LOS ANGELES (KNX) - The California and New York Attorneys General are investigating the National Football League over numerous allegations of sexual harassment and gender and racial discrimination.
“California will not tolerate any form of discrimination,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. “We have serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment. No company is too big or popular to avoid being held responsible for their actions.”
Some NFL employees say they were passed over for promotions or paid less because of their race or gender, and were retaliated against if they complained, KNX News’ Emily Valdez reports.
“It’s really frightening to them at first, because they’re afraid of retaliation if they protest discrimination, and they are afraid of blackballing, not being able to get another job,” said Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred, who has represented numerous former NFL employees in civil cases against the league.
Allred said she’s “not surprised,” but “very pleased” about the joint investigation.
Last year, the NFL was the subject of a year-long Congressional investigation, which found that Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder created a “culture of fear” within the organization. The House’s report called for reform, but some workers say the discrimination is still happening.
“It’s important that government, which has resources to investigate thousands of complaints, actually acts to make sure that employees’ rights are being protected in the workplace,” Allred said.
The NFL employs more than 1000 people, many of whom work at the league’s West Coast headquarters in Inglewood.
KNX reached out to the NFL for comment, but has not received a response.
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