Ferguson v. City of Montgomery

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

NORTHERN DIVISION

ANTAVIONE FERGUSON, )

)

Plaintiff, )

)

v. ) CIVIL CASE NO. 2:22-cv-607-ECM

) [WO]

CITY OF MONTGOMERY, )

)

Defendant. )

MEMORANDUM OPINION and ORDER

I. INTRODUCTION

Antavione Ferguson (“Ferguson”), a black police lieutenant in the Montgomery

Police Department (“MPD”), was terminated in October 2020 after he deployed a carotid

submission hold1 to apprehend a felony suspect. Ferguson subsequently filed suit against

the City of Montgomery (“the City”) and Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed (“Reed”)

(collectively, “the Defendants”), asserting violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of

1964 (“Title VII”) (Count I) and the Fourteenth Amendment’s Substantive Due Process

Clause, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Counts II and III). (Doc. 1).2

1 The parties refer to Ferguson’s use of force differently. Ferguson labels his use of force as a “submission

hold” (doc. 37-1 at 39:12), “carotid submission hold” (doc. 1 at 4, para. 19), or “‘blood’ choke hold”

(doc. 40 at 2). The City styles Ferguson’s use of force as a “chokehold maneuver” (doc. 38 at 1) or

“chokehold” (doc. 37-1 at 39:9–10). For purposes of this Opinion, the Court will use “carotid submission

hold” to describe Ferguson’s use of force. This choice is purely stylistic and did not factor into the Court’s

decision in this case.

2 For clarity, the Court refers to the document and page numbers generated by CM/ECF.

On May 19, 2023, this Court dismissed Counts II and III against the City and Counts

I, II, and III against Reed. (Doc. 22). The City, the only remaining Defendant in this action,

now seeks summary judgment on Ferguson’s two remaining claims—race discrimination

and retaliation in violation of Title VII (Count I). (Doc. 36). The City’s motion for

summary judgment is fully briefed and ripe for review. Based on a thorough review of the

record, the briefs, the applicable law, and for the reasons that follow, the motion is due to

be GRANTED.3

II. JURISDICTION

The Court has original subject matter jurisdiction in this proceeding pursuant to

28 U.S.C. § 1331. Personal jurisdiction and venue are uncontested, and the Court

concludes that venue properly lies in the Middle District of Alabama. See 28 U.S.C. § 1391.

III. STANDARD OF REVIEW

“Summary judgment is proper if the evidence shows ‘that there is no genuine

dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.’”

3 Ferguson’s summary judgment response is deficient in multiple respects. (See generally doc. 40). First,

Ferguson largely fails to comply with this Court’s directive regarding dispositive motions. “In all briefs

filed by any party relating to the motion, the discussion of the evidence in the brief must be accompanied

by a specific reference, by page and line, to where the evidence can be found in a supporting deposition or

document. Failure to make such specific reference may result in the evidence not being considered by the

court.” (Doc. 28 at 2, Section 2) (emphasis added). Second, Ferguson fails to meaningfully respond to

several of the City’s arguments. This Court is not under a duty to exercise imagination or conjure what a

party might have argued but did not argue; nor is this Court obliged to do Ferguson’s (or his counsel’s)

work. Resolution Tr. Corp. v. Dunmar Corp., 43 F.3d 587, 599 (11th Cir. 1995) (en banc) (“There is no

burden upon the district court to distill every potential argument that could be made based upon the

materials before it on summary judgment.”); Skotak v. Tenneco Resins, Inc., 953 F.2d 909, 915 n.7 (5th Cir.

1992) (“Rule 56 does not impose upon the district court a duty to sift through the record in search of

evidence to support a party’s opposition to summary judgment . . . .”). Despite the fact that this Court is

under no obligation to dig through the record evidence without any meaningful guidance or analysis from

the Plaintiff, the Court did so here. The Court’s own analysis reveals that the City is entitled to summary

judgment.

Hornsby-Culpepper v. Ware, 906 F.3d 1302, 1311 (11th Cir. 2018) (quoting FED. R. CIV.

P. 56(a)). “[A] court generally must ‘view all evidence and make all reasonable inferences

in favor of the party opposing summary judgment.’” Fla. Int’l Univ. Bd. of Trs. v. Fla.

Nat’l Univ., Inc., 830 F.3d 1242, 1252 (11th Cir. 2016) (citation omitted). However,

“conclusory allegations without specific supporting facts have no probative value.”

Jefferson v. Sewon Am., Inc., 891 F.3d 911, 924–25 (11th Cir. 2018) (citation omitted). If

the record, taken as a whole, “could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the non-

moving party,” then there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact. Hornsby-

Culpepper, 906 F.3d at 1311 (quoting Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp.,

475 U.S. 574, 587 (1986)).

The movant bears the initial burden of demonstrating that there is no genuine dispute

as to any material fact, and the movant must identify the portions of the record which

support this proposition. Id. (citing Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986));

FED. R. CIV. P. 56(c). The movant may carry this burden “by demonstrating that the

nonmoving party has failed to present sufficient evidence to support an essential element

of the case.” Id. at 1311. The burden then shifts to the nonmoving party “to establish, by

going beyond the pleadings, that a genuine issue of material fact exists.” Id. at 1311–12.

The nonmoving party “must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical

doubt as to the material facts.” Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co., 475 U.S. at 586. Nonmovants

must support their assertions “that a fact cannot be or is genuinely disputed” by “citing to

particular parts of materials in the record, including depositions, documents, electronically

stored information, affidavits or declarations, stipulations . . . , admissions, interrogatory

answers, or other materials” or by “showing that the materials cited do not establish the

absence or presence of a genuine dispute, or that an adverse party cannot produce

admissible evidence to support the fact.” FED. R. CIV. P. 56(c)(1)(A) & (B).

In determining whether a genuine issue for trial exists, the court must view all the

evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmovant. Fla. Int’l Univ. Bd. of Trs., 830 F.3d

at 1252. Likewise, the reviewing court must draw all justifiable inferences from the

evidence in the nonmoving party’s favor. Id. However, “mere conclusions and

unsupported factual allegations are legally insufficient to defeat a summary judgment

motion.” Ellis v. England, 432 F.3d 1321, 1326 (11th Cir. 2005) (per curiam).

IV. FACTS4

Ferguson, a black male, served the MPD as a police officer from 2004 until his

termination in 2020. Ferguson rose through the MPD ranks and eventually obtained the

rank of lieutenant.5 On June 30, 2020, Ferguson deployed a carotid submission hold to

effectuate a suspect’s arrest. While subdued by the carotid submission hold, the suspect

stated that he could not breathe, which Ferguson does not contest. (Doc. 37-1 at 39:16–20).

Following the suspect’s arrest, Ferguson verbally reported the incident to his immediate

4 Because this case comes before the Court on the City’s motion for summary judgment, the Court construes

the facts in the light most favorable to Ferguson, the nonmovant. The Court draws all justifiable inferences

in his favor. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 255 (1986).

5 Ferguson was promoted to lieutenant in approximately 2017–2018. (Doc. 37-1 at 31:19–21). Ferguson

served as a MPD lieutenant when he deployed the June 30, 2020 carotid submission hold to effectuate a

suspect’s arrest. (Doc. 37-5 at 227:3–5).

supervisor,6 Captain D.K. Corkran (“Corkran”).7 (Id. at 67:13–17). Although he verbally

reported the incident to Corkran, Ferguson did not document the incident in writing and

failed to complete a MPD “Defensive Action Form.” (Id. at 39:21–40:1).

During the June 30, 2020 incident, the suspect damaged a MPD vehicle. (Id. at

45:22–46:1). Deputy Chief of Operations, Jennifer M. Reaves (“Reaves”) reviewed body

camera footage to assess the damaged MPD vehicle. (Id. at 46:2–6). During Reaves’

review of the body camera footage, she observed Ferguson deploy a carotid submission

hold to effectuate the suspect’s arrest. (See docs. 37-3 at 18, 37-5 at 94:8–22). Reaves

forwarded the footage to City Investigations, which subsequently initiated a review of

Ferguson’s conduct. (See docs. 37-3 at 18, 37-5 at 95:2–3). Reaves independently

reviewed the incident and on August 10, 2020, informed her direct supervisor, Ernest N.

Finley, Jr. (“Finley”), Chief of Police, that Ferguson violated MPD’s Use of Force Written

Directive, Policy 3.4.1 (“MPD Directive 3.4.1”) “by utilizing a choke hold to gain

compliance during the arrest of a subject.” (Doc. 37-3 at 14). Reaves later reviewed City

Investigations’ case file and determined that Ferguson also failed to properly “notify or

document” his use of force. (Id. at 18). Reaves found Ferguson deployed “[a] substantiated

Use of Force [by] utilizing a choke hold [which] is considered a Major Violation.” (Id.).

