Rollins v. Cone Distributing, Inc.

Twanetta Rollins (plaintiff) worked for Cone Distributing, Inc. (defendant) as a probationary employee. Cone supervisors said Rollins was difficult and did not train well and terminated her employment after 45 days. Rollins sued, alleging gender discrimination and retaliation. In discovery, Rollins deposed eight Cone employees, including its administrative vice-president, who described Rollins’s difficulties and the decision to fire her. Cone also produced the personnel files of three male employees Rollins identified as possibly receiving better treatment than her. Rollins nonetheless sought additional discovery, including a second deposition of the vice-president, who Rollins claimed was unprepared to answer questions about her termination during his first deposition, and the personnel file of every employee who had ever held Rollins’s position. Rollins also asked Cone interrogatories about why she was fired and to provide related documents, including notes taken at a specific meeting, and any internal employment discrimination policies or procedures she could have used. Except for the meeting notes, the trial court denied Rollins’s requests, reasoning that they exceeded the needs of the case and duplicated discovery already provided. The trial court concluded that Rollins could not prove Cone’s explanations for her termination merely pretextual and granted Cone summary judgment. Rollins appealed, arguing the trial court should have compelled the additional discovery.