The attorneys general of New York and California announced Thursday that they are investigating allegations of workplace discrimination in the NFL, citing lawsuits filed by employees who describe sex, race and age bias, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment.
Attorneys General Letitia James, of New York, and Rob Bonta, of California, said they issued subpoenas to NFL executives as part of an investigation into the workplace culture at the league’s corporate offices in both. you state.
The officials, both Democrats, said they used their legal authority to seek information from the NFL about allegations of gender pay disparities, harassment, and gender and racial discrimination.
The investigation focused on the league’s corporate offices, not specific teams or players.
“No person should have to suffer harassment, discrimination, or harassment in the workplace,” James said in a statement. Bonta said he and James have “serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an increasingly hostile and destructive work environment.”
The league said it would cooperate with the investigation but called the allegations “completely inconsistent with the values and practices of the NFL.”
“NFL offices are places where employees of all genders, races and backgrounds thrive. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form,” league officials said in a statement.
James and Bonta cited 2022 New York Times story detailing allegations of gender discrimination by more than 30 former female NFL employees.
The women described a sexist culture in the NFL that they say persists despite promises of reform made by Commissioner Roger Goodell following the release of a 2014 video showing the Baltimore Ravens running back. Ray Rice punched his fiancee.