On August 11, 2020, Reaves informed Finley that Ferguson’s conduct warranted a twenty-

calendar day suspension. (Id.). Reaves’ and Ferguson’s relationship—before, during, and

6 The MPD’s rank and command structure, listed in descending order of authority, is as follows: Chief,

Deputy Chief, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. (Doc. 37-3 at 2, para. 1).

7 Ferguson’s deposition transcript incorrectly refers to Captain D.K. Corkran as “Captain Cochran.” (See,

e.g., doc. 37-1 at 66:15).

after the June 30, 2020 incident—led to Ferguson allegedly informally complaining to

superiors and filing a workplace harassment complaint against Reaves in September 2020.

(See docs. 37-2 at 2, 40 at 9).

On August 26, 2020, Ferguson met with Finley to “discuss the disciplinary action

of his case.” (Doc. 37-3 at 13). On August 31, 2020, Finley informed Reed that he upheld

Reaves’ recommendation of a twenty-calendar day suspension. (Id.). Ferguson appealed

Finley’s decision to uphold his twenty-calendar day suspension. (Doc. 37-1 at 52:15–17).

On October 2, 2020, presumably during Ferguson’s appeal of his twenty-calendar day

suspension, an investigation began into allegations that Ferguson and twelve other MPD

officers worked as off-duty police officers without MPD approval. (Doc. 37-2 at 2).

Ferguson was informed of the investigation on October 3, 2020—during his appeal

process.8 (Doc. 37-3 at 20). Further, as part of Ferguson’s appeal, Reed appointed retired

Judge Charles Price (“Judge Price”) to conduct a hearing regarding Ferguson’s discipline.

(See docs. 37-1 at 53:1–13, 37-4 at 11:7–14). Judge Price recommended Ferguson serve a

twenty-calendar day suspension.9 (See doc. 37-4 at 12:1–6). Reed disagreed with Judge

Price’s recommendation of a suspension and later terminated Ferguson. (Doc. 37-3 at 9).

Reed terminated Ferguson because he violated the MPD’s 2016 Use of Force

8 Ferguson concedes that the investigation into off-duty police officers was not completed before he was

terminated. (Doc. 37-1 at 122:9–14).

9 Ferguson disputes the characterization of his recommended suspension. Ferguson states that his

suspension recommendation was “changed . . . from 20 days suspension at headquarters, which is working

days, to 20 calendar days suspension at the Judge Price [hearing].” (Doc. 37-5 at 244:22–245:2). The City’s

evidence shows that Reaves’ initial recommended suspension was “20 calendar days.” (Doc. 37-3 at 18).

The Court will assume without deciding that Ferguson’s initial and final suspension recommendations by

Reaves and Judge Price were for twenty-calendar days.

Memorandum which stated, “substantiated Use of Force cases involving any form of

choking of a subject will be considered a major violation and will result in disciplinary

action up to and including termination.” (Doc. 37-1 at 141) (emphasis added). Reed

labeled this 2016 Use of Force Memorandum as a “zero[-]tolerance policy against

choking.” (Doc. 37-5 at 36:8–9). Ferguson’s MPD employment ended on

October 20, 2020. (Doc. 37-3 at 8).

On April 16, 2021—nearly six months after his termination—Ferguson filed a

charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”)

alleging that he was “discriminated against due to [his] race and retaliated against for

asserting [his] rights in violation of Title VII.” (Doc. 1-2 at 2).

V. DISCUSSION

A. Unlawful Discrimination

The Court first turns to Ferguson’s claim that the City violated Title VII by

unlawfully terminating him because of his race. Ferguson can survive summary judgment

by putting forward “enough evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude that illegal

discrimination occurred.” McCreight v. AuburnBank, 117 F.4th 1322, 1326 (11th Cir. Sept.

19, 2024). Ferguson can meet this burden by making a prima facie case of unlawful

discrimination under the McDonnell Douglas framework or by showing a convincing

mosaic10 of evidence to allow a reasonable jury to find unlawful discrimination.

10 The Eleventh Circuit in McCreight, stated “to the extent the term ‘convincing mosaic’ has become a

distraction, we again reiterate that this ‘approach to analyzing the evidence treats an employment

discrimination suit in the same way we would treat any other case—jumping directly to the question of

liability and deciding whether the moving party is entitled to judgment at that stage of the case.” McCreight,

1. McDonell Douglas Analysis

Title VII prohibits employers from “discriminat[ing] against any individual with

respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of

such individual’s race.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a).

Because Ferguson does not present direct evidence of racial discrimination, but

instead relies on circumstantial evidence, the Court will evaluate his claim under the

McDonnell Douglas framework. Under the McDonnell Douglas framework, Ferguson

bears the initial burden of establishing a prima facie case of racial discrimination by

showing: (1) he belongs to a protected class; (2) he was qualified to do the job; (3) he was

subjected to an adverse employment action; and (4) the City treated similarly-situated

employees outside of his protected class more favorably. Poer v. Jefferson Cnty. Comm’n,

100 F.4th 1325, 1336 (11th Cir. May 1, 2024); see also McDonnell Douglas Corp. v.

Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802 (1973). If Ferguson succeeds in making out a prima facie case,

the burden shifts to the City to articulate legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for its

actions. Poer, 100 F.4th at 1336 (citations omitted). If the City articulates legitimate,

nondiscriminatory reasons for its actions, the burden shifts back to Ferguson to “introduce

significantly probative evidence showing that the asserted reason is merely a pretext for

discrimination.” Id. (quoting Clark v. Coats & Clark, Inc., 990 F.2d 1217, 1228 (11th Cir.

1993)). The asserted reason cannot be pretext “unless it is shown both that the reason was

117 F.4th at 1335–36 (quoting Tynes v. Fla. Dep’t of Juv. Just., 88 F.4th 939, 947 (11th Cir. 2023)). This

Court uses the term “convincing mosaic” for stylistic purposes but acknowledges that a convincing mosaic

“is a metaphor, not a legal test and not a framework.” Id. at 1335 (quoting Berry v. Crestwood Healthcare

LP, 84 F.4th 1300, 1311 (11th Cir. 2023)).

false, and that discrimination was the real reason.” Id. (quoting St. Mary’s Honor Ctr. v.

Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 515 (1993) (emphasis in original)).

The parties do not dispute that Ferguson belongs to a protected class, was qualified

to perform as a MPD Lieutenant, and was subjected to an adverse employment action—his

termination. Here, the parties disagree on the fourth prong of the McDonnell Douglas

framework—whether the City treated similarly situated employees more favorably than

Ferguson. To show that the City treated similarly situated non-black employees more

favorably, Ferguson must present evidence of a comparator—someone who is “similarly

situated in all material respects.” Lewis v. City of Union City, 918 F.3d 1213, 1226 (11th

Cir. 2019) (“Lewis I”) (en banc). Ferguson’s comparator evidence should demonstrate that

“like” employees were treated “differently.” Id. at 1223. Ferguson and his proposed

comparators are not required to be identical. Id. at 1227. Instead, a similarly situated

comparator and a plaintiff, like Ferguson will typically: (1) have engaged in the same basic

conduct or misconduct; (2) be subject to the same employment policies; (3) have the same

supervisors; and (4) share an employment or disciplinary history. Jenkins v. Nell, 26 F.4th

1243, 1249 (11th Cir. 2022) (citing Lewis I, 918 F.3d at 1227–28).

a. Comparator Analysis

Ferguson identifies four “comparators” who he argues demonstrate that the City

treated similarly situated white employees more favorably: Captain William E. Herman

(“Herman”), Paul Harris (“Harris”), Corkran, and Major John W. Hall (“Hall”).11 The

Court now turns to individually evaluate each of Ferguson’s four proposed comparators.12

i. Captain William E. Herman

Ferguson identifies Herman, a white officer, as his first valid comparator. Ferguson

claims that Herman “used a similar carotid submission hold on a handcuffed suspect and

received less days of suspension than [Ferguson] and was not terminated.” (Doc. 1 at 5,

para. 23). Ferguson correctly identifies one similarity—Herman and Ferguson engaged in

the same basic misconduct. Like Ferguson, Herman restrained a suspect by the neck. On

June 3, 2016, Herman used “profanity toward a citizen” and “choked an individual.” (Doc.

37-3 at 49) (emphasis added). The similarities between Ferguson and Herman end there.

Although he engaged in misconduct similar to Ferguson—Herman was not subject

to the same MPD policies. Ferguson was subject to the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum,

which implemented a department policy that “substantiated Use of Force cases involving

any form of choking of a subject will be considered a major violation and will result in

11 Ferguson’s complaint only identifies Herman by name as a valid comparator. (Doc. 1 at 5–7). Ferguson

referenced Harris, Corkran, and Hall in his deposition (see doc. 37-1 at 59:4, 55:14–21) and summary

judgment response (doc. 40 at 3, 7).

12 Ferguson identified two other “comparators” during his deposition testimony. First, Ferguson identified

a black individual who purportedly worked at a “jail” and was involved in a “choking incident.” (Doc. 37-

1 at 64:13–65:13). This individual was allegedly not punished for his use of force. (Id. at 65:11–13).

