MATTER OF NAT'L BASKETBALL ASS'N v. New York State Div. of Human Rights

68 N.Y.2d 644 (1986)

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 of Appeals of the State of New York.

Decided June 10, 1986.

Robert M. Kerrigan for appellant.

Howard L. Ganz for respondent.

Concur: Chief Judge WACHTLER and Judges MEYER, SIMONS, ALEXANDER, TITONE and HANCOCK, JR. Taking no part: Judge KAYE.

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 N.Y.2d 130, 139-140; Matter of Eagle v Paterson, 57 N.Y.2d 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.