The NFL is facing hostile workplace allegations
The GIST: Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but the NFL is facing hostile workplace allegations. The Attorneys General (AG) of New York and California announced yesterday that they’re investigating claims of workplace discrimination at the league, including sex, race, and age bias and sexual harassment.
The details: The investigation focuses on the league’s corporate offices — which are based in New York and California — not specific teams. New York AG Letitia James and California AG Rob Bonta issued subpoenas to NFL execs, with James saying, “no matter how powerful or influential, no organization is above the law.” Preach.
The history: Both AGs cited a 2022 New York Times report detailing allegations of gender discrimination from more than 30 female former NFL employees, and the retaliation they faced for voicing those complaints.
- That story prompted AGs from six states (including NY) to urge the NFL to take “swift action” to address these problems, but yesterday’s announcement claims that the league has not taken sufficient steps to do so.
The trend: While the joint investigation is unprecedented, the NFL and its teams are no strangers to legal troubles. Last year, fired Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores launched a game-changing federal lawsuit against the league and three teams over alleged racist hiring practices.
- And we can’t forget disgraced, soon-to-be former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder, who, along with the league and commissioner Roger Goodell, faced a lawsuit from the D.C. AG for colluding to deceive fans. We’re sensing a pattern…