Second, Ferguson identified a black individual who was involved in a “choking incident” on “Ann Street.”

(Id. at 65:1–10). This individual was also allegedly not punished for his use of force. (Id. at 65:11–13).

Ferguson did not recall either individuals’ names, who served as their commanding officers, or whether any

charges against them were substantiated. (Id. at 65:5–20). Further, the record does not include evidence

regarding the unnamed individuals’ disciplinary histories, employment statuses, or whether they were MPD

employees. The record evidence, even when viewed in the light most favorable to Ferguson, does not show

that the unnamed individuals were similarly situated and treated more favorably. Thus, the unnamed

individuals are not appropriate comparators, and Ferguson’s evidence regarding them fails to support a

prima facie case of intentional discrimination under the McDonnell Douglas framework.

disciplinary action up to and including termination.” (Doc. 37-1 at 141) (emphasis added).

This 2016 Use of Force Memorandum, which cautioned against uses of force involving

“choking of a subject,” became effective on July 26, 2016—approximately three weeks

after Herman’s conduct.13 Because Herman used a chokehold against a suspect, prior to

the issuance of the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum—the policy could not have governed

Herman’s use of force. Therefore, Ferguson’s and Herman’s conduct were governed by

different MPD policies, which cuts against Herman serving as a valid comparator.

Herman and Ferguson had different supervisors. Herman was not disciplined by

Reed; instead, he was disciplined by Mayor Todd Strange (“Strange”), Reed’s predecessor.

The City claims “that interim decision makers and those recommending and/or considering

[Herman’s] punishment were also different.” (Doc. 38 at 21–22). Ferguson does not refute

this claim. The record evidence shows that Major J.M. Bowman (“Bowman”) charged

Herman with violations of “Article I: Section 1.401 – Human Relations (used profanity

toward a citizen) and Article II: Section 2.205 – Duty in the Use of Force [placing a

restrained suspect in a chokehold].” (Doc. 37-3 at 3, paras. 3, 49). Chief of Staff C.A.

Wingard (“Wingard”) recommended that Herman serve a fifteen-working day suspension.

(Id. at 3, para. 3). Finley also recommended to Director of Public Safety, J. Christopher

13 Ferguson contends that MPD Use of Force Policy 3.3.1 rescinded the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum

effective July 12, 2019. (Doc. 37-1 at 43:9–44:10). The record does not include a copy of MPD Use of

Force Policy 3.3.1. Even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson, such that his conduct

was not governed by the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum, Herman and Ferguson would still be too

dissimilar to be considered similarly situated in all material respects. Because Herman’s and Ferguson’s

disciplinary histories and supervisors were significantly different, and Ferguson does not allege that

Herman failed to report his use of force, the two are not valid comparators for the purposes of establishing

a prima facie case of discrimination under the McDonnell Douglas framework.

Murphy (“Murphy”), that Herman serve a fifteen-working day suspension. (Id.). Herman,

like Ferguson, attended a hearing in front of Judge Price. (Id.). Although Finley and Judge

Price participated in Ferguson’s and Herman’s disciplinary processes, the record reflects

that Bowman, Wingard, Murphy, and Strange played no part in Ferguson’s disciplinary

proceedings. Herman’s incident occurred nearly four years before Ferguson’s

June 30, 2020 conduct. Even if the intermediate decisionmakers were similar, two

different mayors, Reed and Strange, delivered Ferguson’s and Herman’s final

punishments.14 See e.g., Jones v. Gerwens, 874 F.2d 1534, 1541 (11th Cir. 1989)

(observing that “disciplinary measures undertaken by different supervisors may not be

comparable for purposes of Title VII analysis”). Therefore, because Ferguson and Herman

were punished by Reed and Strange respectively, this cautions against Herman serving as

a valid comparator to Ferguson.

Finally, Herman and Ferguson do not share similar employment or disciplinary

histories. Prior to his use of force in June 2016, Herman “had no other disciplinary actions

or infractions in the 12-year period preceding this matter.” (Doc. 37-3 at 3, para. 3). Unlike

Herman, Ferguson has a lengthy history of disciplinary violations, with eleven MPD

violations spanning over a fifteen-year period from 2005 through June 2020. (See generally

id. at 7–47).

14 The mayor serves as the City’s ultimate decisionmaker and “shall have the authority to remove officers

and employees of the city subject to the provisions of the merit system that might be in force at that time.”

Ala. Mun. Code § 4.06(2).

Ferguson’s argument that Herman is a valid comparator paints with a broad brush

and ignores “critical differences” between the two. See Lewis I, 918 F.3d at 1230. Ferguson

and Herman were disciplined by different decisionmakers and share dissimilar disciplinary

histories. Although they engaged in similar misconduct, Herman and Ferguson cannot be

considered similar in all material respects because only Ferguson’s conduct was expressly

subject to the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum, which considered “choking of a subject .

. . a major violation.” (Doc. 37-1 at 141). Therefore, Ferguson’s evidence regarding

Herman fails to support his prima facie case of intentional discrimination under the

McDonnell Douglas framework.

ii. Paul Harris

Next, Ferguson identifies Harris, a white officer, as a valid comparator. Ferguson

claims that Harris was “investigated for misconduct and received a more favorable

outcome th[a]n [Ferguson].” (Doc. 40 at 7). Ferguson alleges Harris “struck a man that

was down on the ground in the face with a taser” at an unknown date, sometime “after”

2016. (Doc. 37-1 at 62:1–63:3). The City provides record evidence that Harris violated

MPD Directive 3.3.1–Response to Resistance, “for striking a citizen with his elbow and

taser during a struggle while arresting him on February 6, 2020.” (Doc. 37-3 at 4, para. 4).

Ferguson alleges that Harris was not terminated for his conduct and instead received a

suspension of an unknown length. (See docs. 37-1 at 63:6–12, 40 at 3). The City provides

evidence that Harris received a 160-hour suspension. (Doc. 37-3 at 4, para. 4). Although

Ferguson has identified Harris as a comparator, he has failed to show Harris is similar in

all material respects.

First, Ferguson and Harris did not engage in the same misconduct. Harris struck a

suspect with his elbow and taser while effectuating an arrest. Ferguson deployed a carotid

submission hold to subdue a suspect. Although Ferguson’s and Harris’ actions broadly

involve alleged improper uses of force, their conduct is not sufficiently similar for the

parties to be valid comparators. In Lewis I, a plaintiff argued that she and her comparators

were similarly situated because the parties “were all placed on administrative leave by the

City when they could not meet a physical qualification of the job of a police officer.” Lewis

I, 918 F.3d at 1229. Although both parties failed to meet the “physical qualifications” of

their jobs generally, the Eleventh Circuit reasoned in part that because the plaintiff and her

comparators suffered from “altogether different conditions”—they were not similarly

situated. Id. at 1230–31. The parties were governed by different personnel policies and

“placed on leave for different underlying conditions.” Id. at 1231. Here, even if both parties

allegedly used improper force, Ferguson and Harris deployed forces of different kinds and

degrees—and were disciplined pursuant to different MPD policies. Thus, Ferguson’s and

Harris’ alleged misconduct is too dissimilar for them to be considered similarly situated in

all material respects.

Second, Ferguson provides no evidence that Harris was charged under similar MPD

policies. Ferguson was charged with failure to report his use of force under MPD Directive

3.4.1. There is no record evidence to suggest that Harris was charged with violating any

MPD policies for failure to report his use of force. See Moore v. Ala. Dept. of Corr., 137

F. App’x 235, 239 (11th Cir. 2005) (“We have previously held that a difference in the

charged offenses can preclude a comparison for Title VII purposes.”).15 Ferguson cursorily

alleges that “Chief Ernest Finley actually admitted on the news that [Harris] acted outside

of policy.” (Doc. 37-1 at 62:5–7). Ferguson does not allege which policy Harris violated,

and Harris was charged with violating MPD Directive 3.3.1–Response to Resistance, rather

than MPD Directive 3.4.1. Additionally, because Harris did not deploy a carotid

submission hold, he did not violate the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum which effectively

outlawed “any form of choking.” (Id. at 141).

Third, the record is unclear and does not reflect which decisionmakers disciplined

Harris. Ferguson claims that Finley “admitted on the news that [Harris] acted outside of

policy.” (Id. at 62:5–7). Viewing the record evidence in the light most favorable to

Ferguson, the Court assumes without deciding that Finley was one of Harris’ supervisors.

Outside this brief reference to Finley, Ferguson fails to provide evidence of any other

decisionmakers involved in Harris’ discipline. Ferguson provides no record evidence to

identify who served as Harris’ Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, or Deputy Chief (Id.

at 62:13–15). Ferguson does not allege that the City’s mayor ultimately disciplined Harris.

