Case Name: In the Matter of National Basketball Association, Respondent, v. New York State Division of Human Rights, on Complaint of Manny Sokolofsky, Also Known as Manny Sokol, Appellant
Court: New York Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1986-06-10
Citations: 68 N.Y.2d 644
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of National Basketball Association, Respondent, v New York State Division of Human Rights, on Complaint of Manny Sokolofsky, Also Known as Manny Sokol, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: New York Reports
Volume: 68
Pages: 644–647

Head Matter:
In the Matter of National Basketball Association, Respondent, v New York State Division of Human Rights, on Complaint of Manny Sokolofsky, Also Known as Manny Sokol, Appellant.
Decided June 10, 1986
APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
Robert M. Kerrigan for appellant.
Howard L. Ganz for respondent.

Opinion:
OPINION OF THE COURT
On review of submissions pursuant to section 500.4 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals (22 NYCRR 500.4), order affirmed, with costs. We agree with the Appellate Division that under the circumstances of this case complainant did not establish prima facie "that he was physically fit to fully perform as a professional basketball referee". Although a doctor's report which does not give the basis of his opinion is admissible (CPLR 4515) and such a report in affirmation form (CPLR 2106) may constitute substantial evidence even though the doctor is not called by complainant (People ex rel. Vega v Smith, 66 NY2d 130, 139-140; Matter of Eagle v Paterson, 57 NY2d 831), the affirmation of Dr. Unger submitted by complainant was received by the Administrative Law Judge under the limitation that it "would not establish any ultimate fact by itself'. In light of that ruling, petitioner cannot be faulted for not requesting that the doctor be called as a witness (CPLR 4515; State Administrative Procedure Act § 304; Matter of Eagle v Paterson, supra) so that he could be cross-examined.
Concur: Chief Judge Wachtler and Judges Meyer, Simons, Alexander, Titone and Hancock, Jr. Taking no part: Judge Kaye.