To Whom It May Concern at LifeTime Club Management,
We, the undersigned members of LifeTime Club in Charlotte, NC, are writing to express our strong support for Art Calabretta and to urgently request the reversal of his three-month suspension following an incident on September 5th.
Art has been a cornerstone of our pickleball community, contributing immensely to its growth and fostering a positive environment for all members. His reputation for kindness, respect, and integrity is well-established among those who regularly interact with him. The allegations leading to his suspension are both surprising and inconsistent with the character we have consistently observed in him.
We respectfully request that you reconsider this decision for the following reasons:
- Eyewitness Testimony:Several eyewitnesses present during the incident have provided clear and consistent testimony affirming that Art was not the aggressor in his interaction with the court monitor, Lucia. They report that Art remained calm and did not initiate any physical confrontation. These critical witness statements have been submitted to club management, yet the suspension remains in place.
- Video Evidence: There are two cameras on either side of the court that, if reviewed, would support these testimonies and clarify the situation.
- Art's Exemplary Record: Art's long-standing positive behavior and contributions to the club should be taken into account. He has always demonstrated a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and upholding the standards of conduct that LifeTime values.
- Concerns about the Court Monitor: It is widely acknowledged within the LT pickleball community that Lucia has displayed unprofessional and aggressive behavior towards members on multiple occasions. While we do not seek her dismissal, we strongly advocate for immediate training and corrective action to address these concerns.
Given Art's exemplary record and the new evidence provided by eyewitnesses, we firmly believe that the suspension is unjust. We respectfully but urgently request that you:
- Thoroughly review the eyewitness testimonies and video evidence.
- Consider Art's history of positive contributions to the club.
- Overturn the suspension decision and reinstate Art's membership immediately.
- Address the concerns regarding Lucia's behavior through appropriate training and corrective action. According to LifeTime Fitness's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury or subjects another individual to emotional distress is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination. She initiated the aggressive behavior and violated the code and therefore should be subject to disciplinary action.
Art deserves to continue participating in and contributing to our vibrant community without the burden of an unjust suspension. His dedication to the sport and the community has been invaluable, and we believe his presence enhances the LifeTime Club experience for all members.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. We trust that a thorough and fair review will lead to the reinstatement of Art's membership, restoring him to his valued role within the club.
Sincerely,
The Lifetime Pickleball Community
Updates
September 16, 2024
Lifetime management continues to ignore our messages while hiding behind their bogus suspension of Art. I have been demanding they release the camera footage that proves exactly what happened on that court. Their silence proves they are terrified of the truth coming out.
September 16, 2024
LifeTime management continues to ignore the truth but our momentum is becoming impossible to hide. Every person who signed this proved that they value integrity over the cowardice of corporate bureaucrats who refuse to watch their own footage.
Reached 100 supporters
September 16, 2024
32 Comments
I have known Dr. Art Calabretta for years and he has been a cornerstone for our LT Charlotte pickleball community. His exemplary demeanor on and off the court has been recognized in our community and I’m personally shocked to hear of this suspension.
Lufetime should've done due diligence and talked to witnesses in each party before making a decision to suspend a member. Particularly when the employee involved has had numerous run-in with multiple guests.
I know Art well. He is the consumate gentleman, respectful and kind to all. This suspension of one of our hero’s, with all the evidence (eye witnesses) , is blatantly wrong. We should and do expect more from a premiere club.
Art has always been a very kind player when playing with him. I know first hand that Lucia needs to learn some pickleball etiquette. She came up to me in the middle of my serve to ask if I’ve signed up for open play. She’s walked behind groups various times in the middle of playing. She’s been very rude to members at time. Obviously there has been a lack of training for Lucia.
Although I was out of the country when the situation occurred. I was dealing with the employee on a dusky basis ass she was incredibly rude unprofessional interrupting games as her system was down. Art is a long standing member that has been so supportive and f lifetime. Please reconsider.
I 100% concur and I would hope that you would reinstate Art as I have spent many hours with him on the court
Art may one of the kindest and nicest gentlemen I have come across.