The record evidence does not suggest that Harris ultimately appealed his recommended

discipline or that Reed ever reviewed his conduct. During his deposition Ferguson claimed

that “Steven Reed was [the Mayor]” during Harris’ discipline. (Id. at 63:5). Reed was

elected to serve as the City’s mayor in 2019, and if Harris appealed the MPD’s 160-hour

15 The Court here, and elsewhere in the Opinion, cites to non-binding authority. While the Court recognizes

that these cases are not precedential, the Court finds them persuasive.

suspension—Reed likely disciplined Harris.16 Even viewing the record evidence in the

light most favorable to Ferguson, he fails to identify the relevant decisionmakers with the

requisite degree of specificity required to show he was similarly situated in all material

respects to Harris.

Finally, Ferguson and Harris do not share a similar employment or disciplinary

history. Ferguson notes that Harris was “suspended twice” before the tasing incident. (Id.

at 63:10–12). The record provides no further details regarding Harris’ disciplinary history

other than the notion that Harris was previously suspended. Ferguson does not allege why

Harris was suspended, when he was suspended, or how long he was suspended.

Surprisingly, the record does not provide Harris’ rank or even suggest how long Harris was

employed with the MPD. Ferguson’s complaint (doc. 1), summary judgment response

(doc. 40), and deposition testimony (doc. 37-1) show that Harris and Ferguson are not

sufficiently similar in all material respects. Therefore, Ferguson’s evidence regarding

Harris fails to support his prima facie case of intentional discrimination under the

McDonnell Douglas framework.

iii. Captain D.K. Corkran

Ferguson identifies Corkran, a white officer, as a third potential comparator.

Ferguson claims that Corkran, his supervisor, was “investigated for misconduct and

received a more favorable outcome th[a]n [Ferguson].” (Doc. 40 at 7). City Investigations

16 Mayor Steven L. Reed was sworn in as the Fifty-Seventh Mayor of the City of Montgomery, Alabama

in November 2019. See Mayor Steven L. Reed, City of Montgomery, Alabama,

https://www.montgomeryal.gov/government/city-government/mayor-s-office/mayor-steven-reed.; (see

also doc. 37-4 at 17:19–22).

substantiated charges against Corkran for violating MPD “Policy 1.1.6 Failure to Notify

CEO of Incident with Liability”—stemming from his failure to report Ferguson’s use of

force. (Doc. 37-3 at 4, para. 6). Corkran received a “Category A Step 1 discipline[,]” which

he did not challenge. (Id.).

Corkran and Ferguson worked for MPD and failed to report a use of force to their

superiors. Corkran’s and Ferguson’s similarities end there. First, Corkran failed to notify

his superior officer regarding Ferguson’s use of force. Ferguson verbally notified his

supervisor but failed to complete a MPD Defensive Action Form. (Doc. 37-1 at 39:21–

40:2). At first glance Corkran and Ferguson engaged in the same basic misconduct.

However, this summary ignores the underlying reason why Corkran and Ferguson were

required to comply with MPD reporting and paperwork policies—Ferguson deployed a

carotid submission hold—which was against MPD policy. Ferguson does not allege that

Corkran deployed a carotid submission hold and concedes that Corkran was not accused

of using excessive force in the form of a carotid submission hold. (Id. at 56:9–12).

Second, Ferguson does not argue that Corkran was charged with violating the same

employment policies. Corkran was disciplined under MPD Policy 1.1.6, whereas Ferguson

was disciplined under MPD Directive 3.4.1 and the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum. See

Moore, 137 F. App’x at 239 (“We have previously held that a difference in the charged

offenses can preclude a comparison for Title VII purposes.”). Although the difference in

rank between Ferguson and Corkran is not “dispositive as to whether the two individuals

may be compared for purposes of evaluating a discrimination claim,” it is important to note

that Ferguson and Corkran held different ranks at the time of their respective disciplinary

consequences. Rioux v. City of Atlanta, 520 F.3d 1269, 1281 (11th Cir. 2008); c.f., Anthony

v. Georgia, 69 F.4th 796, 805 (11th Cir. 2023) (noting that two police officers were not

similarly situated in all material respects, in part because they held different ranks).

Third, the record is unclear and does not state which individuals disciplined

Corkran. The record evidence suggests that Corkran did not contest his disciplinary result,

and therefore did not exhaust his appeal rights. (Doc. 37-3 at 4, para. 6). Because the record

evidence does not suggest that Reed disciplined Corkran, and Ferguson fails to meet the

burden of production at this stage in the proceedings—Ferguson’s and Corkran’s

disciplinary processes were not similar in all material respects.

Fourth, Ferguson and Corkran do not share employment or disciplinary histories

that are similar in all material respects. Ferguson points to no record evidence of Corkran’s

employment or disciplinary history, which is only buried within the City’s summary

judgment evidence. Corkran testified at a City personnel board hearing that he missed a

court appearance, failed to attend a “continuing education class[,]” was involved in four

“City vehicle accidents[,]” failed “a pistol qualification[,]” was charged with

“malingering[,]”17 and served a four-day suspension for “conduct that reflected negatively

on the Department . . . in 2013.” (Doc. 37-5 at 178:11–22). The record does not explain

why Corkran served the four-day suspension or provide any additional insight into the

nature of Corkran’s conduct.

17 The parties do not address or define what constitutes a “malingering” charge. The Court understands the

reference to indicate a disciplinary charge for “feign[ing] illness or disability, esp[ecially] in an attempt to

avoid an obligation.” See Malinger, Black’s Law Dictionary (12th ed. 2024).

Ferguson, like Corkran, also failed firearm qualifications (doc. 37-3 at 46–47) and

was involved in a City vehicle accident (id. at 45). Although the record evidence points to

a few similarities in their disciplinary histories, it would be improper to find that Ferguson

and Corkran are appropriate comparators based on two shared minor violations. First, the

record does not indicate when Corkran committed several of his department violations and

it fails to underscore the severity and punishment for every offense. Corkran’s major

offense articulated in the record occurred in the distant past. Corkran’s major four-day

suspension occurred “back in 2013[,]” seven years before Ferguson’s termination in 2020.

(Doc. 37-5 at 178:21–23). Unlike Corkran, Ferguson committed a Category B “Major

Infraction” only two years before his termination. (See docs. 37-3 at 32–37, 38 at 3–4).

Ferguson was suspended for sixteen hours for violating MPD’s pursuit of motor vehicle

policy—Article VII: Section 7.2.2. (Doc. 37-3 at 32).

Although Corkran and Ferguson both served suspensions, Ferguson fails to identify

the similarities between their disciplinary or employment histories that make them similar

in all material respects. To say otherwise, would ignore the multiple “critical differences”

between them. See Lewis I, 918 F.3d at 1230. Ferguson served MPD for approximately

fifteen years prior to his termination (doc. 37-3 at 7–47), and Corkran served twenty-two

years (doc. 37-5 at 178:11). The record is devoid of any timeline associated with Corkran’s

misconduct. Ferguson was disciplined for a Category B “Major Infraction” while serving

as a Lieutenant, a position in MPD’s rank and command structure. (Doc. 37-3 at 1, paras.

2, 36). There is no record evidence to suggest that Corkran violated department policies

while serving in a position of authority. Perhaps most importantly, the Court cannot

compare Corkran’s major violation, his four-day suspension with Ferguson’s major

infraction, because the record is devoid of any explanation for Corkran’s four-day

suspension. Even when viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson, he

fails to demonstrate that Corkran is a valid comparator based on the record evidence

regarding the parties’ disciplinary histories.

At bottom, although Ferguson and Corkran failed to properly report Ferguson’s use

of force, the two MPD officers held different ranks, were disciplined by different

decisionmakers, and only Ferguson deployed a carotid submission hold to subdue a

suspect. Thus, Ferguson and Corkran are not similarly situated in all material respects, and

Ferguson’s evidence regarding Corkran fails to support his prima facie case of intentional

discrimination under the McDonnell Douglas framework.

iv. Major John W. Hall

Ferguson identifies Hall, a white officer, as his fourth and final comparator.

Ferguson claims that Hall, his supervisor, was “investigated for misconduct and . . .

received a more favorable outcome th[a]n [Ferguson].” (Doc. 40 at 7). Ferguson alleges

that Hall “was also disciplined[] and received a lower form of discipline.” (Doc. 37-1 at

55:13–18). However, the record provides little evidence to support this assertion, even

when viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson.

First, although Ferguson’s deposition testimony suggests that Hall was investigated

for misconduct, there is no evidence in the record from which the Court can discern the

specifics thereof. Even if Hall was investigated, Hall’s own affidavit states that “City

Investigations did not substantiate any charges against . . . [him] as a result of the handling

of Ferguson’s chokehold.” (Doc. 37-3 at 5, para. 7). The record contains no evidence that

Hall was disciplined for failure to report. Even if Hall should have been disciplined for his

failure to report, Ferguson’s argument ignores the conduct which necessitated Hall’s

alleged duty to report—Ferguson’s improper use of a carotid submission hold. Ferguson

concedes that Hall was not accused of using excessive force. (Doc. 37-1 at 56:13–15). At

bottom, Ferguson’s underlying misconduct involved the improper deployment of a carotid

submission hold, which differs from Ferguson’s allegations regarding Hall’s failure to

report. Therefore, Ferguson and Hall did not engage in the same type of misconduct.

