There has been a lot of investigations into the NFL as of late. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores sued the league over what he called "racist hiring practices". Meanwhile, the situation that led to the sale of the Washington Commanders was so bad that it led to a Congressional investigation. While the league has suffered a variety of legal setbacks over the years, their contemporary troubles seem especially bad.
But once again, the league has been placed under a negative spotlight. Attorneys General Letitia James of New York and Rob Bonta of California have announced a joint investigation into the league. The investigation seeks information regarding allegations of gender pay disparities, harassment, and gender and racial discrimination.
NFL Investigated By Multiple States
The investigation is targeting the NFL as an entity, rather than specific teams. Attorneys General James and Bonta cited a 2022 New York Times article as part of their reasoning for the investigation. The article in question detailed allegations of gender discrimination from over 30 former female employees of the NFL. "No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or objectification in the workplace," James said in a statement. Bonta also said he and James have "serious concerns about the NFL's role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment."
In response, the NFL has announced that it will cooperate with the investigation. However, the league has also called the allegations "entirely inconsistent with the NFL's values and practices." This sentiment was further supported by a statement released by the NFL. "The NFL offices are places where employees of all genders, races and backgrounds thrive. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form," the statement read in part. A multi-state investigation into the NFL at this level is an unprecedented move. However, with claims and accusations mounting against the NFL, it feels that this is the inevitable result of the dam bursting.
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