The accepted procedure when a harassment claim is made, is for the organization to institute an independent investigation to determine the validity of the accusation. It appears in this case, the organization for whatever reason, chose not to implement that process. Therefore, it has ended up with a civil court case. Until the case has been decided we should withhold judgement.

That being said, the appropriate action by the organization is to immediately suspend the accused (with pay is normal) until the validity of the accusations have been decided. In this situation that decision rests with the court. There are a number of ways this could go, including a settlement, resulting in the claimant withdrawing charges and signing a non disclosure agreement.

If there is no settlement and court finds for the plaintiff, which is in effect supporting the accusations, the organization (MLSE) will then have to decide what appropriated actions should be taken against the employee (Kelly). This could result in Kelly not playing this year.