Second, Ferguson does not argue that Hall was charged with violating the same

MPD policies. Ferguson’s conduct was governed by MPD Directive 3.4.1 and the 2016

Use of Force Memorandum, whereas the record provides no evidence that Hall was

charged under any MPD policy. See Moore, 137 F. App’x at 239 (“We have previously

held that a difference in the charged offenses can preclude a comparison for Title VII

purposes.”). Additionally, Ferguson and Hall held different ranks at the time of their

alleged respective disciplinary consequences, and although the difference in rank between

Ferguson and Hall is not “dispositive as to whether the two individuals may be compared

for purposes of evaluating a discrimination claim,” it is important to note that Ferguson

and Hall held different ranks. Rioux, 520 F.3d at 1281; c.f., Anthony, 69 F.4th at 805 (noting

that two police officers were not similarly situated in all material respects, in part because

they held different ranks).

Third, the record is unclear whether Hall was disciplined at all. If he was, Ferguson

does not allege who would have disciplined Hall. The record also fails to pinpoint who

reviewed Hall’s conduct or which MPD personnel decided against disciplining Hall. The

record evidence does not suggest that Reed disciplined Hall. In any event, even if Reed

disciplined Hall for a failure to report, the lack of other similarities would weigh against a

finding that the two were similarly situated in all material respects.

Fourth, Ferguson points to no record evidence explaining Hall’s disciplinary or

employment history for comparison. Without record evidence of Hall’s disciplinary

history, the Court cannot find that Hall and Ferguson share similar disciplinary or

employment histories.

Thus, Ferguson has failed to meet his burden to prove a prima facie case of

intentional discrimination under McDonnell Douglas. The record is devoid of any

information regarding Hall’s alleged punishment for failure to report, his prior MPD

employment history, or his disciplinary record. Even if the Court assumed that Hall failed

to report Ferguson’s use of force to a superior officer, Ferguson fails to show Hall engaged

in a similar use of force—deploying a carotid submission hold. In fact, Ferguson concedes

that Hall was not accused of excessive force. (Doc. 37-1 at 56:13–15). Thus, Ferguson’s

evidence regarding Hall fails to support his prima facie case of intentional discrimination

under the McDonnell Douglas framework. Having reviewed each of Ferguson’s

comparators individually, the Court finds that Ferguson fails to make out a prima facie case

of discrimination under Title VII.

b. Legitimate Nondiscriminatory Reasons

Even if Ferguson properly established a prima facie case of unlawful discrimination

under McDonnell Douglas, he would still have to show a genuine dispute as to whether the

City’s legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons for its actions are pretext for discrimination.

The City provides two legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons for Ferguson’s termination:

(1) Ferguson violated MPD Directive 3.4.1’s reporting provision and (2) Ferguson violated

the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum, which satisfies the City’s “exceedingly light” burden

at this stage. See Turnes v. AmSouth Bank, NA, 36 F.3d 1057, 1061 (11th Cir. 1994)

(citation omitted). The City, through its ultimate decisionmaker, Reed, terminated

Ferguson because the City “had a zero[-]tolerance policy against choking.” (Doc. 37-5 at

36:8–9). Ferguson disagrees and argues that he was terminated for violating MPD

Directive 3.4.1’s reporting provision. (Doc. 37-1 at 55:13–14, 56:4–8). Ferguson also

argues that the City’s stated reason that he was fired “over this memo”18 was improper

because the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum “was not the governing policy in which [he]

was acting under.” (Doc. 37-5 at 271:1–3). Under either rationale for his termination, the

burden shifts to Ferguson to show “not only that the employer’s justification was

pretextual, but that the real reason for the employment action was discrimination.” Tynes

v. Fla. Dep’t of Juv. Just., 88 F.4th 939, 944 (11th Cir. 2023).

i. Pretext

Because the City offered legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons for Ferguson’s

termination, it is his burden to “cast sufficient doubt on [the City’s] proffered

nondiscriminatory reasons to permit a reasonable factfinder to conclude that [they] were

not what actually motivated its conduct.” Phillips v. Legacy Cabinets, 87 F.4th 1313, 1323–

18 Ferguson’s testimony is unclear which “memo” he is referring to. The Court assumes without deciding

that Ferguson’s testimony references the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum which cautioned against the use

of choking. (See doc. 37-1 at 141).

24 (11th Cir. 2023) (quoting Combs v. Plantation Patterns, 106 F.3d 1519, 1538 (11th Cir.

1997)). The Court’s inquiry into pretext “centers on the employer’s beliefs about the

employee’s conduct, not the employee’s beliefs about [his] own actions.” Id. at 1324

(internal quotation marks omitted). Ferguson can establish pretext by demonstrating

“weaknesses, implausibilities, inconsistencies, incoherencies, or contradictions in the

[City’s] proffered legitimate reasons for its action [such] that a reasonable factfinder could

find them unworthy of credence.” Id. (quoting Combs, 106 F.3d at 1538).

Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson, he has failed to show

that the City’s legitimate reasons for terminating him were pretextual and motivated by

discrimination. Ferguson argues that the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum, which barred

the use of “choking[,]” was no longer in effect during the June 30, 2020 incident. (Doc. 37-

5 at 237:13–239:6). Ferguson also contends that supervisors and other similarly situated

employees were treated more favorably. See supra Section V.A.1.a.i–iv. Ferguson argues

that he was not required to fill out a Defensive Action Form following his deployment of

the carotid submission hold. (Doc. 37-1 at 57:22–58:11). Ferguson subsequently states

that Reaves “skipped over steps in order to recommend a 20-day suspension.” (Doc. 37-5

at 270:17–21).

Although Ferguson contends that the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum was no

longer in effect and argues he was not required to submit a Defensive Action Form under

MPD Directive 3.4.1, he fails to demonstrate inconsistencies in the City’s proffered

legitimate reasons for his termination. Because the pretext inquiry focuses on the City’s

beliefs about Ferguson’s conduct—even if Reed mistakenly believed that the 2016 Use of

Force Memorandum operated in full force on June 30, 2020—Ferguson would still fail to

show pretext. Ferguson must show that the “real reason” for his termination was

discrimination. See Tynes, 88 F.4th at 944. Even assuming Ferguson’s actions were

consistent with MPD policy—that would only establish that Reed misunderstood MPD

policy. “[A]n employer who treats two employees differently because of a mistaken belief

in the existence of a neutral reason does not violate Title VII.” Silvera v. Orange Cnty. Sch.

Bd., 244 F.3d 1253, 1261 (11th Cir. 2001). The City is free “to fire their employees for a

good reason, a bad reason, a reason based on erroneous facts, or for no reason at all, as

long as its action is not for a discriminatory reason.” Phillips, 87 F.4th at 1325 (quoting

Flowers v. Troup Cnty., Ga., Sch. Distr., 803 F.3d 1327, 1338 (11th Cir. 2015)).

Furthermore, Ferguson’s conduct was reviewed by several parties including City

Investigations, Reaves, Finley, Judge Price, and Reed. Each party evaluated the

June 30, 2020 incident and determined that Ferguson’s conduct warranted disciplinary

action. The parties simply disagreed on Ferguson’s ultimate punishment. The record,

including Ferguson’s disciplinary process, does not support any “weaknesses,

implausibilities, inconsistencies, incoherencies, or contradictions” in the City’s proffered

legitimate reasons for Ferguson’s termination. Id. at 1324. Therefore, Ferguson has failed

to establish that the City’s proffered legitimate reasons for his dismissal—deploying a

carotid submission hold and failing to report—are pretext for discrimination.

2. Convincing Mosaic Analysis

Although Ferguson fails to satisfy the elements of a prima facie case under the

McDonnell Douglas framework, he may still be able to prove his case with a “convincing

mosaic of circumstantial evidence that would allow a reasonable jury to infer or find

intentional racial discrimination in an adverse employment action.” Poer, 100 F.4th at

1336–37. Ferguson may establish a convincing mosaic by evidence that demonstrates,

among other things, “(1) suspicious timing, ambiguous statements . . . , and other bits and

pieces from which an inference of discriminatory intent might be drawn, (2) systematically

better treatment of similarly situated employees, and (3) that the [City’s] justification is

pretextual.” Lewis v. City of Union City, 934 F.3d 1169, 1185 (11th Cir. 2019) (“Lewis II”)

(internal quotation marks and citation omitted).

The totality of Ferguson’s arguable circumstantial evidence which may support an

inference of intentional discrimination based on his race is as follows: (1) deposition

testimony that Hall and Corkran received lower forms of discipline (doc. 37-1 at 55:13–

18); (2) comparator evidence addressed in Section V.A.1.a.i–iv; (3) Reaves’ general dislike

for Ferguson (id. at 87:12–88:7); (4) MPD’s investigation regarding allegations that MPD

officers were employed as off-duty police officers without approval (see doc. 37-2 at 2);

and (5) MPD’s alleged policy change regarding use of force following Ferguson’s

termination (doc. 37-5 at 271:6–23).