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To Whom It May Concern at LifeTime Club Management,
We, the undersigned members of LifeTime Club in Charlotte, NC, are writing to express our strong support for Art Calabretta and to urgently request the reversal of his three-month suspension following an incident on September 5th.
Art has been a cornerstone of our pickleball community, contributing immensely to its growth and fostering a positive environment for all members. His reputation for kindness, respect, and integrity is well-established among those who regularly interact with him. The allegations leading to his suspension are both surprising and inconsistent with the character we have consistently observed in him.
We respectfully request that you reconsider this decision for the following reasons:
- Eyewitness Testimony:Several eyewitnesses present during the incident have provided clear and consistent testimony affirming that Art was not the aggressor in his interaction with the court monitor, Lucia. They report that Art remained calm and did not initiate any physical confrontation. These critical witness statements have been submitted to club management, yet the suspension remains in place.
- Video Evidence: There are two cameras on either side of the court that, if reviewed, would support these testimonies and clarify the situation.
- Art's Exemplary Record: Art's long-standing positive behavior and contributions to the club should be taken into account. He has always demonstrated a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and upholding the standards of conduct that LifeTime values.
- Concerns about the Court Monitor: It is widely acknowledged within the LT pickleball community that Lucia has displayed unprofessional and aggressive behavior towards members on multiple occasions. While we do not seek her dismissal, we strongly advocate for immediate training and corrective action to address these concerns.
Given Art's exemplary record and the new evidence provided by eyewitnesses, we firmly believe that the suspension is unjust. We respectfully but urgently request that you:
- Thoroughly review the eyewitness testimonies and video evidence.
- Consider Art's history of positive contributions to the club.
- Overturn the suspension decision and reinstate Art's membership immediately.
- Address the concerns regarding Lucia's behavior through appropriate training and corrective action. According to LifeTime Fitness's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury or subjects another individual to emotional distress is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination. She initiated the aggressive behavior and violated the code and therefore should be subject to disciplinary action.
Art deserves to continue participating in and contributing to our vibrant community without the burden of an unjust suspension. His dedication to the sport and the community has been invaluable, and we believe his presence enhances the LifeTime Club experience for all members.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. We trust that a thorough and fair review will lead to the reinstatement of Art's membership, restoring him to his valued role within the club.
Sincerely,
The Lifetime Pickleball Community
Updates
September 16, 2024
Lifetime management continues to ignore our messages while hiding behind their bogus suspension of Art. I have been demanding they release the camera footage that proves exactly what happened on that court. Their silence proves they are terrified of the truth coming out.
September 16, 2024
LifeTime management continues to ignore the truth but our momentum is becoming impossible to hide. Every person who signed this proved that they value integrity over the cowardice of corporate bureaucrats who refuse to watch their own footage.
Reached 100 supporters
September 16, 2024
32 Comments
I played with Art several times and did not see any kind of aggression or expression that showed disrespect or anger.
I have known Dr. Art Calabretta for years and he has been a cornerstone for our LT Charlotte pickleball community. His exemplary demeanor on and off the court has been recognized in our community and I’m personally shocked to hear of this suspension.
Lufetime should've done due diligence and talked to witnesses in each party before making a decision to suspend a member. Particularly when the employee involved has had numerous run-in with multiple guests.
I know Art well. He is the consumate gentleman, respectful and kind to all. This suspension of one of our hero’s, with all the evidence (eye witnesses) , is blatantly wrong. We should and do expect more from a premiere club.
Art has always been a very kind player when playing with him. I know first hand that Lucia needs to learn some pickleball etiquette. She came up to me in the middle of my serve to ask if I’ve signed up for open play. She’s walked behind groups various times in the middle of playing. She’s been very rude to members at time. Obviously there has been a lack of training for Lucia.
Although I was out of the country when the situation occurred. I was dealing with the employee on a dusky basis ass she was incredibly rude unprofessional interrupting games as her system was down. Art is a long standing member that has been so supportive and f lifetime. Please reconsider.
I 100% concur and I would hope that you would reinstate Art as I have spent many hours with him on the court
Art may one of the kindest and nicest gentlemen I have come across.
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I played with Art several times and did not see any kind of aggression or expression that showed disrespect or anger.