NFL Cheerleading Scandal

by Kaylee Workman

The NFL otherwise known as the National Football League is a big thing in the world. As any other regular football team the NFL does indeed have their cheerleaders there supporting them. But what really goes on behind the scenes. Is it all good as it seems? Or do the cheerleaders put on a fake smile and do what they need to do.

Thibodeaux-Fields had filed a lawsuit against the Oakland Raiders. In the same year another lawsuit from former cheerleader Maria Pinzonefor the Buffalo Bill. From a very young age Lacy had dreamed of becoming a long-term cheerleader for a big football team. She had cheered-dance for the Golden state warriors in the NBA. Once she had discovered that NFL salary was no where close to what they were getting paid in the NBA. It is the same job, but came with different money with no solid reason In her interview with CNN she said “I am a very big fan of cheering for both seasons”(Church 4 CNN). Once she stepped into the big leagues of football and became a member of the raiderettes her world was turned. “In 2014 Lacy Thibodeaux-Fields had decided enough was enough. She had been the first to ever speak out against this issue. The lawsuit that had been filed was known as alleging wage theft and illegal employment practices. Of course having a lawsuit against you and being a big NFL team they had a lot to carry on their back. Early fall of 2014 in the month of September the Raiders had settled on 1.25 million dollars owing the cheerleaders their wage from 2010-2014. Lacy had also got 10,000 dollars for being the lead plaintiff. Now even though they weren't getting paid even near the amount they should, their wage was based on how many years they had been dancing and cheerleading for the team.

Maria Pinzone, former cheerleader for the Buffalo Bills has had an ongoing case since 2014 when the case was opened up. Nothing about Maria’s case had been out to the public yet since the Bills have been silent throughout the whole lawsuit. Since 2014 it has been an up and running question how they will get more people to talk about this situation. PBS and released a documentary “A Woman's Work” which has been streamed for free through PBS.com. CNN had interviewed the girls but are still waiting for a statement from both NFL teams.

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