Feb 03, 2009 - 05:30 PM

By Stefanie Swinson

OSHAWA -- The boy who was banned from working on Rogers TV broadcasts at the General Motors Centre and his father handed out flyers before last Sunday's Oshawa Generals game that read, "Global Spectrum is unfair! I support Billy Steele!"

Billy Steele, 17, and his father, Bill, held a protest outside the GMC to highlight what they feel is unfair treatment on the part of Global Spectrum, the management company hired by the City of Oshawa to operate the GMC. Mr. Steele has filed a Human Rights complaint alleging workplace discrimination over Billy's dismissal from working inside the GMC on the OHL TV broadcasts.

Billy made headlines recently when he was banned by Global Spectrum from working on Rogers TV broadcasts of Ontario Hockey League games after he spoke to hockey icon Don Cherry during Top Prospects events at the GMC on Jan. 14.

This past Sunday, the Steeles were spectators at the Oshawa Generals-Kitchener Rangers game, but not before they handed out the flyers.

"The support we got at the protest was overwhelming," said Mr. Steele.

"People offered to stop going to games, give up their season tickets and boycott future events until Billy is reinstated."

Billy maintains he didn't break any rules by talking to Mr. Cherry.

"I was never told I wasn't allowed to talk to him," Billy said. "He was such a nice guy."

Billy was on break from his duties as a volunteer cameraman for Rogers TV when he met his idol.

He said he was told by Rogers he had been reassigned to work on other sporting events the day after his chat with Mr. Cherry.

"We have rules and regulations set up for the safety of our patrons, athletes and stars," said Global Spectrum spokesman Ike Richman from his office in Philadelphia.

"We've talked to him (Billy) numerous times and this young man seems to not want to adhere to procedures."

Julie Henson, director of creative services for Rogers TV, said Rogers doesn't have any written policy on speaking to celebrities.

"Common sense applies when you're on a production crew," Ms. Henson said. "They should stick to the task at hand."

Meanwhile, Billy said he's being picked on by the company just for being a spectator at Oshawa Generals games.

Billy said a sign he brought to a Jan. 25 game was ripped up by security personnel.

His father is suing Global Spectrum and the City of Oshawa for $100,000 over the sign being torn up.

"We have decided that any money gained from legal action will be donated to the Humane Society of Durham Region," Mr. Steele said.

"Billy put in many hours volunteering there last year before the fire. He loved the experience and he wants to give back to the community."