  over  Labor  Day  weekend,  signatures  on  online  peEEons  demanding  Des  Hagues  be  fired  

reached  over  180,000.  

Inside  sources  were  leaking  informaEon  to  members  of  the  press  that  the  company  was  planning  to  announce  his  

terminaEon  Tuesday  morning.  

However,  they  won’t  get  the  chance.  

On  Tuesday  morning,  ESPN  reported  that  Hagues  has  resigned,  effecEve  

immediately.  

Hague  Ousted  

Hague  has  been  replaced  by  Chris  Verros.  

From  the  beginning,  Centerplate  has  been  very  quick  to  denounce  the  behavior  of  their  former  CEO.  

They  made  it  very  clear  through  several  statements  that  the  acEons  of  Hague  in  no  way  reflects  the  principles  of  the  corporaEon  that  employs  over  30,000  and  serves  around  115  million  a  year  at  more  

than  300  venues.  

Hague  may  sEll  face  criminal  charges  in  Vancouver.