Back9Network has filed suit against its former CEO James Bosworth for disparaging the company and disclosing financial secrets, in breach of his separation agreement.
The suit, filed Dec. 22, alleges that Bosworth has “wantonly” breached the terms of a July 30 agreement — under which he was paid an undisclosed separation payment and his salary through Sept. 15 — by disparaging the golf lifestyle network to existing and potential investors.
Back9 said it sent Bosworth a cease and desist letter on Oct. 22.
The suit claims that Bosworth’s misconduct intensified in December, when he allegedly sent “a rash of text messages” to board members and existing and potential investors that disparaged the company’s management, programming, brand and creative plan.
Bosworth also told employees and investors that two Back9 department heads were dangerous and sent texts to management threatening to call the authorities if the department heads weren’t fired, according to the complaint, which described the texts as “unhinged.”
Back9 also alleges that Bosworth has shared copies of company financial statements with third parties, and has offered to provide them to at least one news reporter.
Reached Friday morning, Back9’s attorney Daniel Cohen of Troutman Sanders said he had no comment. Back9 President Carlos Silva also said he could not comment on the suit.
Bosworth did not return a text message seeking comment.
Representing Bosworth, Hartford attorney Paul McConnell released a statement Friday morning: “We are surprised that the current Chairman Sandy Cloud would authorize a lawsuit that will assuredly prove to be detrimental to the interests of Back9. Mr. Bosworth created Back9 and remains its largest shareholder. He is eager to see Back9 succeed and is confident that it will with the right leadership.”
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