A Massachusetts judge ruled Thursday that former DraftKings employee Michael Hermalyn can continue to work for Fanatics Sportsbook, but he's prohibited from using any confidential information from DraftKings or soliciting DraftKings employees to join him at Fanatics.'
DraftKings filed a lawsuit Monday alleging that Hermalyn “hatched a secret plan over the past year to steal and use confidential information” to use at Fanatics. DraftKings even went as far as alleging that Hermalyn lied about the death of a friend as cover to go to California and join Fanatics. Hermalyn vehemently denied the claims.'
“Contrary to DraftKings' unsubstantiated fears and allegations, I did not give Fanatics or any of its affiliates, including Fanatics VIP, the opportunity to access, view, copy, or otherwise record DraftKings' information,” he wrote in a court filing.
Thursday's ruling can be viewed as a victory for both sides, with Hermalyn still able to retain an executive position at Fanatics. For DraftKings, the sports betting operator won't have to worry about Hermalyn using any confidential information at his new company, which is one of the betting apps competing for market share with the industry giant.'