First, the Court addresses two of the three types of evidence discussed in Lewis II:

better treatment of similarly situated employees and whether the City’s justification is

pretextual. Lewis II, 934 F.3d at 1185. Even when viewing Ferguson’s deposition

testimony in the light most favorable to Ferguson, the Court repeats its finding that he

failed to show that similarly situated employees, including Hall and Corkran, were treated

more favorably than he was. In addition, the Court finds, even when viewing the evidence

in the light most favorable to Ferguson, that he failed to show the City’s justification for

his termination—violations of the 2016 Use of Force Memorandum and MPD Directive

3.4.1—was pretextual. See supra Section V.A.1.b.i.

The Court focuses the remainder of its analysis on whether Ferguson has

demonstrated “suspicious timing, ambiguous statements . . . , and other bits and pieces

from which an inference of discriminatory intent might be drawn” by analyzing Reaves’

general dislike for Ferguson, MPD’s investigation into unauthorized off-duty police work,

and MPD’s alleged policy change regarding the use of force following Ferguson’s

termination. See Lewis II, 934 F.3d at 1185.

Ferguson alleges that Reaves “started everything” which eventually led to his

termination. (Doc. 37-1 at 71:19). Ferguson claims that Reaves “developed an unlikeness”

toward him and noted the two “had several disagreements, [which] include[d] at the fair,

whether we w[ere] on . . . different teams and duties that we had that w[ere] bumping heads

with each other . . . she . . . strongly disliked me.” (Id. at 87:9–88:3). Ferguson also claims

that Reaves “skipped over steps in order to recommend a 20-day suspension.” (Doc. 37-5

at 270:17–21). Ferguson believes that Reaves’ feelings were motivated in “part” because

of his race. (Doc. 37-1 at 88:4–7).

Ferguson’s evidence focuses on Reaves’ alleged conduct. Ferguson asserts that

Reaves’ conduct was motivated in part because of his race. Even assuming that Reaves’

conduct was motivated by her personal dislike of Ferguson that would not demonstrate that

Ferguson was fired because of his race. See Hawkins v. Ceco Corp., 883 F.2d 977, 986

(11th Cir. 1989) (“a dislike alone is not evidence of racial discrimination”). Reaves did

not fire Ferguson—Reed did. In fact, Reaves recommended that Ferguson only serve a

twenty-working day suspension, a lesser punishment than Reed’s ultimate decision to

terminate Ferguson. Reed rejected various recommendations and independently

determined that Ferguson should be terminated. To impute Reaves’ alleged bias to Reed,

Ferguson would need to allege that Reaves’ discriminatory conduct and suspension

recommendation caused Ferguson’s termination. Ferguson would need to show “the

decisionmaker [Reed] followed [Reaves’] biased recommendation without independently

investigating the complaint against [Ferguson].” Stimpson v. City of Tuscaloosa, 186 F.3d

1328, 1332 (11th Cir. 1999). Ferguson alleges that Reed terminated him “without review

of any of the evidence.” (Doc. 1 at 6, para. 33).

Tellingly, Ferguson does not explicitly advance this argument. To the extent

Ferguson makes this hidden “cat’s paw” theory of liability argument—that Reed endorsed

Reaves’ biased recommendation without independently reviewing Ferguson’s conduct—

this is a nonstarter. First, Reed did not “rubber stamp” Reaves allegedly biased

recommendation—he overruled her recommendation implicitly by terminating Ferguson.

See Stimpson, 186 F.3d at 1332. Furthermore, Reed noted at Ferguson’s personnel board

hearing that even if he only reviewed the video from the June 30, 2020 carotid submission

hold, he would have terminated Ferguson. (Doc. 37-5 at 36:1–5). Based on the record,

even when viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson, the Court cannot

infer discriminatory intent based on Reaves’ conduct.

Ferguson was investigated, along with twelve19 other police officers, regarding

allegations that they “were employed as off-duty police officers without the sanction of the

[MPD] and without completing off-duty employment requests for each employment, which

result[ed] in each officer receiving monies for personal gain.” (Doc. 37-2 at 2).

Ferguson alleges that because Reaves “was already investigating Ferguson and

[eleven] other African American employees of [MPD] [that Reaves’ conduct] is suspect

and gives rise to an inference of race discrimination.” (Doc. 40 at 2). To be clear, an

investigation into Ferguson’s conduct would not qualify as an adverse employment action.

See Henderson v. City of Birmingham, 826 F. App’x 736, 741 (11th Cir. 2020) (“an internal

investigation—like any alleged adverse employment action—is not sufficient to state a

discrimination claim if it did not cause him any . . . negative job consequences”)). Putting

aside whether the investigation would be an adverse employment action, even viewing the

evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson, he fails to tie these allegations to his

termination. The Court is tasked with determining whether Ferguson presented enough

“circumstantial evidence that would allow a reasonable jury to infer or find intentional

racial discrimination in an adverse employment action.” Poer, 100 F.4th at 1337.

Ferguson’s adverse employment action—his termination—is unrelated to an investigation

into off-duty MPD officers receiving improper benefits.

The investigation into off-duty MPD officers began on October 2, 2020 and

Ferguson became aware of the investigation on October 3, 2020. (See docs. 37-2 at 2, 37-

19 The City provides record evidence that “[t]hirteen individuals were investigated [by City Investigations]

. . . [t]welve (12) black males and one (1) white male.” (Doc. 37-2 at 2).

3 at 20). Ferguson was fired only seventeen days later on October 20, 2020. (Doc. 37-3 at

8). Even though there is temporal proximity between the investigation into off-duty MPD

officers and Ferguson’s termination—a reasonably jury would be unable to infer or find

racial discrimination. Ferguson fails to show how the investigation’s timing demonstrates

an inference of racial discrimination tied to the City’s ultimate decisionmaker—Reed.

Ferguson’s failure to show an inference of racial discrimination is buttressed by his own

testimony that he was terminated before the investigation regarding off-duty MPD officers

was completed and before any charges were brought against him. (Doc. 37-1 at 122:9–14).

Ferguson alleges that Reaves investigated the allegations into the off-duty police officers.

(Doc. 40 at 2). Ferguson further states that “a reasonable jury could conclude that Reaves

discriminates in who she decides to investigate for misconduct.” (Id. at 2) (emphasis

added). Even if Reaves’ conduct was indeed “suspect” and improper—Ferguson must

present evidence that shows Reed acted in such a way that an inference of discriminatory

intent may be found. Again, Reaves did not terminate Ferguson—Reed did. Even viewing

the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson, there is no record evidence to suggest

that Reed would have been aware of any investigation into Ferguson regarding off-duty

employment prior to his decision to terminate Ferguson.

Ferguson points to no record evidence that Reaves spearheaded the investigation or

suggested that Reed review the allegations. Ferguson does not reference any evidence that

the investigation into off-duty MPD officers was finalized before Ferguson’s termination—

in fact he concedes the opposite. (Doc. 37-1 at 122:9–14). There is no evidence that

Reaves’ “suspect” motives were shared by Reed. Similarly, the record is devoid of

evidence that Reed participated in the investigation—period. Ferguson points to no other

record evidence from which the Court—or a reasonable jury could discern an inference of

discriminatory intent regarding the investigation into Ferguson’s off-duty employment.

Finally, Ferguson alleges that discriminatory intent can be inferred from MPD’s

alleged decision to change the use of force policy following his termination. Ferguson

testified that thirty-seven “days after my incident, [MPD] actually came out with another

policy . . . to clarify and specify that . . . no choking [was] allowed for the [MPD].” (Doc.

37-5 at 271:6–23). The record does not contain a copy of the alleged updated policy.

Although this Court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to Ferguson,

“inferences in favor of [Ferguson] can be based only on evidence—not on speculation.”

Berry v. Crestwood Healthcare LP, 84 F.4th 1300, 1311 (11th Cir. 2023) (quoting Martin

v. Fin. Asset Mgmt. Sys., Inc., 959 F.3d 1048, 1058 (11th Cir. 2020)). Additionally, this

Court must evaluate Ferguson’s Title VII claims based on “the employer’s beliefs’ about

the employee’s conduct, not the employee’s beliefs” about whether his actions were

permissible. Phillips, 87 F.4th at 1324 (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

Without more, Ferguson does not meet his burden to show a convincing mosaic of evidence

based on mere speculation that the policy changed because of an improper motive.

The totality of Ferguson’s circumstantial evidence, even when viewed in the light

most favorable to him, does not support an inference that the City intentionally

discriminated against him because of his race. Therefore, because Ferguson failed to

establish a prima facie case of discrimination under McDonnell Douglas, or a convincing

mosaic of circumstantial evidence to allow a reasonable jury to find unlawful

discrimination, the City’s motion for summary judgment is due to be GRANTED on

Ferguson’s discrimination claim.

