Attorneys general from opposite sides of the country announced this week that they are investigating the National Football League due to complaints from female employees.
“No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or abuse in the workplace,” said Attorney General Letitia James of New York. “No matter how powerful or influential, no institution is above the law, and we will ensure the NFL is held accountable.”
“California will not tolerate any form of discrimination,” according to Attorney General Bonta. “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.”
James and Bonta launched the joint investigation Thursday.
According to James’ office, the NFL has offices in both states “with more than 1,000 employees.”
A history of workplace allegations against the league provided by James and Bonta mentioned a report in The New York Times from early last year. That report said 30 former female NFL employees alleged gender discrimination and retaliation after they had filed complaints with human resources.
Last April, James and other attorneys general sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the allegations.
Next, James and Bonta cited a story carried by Audacy’s KNX News about Jennifer Love, a former director for NFL Enterprises LLC, who sued the organization for age and gender discrimination last month. She alleged that there was a “boys club” mentality among her male peers.
“Additional lawsuits filed against the NFL pertain to race discrimination targeting a Black female employee and sexual harassment of a female wardrobe stylist, among others,” said James’ office. “Last year, the United States Congressional Committee on Oversight and Reform initiated a congressional inquiry into allegations of workplace misconduct by an NFL team owner. The Committee held oversight hearings to determine the magnitude of the situation, including the role played by NFL leadership, and included calls for reform in its report.”
Now, both James and Bonta are concerned that the NFL has not properly addressed the allegations.
According to The New York Times, the league said Thursday that it intended to “fully cooperate with the attorneys general,” in their investigation. It also said “these allegations are entirely inconsistent with the N.F.L.’s values and practices” and that it does not “tolerate discrimination in any form.”
Related
Related
