New York, California Launch Probe of NFL, Citing Allegations of Harassment, Discrimination
New York Times report that cited more than 30 women who worked for the league who described “a stifling, deeply ingrained corporate culture that demoralized some female employees, drove some to quit in frustration and left many feeling brushed aside.”James and six other state’s attorneys general sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to express concerns about that report and called on the league to address allegations of workplace inequity, the AG’s announcement said.
The NFL said it responded to that letter and was apparently surprised at the escalated investigation. “We outlined many of the policies, practices, education programs and partnerships we have implemented to act on this commitment and invited the state attorneys general to meet and discuss our efforts in these areas,” the statement said. “We received no further communication from any of the attorneys general before today’s announcement.”Beyond the reporting, the attorneys general also pointed to an employment discrimination lawsuit filed last month in Los Angeles, in which a former director for NFL Enterprises sued over age and gender discrimination, along with other suits alleging racial discrimination against a Black female employee and a sexual harassment complaint from a female wardrobe stylist, “among others.”In 2022, the congressional Committee on Oversight and Reform probed allegations of workplace misconduct by then-owner of the Washington Commanders, Daniel Snyder.
The investigation found that the the owner established a “culture of fear” within the team and attempted to interfere with the probe.
