Centerplate CEO Desmond Hague was caught on camera abusing a Doberman puppy, and the result may be a significant loss in business for the concessionaire.
CEO Des Hague, who has led the company since 2009, was caught on video surveillance abusing a dog in an elevator. The footage, taken from a Vancouver apartment building, shows the food executive kicking a Doberman puppy, then yanking it up by a leash.
The video surfaced last week and made the rounds over the weekend in time for fans at some of the arenas serviced by Centerplate to protest. Outside BC Place in Vancouver, for example, before a Sunday afternoon Canadian Football League game, some fans told the media that they would not be purchasing any food in the stadium, and they called for Hague’s firing. Some suggested BC Place ought to end its contract with Centerplate.
In a statement released yesterday through his attorney, Hague apologized and said the incident was, “completely and utterly out of character.” He continued: “I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed… a minor frustration with a friend’s pet caused me to lose control of my emotional response… I would like to extend my apology to my family, company and clients, as I understand that this has also reflected negatively on them.”
(If you have the stomach for it, here’s a report on the animal-abuse video.)
Centerplate handles concessions for three MLB ballparks, including Safeco Field, as well as several minor-league facilities. We received this statement from current Centerplate customer Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League):
The Greensboro Grasshoppers are aware of the very disgusting video circulating concerning Centerplate CEO Desmond Hague. We in no way support any kind of animal cruelty and are very offended by Mr. Hague’s actions. Our contract with Centerplate expires at the end of this season and we decided several months ago, well in advance of this situation, to pursue a different food and beverage alternative moving forward.
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