The CEO for one of the nation's leading catering services for sports venues, including Bryant-Denny Stadium, is fighting for his job after a security camera caught him abusing a dog in an elevator.

Des Hague, CEO of Centerplate, is seen kicking a Doberman puppy and yanking its chain violently as he takes an elevator ride in Vancouver earlier this summer. The video was recently released and has caused a firestorm of disgust and anger across the internet. Hague issued a statement through his attorney a few days ago.

I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed… a minor frustration with a friend’s pet caused me to lose control of my emotional response… I would like to extend my apology to my family, company and clients, as I understand that this has also reflected negatively on them.

Centerplate, a Connecticut-based concessions company, has contracts with some of the biggest sports venues in the country. Along with a number of NFL stadiums, the company also boasts relationships with college football powers Alabama and Notre Dame and have provided hospitality services at the Super Bowl, BCS Championship, and Final Four.

The company has received a number of boycotting threats from fans around the country and it released this statement in response to the despicable incident:

This is a personal matter involving Des Hague. Centerplate does not condone the mistreatment of animals, and since learning about the situation late Friday night, have reached out to local authorities to better understand the facts and circumstances related to the incident. As this is an ongoing review, we cannot comment further at this time.

It remains to be seen what will happen to Hague's future with Centerplate, but you'd hope to see more than just a statement from the company.

UPDATE: Centerplate's Board of Directors handed down a punishment to Hague after an internal meeting:

Mr. Hague will be given a written censure by the Board whereby he will be placed on indefinite probation stating that any further acts of misconduct would result in immediate termination.

As a condition of his continued employment with Centerplate, Mr. Hague will be personally donating $100,000.00 USD which will be donated towards the establishment of the Sade Foundation in honor of the dog he mistreated in the elevator to help support the protection and safety of animals in the city of Vancouver where the incident occurred.

You can read the full statement here:

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