B. Unlawful Retaliation

The Court now turns to Ferguson’s claim that the City unlawfully retaliated against

him after engaging in protected activity, in violation of Title VII. Ferguson provides no

direct evidence of the City’s retaliatory intent. Thus, Ferguson can survive summary

judgment by making a prima facie case of unlawful retaliation under the McDonnell

Douglas framework or by showing a convincing mosaic of evidence to allow a reasonable

jury to find unlawful retaliation.

1. McDonell Douglas Analysis

Title VII makes it unlawful for an employer to retaliate “against any of his

employees . . . because [the employee] has opposed any [unlawful employment] practice”

or because of the employee’s participation in a Title VII investigation or hearing. 42 U.S.C.

§ 2000e-3; see also Patterson v. Ga. Pac., LLC, 38 F.4th 1336, 1344, 1350 (11th Cir. 2022).

When a Title VII retaliation claim (such as Ferguson’s) does not present direct evidence of

retaliation but instead relies on circumstantial evidence, this Court applies the three-part,

McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting framework. Johnson v. Miami-Dade Cnty., 948 F.3d

1318, 1325 (11th Cir. 2020); see also McDonnell Douglas Corp., 411 U.S. at 802.

To establish a prima facie case of unlawful retaliation under Title VII, Ferguson

must demonstrate that: (1) he was engaged in statutorily protected activity; (2) he suffered

an adverse employment action; and (3) a causal link exists between his protected activity

and the adverse employment action. See Fucron v. Mail Ctrs. Plus, LLC, 843 F.3d 1295,

1310 (11th Cir. 2016) (citations omitted). The burden then shifts to the employer to

articulate legitimate reasons for the adverse employment action “to negate the inference of

retaliation.” Id. Assuming the employer offers a legitimate reason for the adverse

employment action, the “burden then shifts back to the plaintiff to prove by a

preponderance of the evidence that the ‘legitimate’ reason is merely pretext for prohibited,

retaliatory conduct.” Lapham v. Walgreen Co., 88 F.4th 879, 889 (11th Cir. 2023) (quoting

McAlpin v. Sneads, 61 F.4th 916, 927 (11th Cir. 2023)). Ferguson bears the “ultimate

burden of persuasion.” Id.

Ferguson argues that he engaged in three types of statutorily protected activities:

(1) filing a charge of discrimination with the EEOC; (2) filing a workplace harassment

complaint; and (3) informally complaining that Reaves investigated him because of his

race.20 The Court will assume without deciding that all three activities qualify as protected

activity.21 Additionally, because the parties do not contest that Ferguson suffered an

adverse employment action—his termination—only the causal link element is in dispute.

20 The record evidence does not explain if Ferguson’s statement that he “made it clear that he felt Reaves

was targeting him for investigations” was encompassed by his workplace harassment complaint. (Doc. 40

at 3, 9). For purposes of this Opinion, the Court will analyze Ferguson’s allegation that he voiced concerns

regarding Reaves’ conduct, as separate and apart from the workplace harassment complaint. This does not

affect the Court’s ruling, as under either analysis Ferguson fails to demonstrate the requisite causal

connection between his protected activity and his termination.

21 The City’s motion for summary judgment “assum[es] for purpose of argument that [Ferguson’s activities

constitute] protected conduct.” (Doc. 38 at 26). The City contends “there is no causal connection” between

Ferguson’s purported protected activities and his termination. (See id.). Ferguson “disputes that he did not

engage in protected conduct prior to Reaves conducting investigations on him.” (Doc. 40 at 3).

The Court will now analyze whether a causal link exists between each protected activity

and his termination.

a. Causal Connection

To establish a causal connection between Ferguson’s termination and his protected

activity, he must show “the relevant decisionmaker was aware of the protected conduct,

and that the protected activity and the adverse actions were not wholly unrelated.” Jones v.

Gulf Coast Health Care of Del., LLC, 854 F.3d 1261, 1271 (11th Cir. 2017) (citation and

internal quotation marks omitted). Ferguson can show “the two events are not wholly

unrelated if [he] shows that the decision maker was aware of the protected conduct at the

time of the adverse employment action.” Id. (quoting Krutzig v. Pulte Home Corp., 602

F.3d 1231, 1234 (11th Cir. 2010)). If the protected conduct and adverse employment action

occur in close temporal proximity, courts generally find that the plaintiff provides

“sufficient circumstantial evidence to create a genuine issue of material fact of a causal

connection.” Id. (citation omitted). However, “mere temporal proximity without more,

must be ‘very close’” to support a prima facie case of retaliation under McDonnell Douglas.

Thomas v. Cooper Lighting, Inc., 506 F.3d 1361, 1364 (11th Cir. 2007) (per curiam)

(citation omitted).

Ferguson must establish a sufficient causal connection between each protected

activity and his termination. The Court begins its analysis with Ferguson’s filing of a

charge of discrimination with the EEOC.

i. EEOC Charge of Discrimination

Ferguson alleges that he was retaliated against because he filed a charge of

discrimination with the EEOC. (Doc. 1 at 5, para. 24). However, the City could not have

retaliated against Ferguson for filing an EEOC charge because he was no longer an

employee. Reed terminated Ferguson in October 2020—nearly six months before

Ferguson filed the EEOC charge of discrimination. Thus, Ferguson’s protected activity

occurred after his MPD employment ended. Accordingly, Reed’s decision to terminate

Ferguson could not have been based on Ferguson’s EEOC charge of discrimination. See

Johnson v. Booker T. Washington Broad. Serv., Inc., 234 F.3d 501, 507 (11th Cir. 2000)

(protected activity that occurred after termination could not have motivated discharge).

Ferguson does not establish the requisite causal connection between his termination and

his EEOC charge of discrimination. Therefore, Ferguson’s EEOC charge of discrimination

fails to support his prima facie case of retaliation against the City.

ii. Workplace Harassment Complaint

Ferguson alleges that he was retaliated against for “fil[ing] a harassment workplace

[sic] on Chief Reaves.” (Doc. 37-1 at 72:19–22). Ferguson filed the workplace harassment

complaint in September 2020, prior to his termination.22 Ferguson must establish a

22 During Ferguson’s deposition, he alleged that he filed the workplace harassment claim on

September 25, 2020, prior to his October 2020 termination. (Doc. 37-1 at 73:4–5). Steven Hudson, a

member of City Investigations stated that Ferguson filed a complaint against Reaves on

September 30, 2020. (Doc. 37-2 at 2). Because both alleged dates occurred prior to his termination, the

purported five-day distinction does not impact the Court’s analysis. The Court will assume without

deciding for purposes of this Opinion that Ferguson filed his complaint against Reaves on

September 30, 2020.

sufficient causal link between his protected activity—filing a workplace harassment

complaint and his adverse employment action—his termination.23

Ferguson fails to establish the requisite causal connection between his termination

and his workplace harassment complaint. Ferguson filed the workplace harassment

complaint in September 2020, prior to his termination in October 2020. Ferguson argues

that this one-month gap between his workplace harassment complaint against Reaves and

his termination demonstrates that the two events were not wholly unrelated and sufficiently

establish a causal connection. (Doc. 40 at 9). Ferguson is partially correct—the one-month

period between his filing of a workplace harassment complaint and his termination is not

“too protracted” to potentially support the causal connection element of his prima facie

case. See Shotz v. City of Plantation, 344 F.3d 1161, 1180 n.30 (11th Cir. 2003) (“A period

as much as one month between the protected activity and the adverse action is not too

protracted.”). However, Ferguson’s argument skips a crucial step, he must provide

23 In Ferguson’s summary judgment response, he identifies his termination as the sole adverse employment

action at issue. (Doc. 40 at 7). However, during Ferguson’s deposition, he alleged that Reaves “retaliat[ed]

against [him], personally” and “started everything” by making a disciplinary recommendation regarding

his June 30, 2020 conduct. (Doc. 37-1 at 71:11–72:3). Reaves did not terminate Ferguson, instead she

recommended that Ferguson serve a twenty-calendar day suspension without pay. (Doc. 37-3 at 12, 18).

To the extent Ferguson argues that Reaves’ suspension recommendation constitutes an adverse employment

action—Ferguson is misguided. Adverse employment actions include actions that “affect continued

employment or pay—things like terminations, demotions, [and] suspensions without pay.” Davis v. Legal

Servs. Ala., Inc., 19 F.4th 1261, 1266 (11th Cir. 2021) (quoting Monaghan v. Worldpay US, Inc., 955 F.3d

855, 860 (11th Cir. 2020)). Here, Reaves merely recommended Ferguson serve a twenty-calendar day

suspension without pay—less than his ultimate punishment—termination. Even if Reaves’ recommended

suspension constituted an adverse employment action, Ferguson would fail to causally link his workplace

harassment claim to Reaves’ recommended suspension. Reaves recommended Ferguson’s suspension on

August 11, 2020, one month before Ferguson filed his workplace harassment claim in September 2020.

