Legal Question in Employment Law in Virginia

I just quit work as seasonal at a well-known game store. On Monday, I saw a co-worker (we'll call him Co-worker A) who told me I needed to talk to my manager, that another co-worker (B) had talked to a customer who was alleged to have said that I was going to sell him "my ps4" (the latest Sony system). I don't own one, in fact everyone knows I was excited about being able to buy one from the store soon. What's more, co-worker B has been stirring up trouble for others as well, co-worker A suggests, and she has been cozying up to the manager, bringing him meals and the like. I called and my manager said he would talk to me about it when I came in on Saturday.
The customer, who happens to be a friend of mine, was in fact buying some games from the store before picking me up. He had never been to my roommate's and my house. We returned, and we had a pleasant evening watching movies and playing games. He did end up buying a ps3, but not from me. That was on a Sunday.
Wednesday I went in to buy the ps4, and an unrelated Supervisor (C) asked me what happened over the weekend. I say nothing, you tell me. He states again that according to an un-named coworker (B), I was gonna buy and sell the ps4 at a profit.
My supervisor simple stated to be careful. At this point, I'm angry that my honesty and integrity are being put under fire.
Friday I go get my paycheck, the manager is there. He pulls me in the back, asks me what I sold. I told him nothing. He insists it is a conflict of interest because my associate came into the store. I can't see how, he wanted to buy games. My manager tells me not to say things like that because it comes off as sarcasm. I apologize, but disagree. I was serious. He tells me that such behavior is means for immediate termination, but I may come in tomorrow.
Later I decided not to come in. I would feel uncomfortable and provoked whether I was or not. Firstly, is it not defamation since nearly all my coworkers heard about this? Secondly, the manager wasn't there, he seems to be taking the word of coworker B with no evidence of wrongdoing. He further suggested that things have been going missing and it made him wonder at my innocence, though I have time and again shown an honest nature.
I want to call the district manager, but I've heard that this manager has been in trouble before and he had someone covering his back higher up the chain of command.
Many of my other coworkers are unhappy with him as well, and I would like for this not to happen to anyone else at this store. What can I do?

Asked on 1/04/14, 8:47 pm

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

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So, what's all the hullabaloo about? I see nothing wrong with this company's employees selling its products which they themselves have

purchased and paid for to whomever they like and at whatever price

they like as long as such transactions do not take place on the store's premises.

And, no, I do not see any sustainable claim for defamation arising out of this

particular hullabaloo as described.

Answered on 1/05/14, 8:45 am

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