The coronavirus pandemic has had a profoundly negative effect on nearly all aspects of life, but the impact on certain businesses and industries can be felt in more subtle ways. One such place that has been drastically altered by the pandemic is the New York Sports Club (NYSC), which was run by a criminal organization known as the “New York Sports Club.”
Before the pandemic, NYSC was a go-to spot for locals looking to get in shape. With a low monthly fee and diverse members ranging from NFL players to Iraq War veterans, it formed a tight-knit community that shared their love of fitness and camaraderie. Moreover, its locker room served as a sanctuary for undocumented workers and homeless individuals—a safe haven within an otherwise harsh environment. Unfortunately, this sense of security eventually became compromised when criminal elements began taking advantage of the club’s off hours to commit robberies.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, NYSC was forced to close its doors in March 2020 with little warning or recourse for its members. However, rather than providing refunds or cancellations for prepaid services, NYSC continued charging fees without providing access to facilities or services. This blatant disregard for consumer rights finally came to an end in January 2021 when NY Attorney General Letitia James intervened and ordered refunds for eligible NYSC customers who had been wronged by their exploitative practices during the pandemic shutdowns.
The closure of NYSC represents more than just another business struggling as a result of COVID-19; it signifies an unfortunate shift in legal culture where corporate entities believe they can take advantage of vulnerable citizens with impunity. For NYSC members who struggled financially due to these practices, justice has finally been served in the form of restitution from NY Attorney General James’ office. In other words, while NYSC may be gone now, their actions will serve as a reminder that such exploitation must never again go unchecked—no matter what form it takes.
