A family alleges they were denied service, harassed, and treated differently from white customers while attempting to shop at a local retail store, raising concerns about racial discrimination in public accommodations. The complaint was filed by Regis Hearn, Jr., along with his father Regis W. Hearn acting as next of kin for his minor daughter, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on April 21, 2026. The defendants named are Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. and Gerald E. Albright.
According to the court filing, the incident occurred on June 11, 2020 at Dick’s Sporting Goods located at 5700 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, Ohio. The plaintiffs allege that when they attempted to enter the store to purchase an inner tube for a bicycle and check on a previous bike assembly order, they were stopped by defendant Gerald E. Albright—identified as the store manager—who allegedly told them that merchandise was unavailable despite it being in stock. The complaint states that Albright “continued to interfere” with their entry even after being informed about their prior purchase.
The filing outlines that Albright falsely claimed there were no bikes or inner tubes for sale and followed the family inside the store while not stopping white individuals entering or exiting. Plaintiffs’ minor daughter described Albright as “rude” and said she did not see him stop any white customers before entering. According to statements included in the complaint from another employee identified as Drew LNU (last name unknown), staff told plaintiffs “Don’t worry about Gerry. He’s a racist.” This employee also confirmed that bicycles and inner tubes were available for sale.
The document further reports that after bringing their bicycle into the store for repair assessment, plaintiffs continued to be watched by Albright who again insisted no relevant merchandise was available and questioned why they were present. Plaintiffs say this treatment caused anxiety and fear for both children involved; police were called by Mr. Hearn out of concern for his family’s safety given recent national events involving racial tensions.
Witness statements included in the complaint support plaintiffs’ account of events: another employee named Natalie Abel reportedly stated that “Albright tells us to watch black people because they steal stuff.” The family left without completing their intended purchase due to feeling “shaken, confused and humiliated.” The minor daughter later expressed distress over being singled out due to her race: “[B]ecause I feel like that knowing like no white people get stopped… just for our color.” Both children subsequently received counseling following emotional distress attributed directly to these events.
The lawsuit claims these actions violated federal civil rights statutes (42 U.S.C §§1981 and 1982), state law (R.C. 4112 et seq.), and common law protections against discrimination in public accommodations based on race. It further alleges negligent hiring, training, and supervision by Dick’s Sporting Goods regarding its management practices at the Mason location.
The filing also references an internal investigation by Dick’s Sporting Goods which reportedly led to three employees being fired—including Gerald E. Albright—and temporary closure of the Mason store for bias training of remaining staff members. Plaintiffs cite evidence of systemic discriminatory practices at this location including use of coded language among staff targeting black customers as suspected shoplifters.
Additionally, an investigation by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission found Mr. Hearn had been “subjected to racial behavior” by Dick’s Sporting Goods employees resulting in denial of full enjoyment of public accommodation privileges under state law.
Plaintiffs seek declaratory judgment recognizing violation of their rights; injunctive relief; compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $75,000; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees; costs; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Attorneys representing plaintiffs include Helen M. Robinson (lead counsel), John S. Marshall, Louis A. Jacobs, Edward R. Forman, Samuel M. Schlein, and Madeline J. Rettig from Marshall & Forman LLC based in Columbus, Ohio (Case ID: 1:26-cv-00397-MWM).
Source: 126cv00397_Hearn_Jr_v_Dicks_Sporting_Goods_Inc_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
