Arguing DraftKings has relied on “unnecessary character assassination” amid a plot to “instill fear” in employees “looking to jump ship,” former DraftKings executive Michael Hermalyn urged a federal judge in Boston Thursday to deny DraftKings’ motion for a preliminary injunction that would bar Hermalyn from working for rival Fanatics.

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Hermalyn joined Fanatics two months ago as president of Fanatics VIP and head of the company’s Los Angeles office. He reports directly to Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin and describes the position as a “unique, career-advancing opportunity.”

Hermalyn’s brief in opposition to DraftKings’ motion rebukes his former employer’s portrayal of Hermalyn as misappropriating sensitive materials. The case centers in part on whether California law or Massachusetts law applies to a noncompete agreement Hermalyn signed with DraftKings, for whom he was employed from 2020 to 2024.