Thus, Ferguson’s purported protected activity occurred after Reaves’ decision to recommend a twenty-

calendar day suspension. See Johnson, 234 F.3d at 507 (protected activity that occurred after termination

could not have motivated discharge). Because Ferguson’s alleged protected activity occurred after Reaves’

decision to recommend a suspension, he has not established that the two events are causally connected.

sufficient evidence that Reed became aware that Ferguson filed a workplace harassment

claim and that there was a close temporal proximity between this awareness and the

adverse action. See Martin, 959 F.3d at 1053–54 (explaining “a decision maker cannot

have been motivated to retaliate by something unknown to him, whether or not the two

events happened close in time.”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); see also

Matamoros v. Broward Sheriff’s Off., 2 F.4th 1329, 1336 (11th Cir. 2021) (analyzing a

Florida Civil Rights Act retaliation claim noting “[a] plaintiff makes this showing if she

provides sufficient evidence that the decisionmaker became aware of the protected conduct

and that there was a close temporal proximity between this awareness and the adverse

action.”). Indeed, on this record, there is no evidence that the relevant decisionmaker,

Reed, knew of Ferguson’s protected activity so his termination was not retaliation for it.

Matamoros, 2 F.4th at 1337.

Because Ferguson fails to provide record evidence that Reed was aware of his

workplace harassment complaint prior to his decision to terminate him, Ferguson fails to

show the two events were casually connected. Therefore, Ferguson fails to support his

prima facie retaliation claim regarding his workplace harassment complaint.

iii. Informal Complaint Against Reaves

Finally, Ferguson alleges that he was retaliated against “after [Ferguson] made it

clear that he felt that Reaves was targeting him for investigations due to his race.” (Doc. 40

at 3, 9) (emphasis added). Although Ferguson does not elaborate—the Court surmises that

Ferguson contends he informed Reed that Reaves was targeting him for investigations.

Ferguson must establish a sufficient causal link between his protected activity—levying an

informal complaint against Reaves and his adverse employment action—his termination.

Under McDonnell Douglas’ burden-shifting framework, Ferguson bears the burden

to establish the causal link element of a prima facie retaliation claim that Reed was aware

of Ferguson’s informal complaints before his decision to terminate Ferguson. Ferguson

fails to meet his burden.

Ferguson points to no record evidence that Reed was informed by Ferguson, or

anyone else, that Reaves targeted him for investigations. The totality of Ferguson’s

evidence in support of his claim that Reed was aware that Reaves targeted Ferguson is

contained within his summary judgment response. Therein, Ferguson alleged that he was

terminated “after [he] made it clear that he felt that Reaves was targeting him for

investigations due to his race.” (Id.). Ferguson did not testify during his deposition that he

or anyone else informed Reed that Reaves targeted him for investigations. See generally

(doc. 37-1).

Contrastingly, the City proffers evidence that Reed was unaware of Ferguson’s

relationship with Reaves. When asked during his deposition whether “Re[a]ves brought

attention to Ferguson because of his race? [Reed responded] “No, I never heard that.”24

(Doc. 37-4 at 55:1–3). Later, Reed was asked if he knew “of any animosity that Re[a]ves

has against Antavione Ferguson[,]” Reed replied, “[n]o, I do not.” (Id. at 55:4–6).

Tellingly, Reed testified that he “d[id not] recall talking to Re[a]ves” regarding Ferguson’s

24 Reed’s deposition transcript incorrectly spells Reaves’ name as “Reeves.” (See, e.g., doc. 37-4 at 55:1–

6).

case. (Id. at 54:5–7). Specifically, Ferguson has not shown that Reed was aware of any

complaints regarding Reaves. Ferguson does not allege when Reed was informed, how

Reed was informed, or by what means Reed was informed of any complaints regarding

Reaves. Even presuming a close temporal proximity between Ferguson’s complaints

regarding Reaves and his termination, Ferguson would still be unable to avoid summary

judgment because a “decision maker cannot have been motivated to retaliate by something

unknown to him.” Martin v, 959 F.3d at 1054 (citing Brungart v. BellSouth Telecomms.,

Inc., 231 F.3d 791, 799 (11th Cir. 2000)). Ferguson fails to establish a sufficient causal

connection between his termination and his (1) EEOC charge of discrimination; (2)

workplace harassment complaint; or (3) informal complaint against Reaves. Therefore,

Ferguson has failed to support a prima facie case of retaliation under the McDonnell

Douglas framework.25

2. Convincing Mosaic Analysis

The McDonnell Douglas framework is not the only way to prove retaliation; instead,

Ferguson may prove retaliation with “any circumstantial evidence that creates a reasonable

inference of retaliatory intent[,]” sometimes referred to as a “convincing mosaic.” Berry,

84 F.4th at 1310–11. Much like the Court’s previous convincing mosaic analysis regarding

Ferguson’s unlawful discrimination claim in Section V.A.2, the Court may consider

“evidence of suspicious timing, ambiguous statements, or other information from which

25 Because the Court finds that Ferguson failed to establish a causal connection between his protected

activity and his termination, the Court pretermits discussion regarding whether the City provided legitimate

reasons to negate an inference of retaliation.

unlawful intent may be inferred; evidence of systematically better treatment of similarly

situated employees; or evidence that the employer’s justification for its action is

pretextual.” Id. at 1311.

The entirety of Ferguson’s summary judgment briefing contains one specific

allegation regarding retaliation—that Ferguson “was fired by Reed . . . after [Ferguson]

made it clear that he felt that Reaves was targeting him for investigations due to his race.”

(Doc. 40 at 3, 9). Ferguson is not “limited in the kinds of circumstantial evidence [he] may

present.” Berry, 84 F.4th at 1311. The Court should evaluate Ferguson’s circumstantial

evidence, “no matter how [Ferguson] present[ed] [it]” and determine “whether the

evidence permits a reasonable factfinder to find that the [City] retaliated against

[Ferguson].” Id. The Court will now evaluate Ferguson’s circumstantial evidence with an

eye toward inferences of retaliation.

As previously discussed in the context of Ferguson’s unlawful discrimination

claim—Ferguson fails to rebut the legitimate reasons for his termination. See supra Section

V.A.1.b. Ferguson’s summary judgment response (doc. 40) does not provide any analysis

that the legitimate reasons for his termination are pretext. Ferguson does not rebut the City

and fails to address the City’s proffered reasons “head on.” Berry, 84 F.4th at 1308–09

(citing Patterson, 38 F.4th at 1352). Thus, Ferguson fails to “prove that the [City’s]

reason[s] ‘w[ere] false’ and that ‘retaliation was the real reason.’” Id. at 1308 (citing

Patterson, 38 F.4th at 1352).

Ferguson failed to specifically reference circumstantial evidence regarding his

retaliation claims, so the Court is left to borrow from its own convincing mosaic analysis

on the discrimination claim. The record contains three pieces of evidence from which

Ferguson could potentially craft a convincing mosaic: (1) Reaves’ general dislike for

Ferguson (doc. 37-1 at 87:12–88:7); (2) MPD’s investigation regarding allegations that

MPD officers were employed as off-duty police officers without approval (see doc. 37-2

at 2); and (3) MPD’s alleged policy change regarding use of force following Ferguson’s

termination (doc. 37-5 at 271:6–23).

The Court reiterates its finding that Ferguson failed to provide evidence sufficient

to show that Reaves’ alleged bias was imputed to Reed, such that Reed was made aware

and endorsed Reaves’ alleged improper motives. Ferguson failed to show that the MPD

investigation into off-duty police officers evidenced retaliation, as Ferguson presented no

evidence that Reed was aware of the investigation or that it affected his disciplinary

proceedings. Ferguson did not point to record evidence to suggest that the City’s ultimate

decisionmaker, Reed, was aware of the investigation prior to his termination. Ferguson

himself concedes that he was terminated prior to the investigation’s completion. (Doc. 37-

1 at 122:9–14). Finally, any alleged change in the MPD use of force policy following

Ferguson’s termination is speculative at best.

At bottom, Ferguson’s claim of unlawful retaliation meets the same fate as his

unlawful discrimination claim. The circumstantial evidence cited by Ferguson—viewed

in the light most favorable to him—does not create a reasonable inference of intentional

retaliation. Therefore, because Ferguson failed to establish a prima facie case of retaliation

under McDonnell Douglas, or a convincing mosaic of circumstantial evidence to allow a

reasonable jury to find unlawful retaliation, the City’s motion for summary judgment is

due to be GRANTED on Ferguson’s retaliation claim.

VI. CONCLUSION

For the reasons stated, it is

ORDERED that the City’s motion for summary judgment (doc. 36) is GRANTED.

A separate and final judgment will be entered.

DONE this 10th day of December, 2024.

/s/ Emily C. Marks

EMILY C. MARKS

CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE