Heights Casino Squash Scandal
Play in the annual invitation squash racquets tournament started at the Heights Casino in Brooklyn yesterday with eight matches being played to fill the quarterfinal bracket. SEMI-FINAL GAINED BY KINSELLA-COYLE; They Defeat Galowin-Wiener, 1939 Victors, in Squash Racquets Doubles CUMMINGS-IANNICELLI WIN Etchebaster-Byrne and Cummings-Smith Advance inHeights Casino Open.
Final Won by Galowin-Wiener; HONORS IN TOURNEY TO GALOWIN'S TEAM State Champion and Wiener Victors in Heights Casino Squash Racquets Play CUMMINGS BROTHERS BOW Lose, 9. The Heights Casino, located in historic Brooklyn Heights, was founded in 1904 as a private, community squash, tennis and social club. Its membership stands at over 400 families. The club has long been identified as a New York City squash strong-hold, with facilities that include 6 international singles courts, including 4 brand new ASB courts.
Apparently, membership does NOT have its privileges. A local family says their daughters were sexually harassed by three of the club’s squash pros and the Casino did little about it. The NY Post reports, “Julie and Edward Burke claim The Heights Casino on Montague Street, “reluctantly” investigated their allegations, but hid its findings and disciplined no one, according to a petition filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court.” The papers also claim several other families complained to the Casino board.
Laurent Elriani, 42, husband of junior squash program director Linda Elriani allegedly compared the bust sizes of his young charges. Alberto Rezende is said to have openly bragged about engaging in carnal delights within close proximity to Bar Mitzvah guests when the club was “overrun” by children. A third, Fabian Kalaitzis, 43 reportedly flaunted his tinder account in front of young girls.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn Heights Casino said, “All allegations of misconduct were thoroughly investigated by an independent third party and dealt with accordingly. We view this lawsuit as a baseless attempt to slander the Heights Casino and plan to defend our club vigorously.” The Elriani’s deny the allegations as false and are planning to “clear their good names” with a counter-suit.
Heights Casino Squash Scandal Review
For some back story on the historic Flemish Revival building and the club’s less than inclusive past membership practices, check out Chuck Taylor’s archived post from 2012. The blog will post any further details of the case as it develops.