The lawyer representing two former NFL cheerleaders who filed discrimination claims against the league has an interesting settlement offer: If the two women can have a four-hour, “good faith” meeting with Commissioner Roger Goodell and league lawyers, they will both settle all claims for $1 each. The settlement proposal requests that the league meet with at least four cheerleaders to “prepare a set of binding rules and regulations which apply to all NFL teams,” according to The New York Times. It would also prohibit any team that has a cheerleading squad from disbanding it for at least five years. This would prevent the teams from shutting down the team as a form of retaliation against women who raised the workplace issues. According to The Times, the proposal was crafted and sent by Sara Blackwell, a Florida lawyer who represents the former Saints cheerleader Bailey Davis and the former Dolphins cheerleader Kristan Ware, both of whom recently filed complaints of gender discrimination. Blackwell requested a response by May 4.
“We’re not asking them to admit fault, or to admit guilt, or even admit that there is anything wrong,” Ms. Blackwell said in a phone interview with The Times. “But if they do want and expect that cheerleaders should have a fair working environment, as they have stated, then it doesn’t make any common sense why the answer would be no.”
Dozens of current and former cheerleaders have come forward recently to talk detail the indignities of their jobs, including sexual harassment from fans, extremely low pay and long hours, and strict rules that cover everything from appearance to social media use that do not apply to anyone else, including players, in the league.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
