N.Y. AG James launches investigation into NFL workplace discrimination, harassment
The NFL is under investigation for workplace discrimination, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday.
James and her California counterpart, Rob Bonta, are investigating the league’s corporate offices after numerous women reported harassment and unequal practices during their time working for the most powerful sports league in America.
“No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or abuse in the workplace,” James said. “No matter how powerful or influential, no institution is above the law, and we will ensure the NFL is held accountable.”
The league and its 32 franchises have been accused of various forms of harassment and discrimination in the past half-decade. Most notably, Congress issued a 79-page report on how owner Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders “covered up decades of sexual misconduct.”
However, James and Bonta’s investigation does not focus on the individual franchises, but the NFL’s corporate offices. The league’s main office is on Park Ave., and it has a second office in Culver City, Calif.
In February 2022, the New York Times published an investigation that detailed harassment, discrimination and misconduct accusations from more than 30 women who had worked for the NFL.
“We all love football, but if you work there every day, you learn it is not a place you feel good about,” former employee Ramona Washington told the Times. She quit in 2018 after her complaints about racial bias went nowhere.
James and Bonta cited that article when announcing their investigation. Two months after it was published, James and five other attorneys general called out the league in a public letter.
“The NFL must do better — pink jerseys are not a replacement for equal treatment and full inclusion of women in the workplace,” they wrote. “Our offices will use the full weight of our authority to investigate and prosecute allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation by employers … including at the National Football League.”
The league responded to Thursday’s announcement by saying it would cooperate but “NFL offices are places where employees of all genders, races and backgrounds thrive.”
James and Bonta also cited lawsuits by ex-NFL employees who accused the league of racial discrimination and sexual harassment.
“California will not tolerate any form of discrimination,” Bonta said. “No company is too big or popular to avoid being held responsible for their actions.”
With News Wire Services
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