On Thursday, New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a joint investigation into the NFL amid “allegations of employment discrimination and a hostile work environment,” according to a press release. James and Bonta have issued subpoenas to the NFL as they search for more information.
New York, California Launch Investigations of NFL Discrimination Claims
New York and California’s joint investigation will “examine the workplace culture of the NFL and allegations made by former employees, including potential violations of federal and state pay equity laws and anti-discrimination laws,” per a statement from the Attorney Generals.
“No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or abuse in the workplace,” said Attorney General James. “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,” said 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.”
In Feb. 2022, the New York Times reported on dozens of female employees who described allegations of discrimination and harassment in the NFL and alleged they had faced retaliation after reporting complaints to the league’s human resources department.
Female employees described “unwanted touching from male bosses, attending parties where prostitutes were hired, facing unfair criticism based on stereotypes, being passed over for promotions based on their gender, and being pushed out for complaining about discrimination.”
MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Two months later, James led a coalition of six Attorney Generals in sending a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, expressing their concerns about the league’s workplace culture.
James and Bonta also cited a recent discrimination employment lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by a former female manager who alleged “pervasive sexism” in the workplace that eventually led to her being laid off, as well as a 2018 settlement between the NFL and a former wardrobe stylist who alleged sexual harassment, age discrimination, and workplace retaliation, among other offenses.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, who last year said the NFL had “made great strides” but still had “more work to do,” released a statement on Thursday saying that while today’s allegations are inconsistent with the league’s values, it will cooperate with the investigation.
“The NFL is committed to ensuring all employees of the league are respected, treated fairly, and have equitable pay and access to developmental opportunities,” McCarthy said.