NFL Films, the official production arm of the National Football League, was accused of keeping an unlimited database of lewd material that lingered on the cheerleaders’ breasts and buttocks, in keeping with the bomb suit.
Victoria Russell, an HR worker fired last 12 months by NFL Films, exposed “sexualized and offensive descriptions of women” in a discrimination lawsuit against the NFL in Latest Jersey in January, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
The lawsuit alleges that NFL Films – which has boosted the league’s popularity with famous phrases akin to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field – used timestamps to catalog clips that included “cheerleader buttocks, cheerleader ass, bikini fans, naughty camera work, cheerleader breast close-up” , shot of the cleavage and shot of the endowed woman.”
The league responded that the footage was classified as “sensitive”, so the videos were never re-aired.
“NFL Films records and stores every frame of footage shot by its cinematographers, independent camera operators and broadcast networks,” NFL chief spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Post.
“This material inevitably accommodates images of fans, cheerleaders, and even players that might not be suitable for inclusion in content produced by NFL Films.”
McCarthy added: “These frames are registered as ‘sensitive’ to be taken out of circulation, which suggests they may not be available to staff who’re tasked with locating material for production.”
“SM. Russell had no credentials for the login system, nor did any aspect of her responsibilities involve access to the footage,” McCarthy said.
The Post asked for a comment from Russell’s attorney.
Russell, who’s black, was hired by NFL Films in 2018. In its legal filing, it claims that the NFL’s corporate offices are full of “spreading misconduct against women, especially women of color.”
She claims she was denied “promotion opportunities and pay raises” despite her “excellent performance and despite taking up extra work”, in keeping with the file.
When she finally got promoted, Russell received a pay raise of just $1.18 an hour, in keeping with court records.
The League also refused to supply Russell with “a everlasting place to work in its offices, a privilege granted to virtually every white and male worker, including interns, contractors, and part-time employees,” in keeping with court records.
Russell claims that when she complained to Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s director of diversity, she was fired, in keeping with court records. Her last day of NFL employment was April 8, 2022, in keeping with court documents.
“We’re committed to providing all employees with a workplace that’s respectful, diverse, inclusive and free from discrimination and harassment,” McCarthy told The Post.
“We try to supply all members of the NFL with the chance to thrive with equal access to growth, development and opportunity.”
“Consistent with this commitment, the NFL didn’t discriminate against or retaliate against Ms. Russell during her temporary employment,” McCarthy added.
“We are going to vigorously defend against these claims.”
Atrium Staffing, the employment agency that “coordinated Russell’s NFL contract renewal”, was named as a defendant within the lawsuit.
The Post asked for comment from Atrium Staffing.
NFL Films, headquartered in Mt. Laurel Township, Latest Jersey was founded within the mid-Sixties by the late Ed Sabol. Her feature movies and documentaries—including distinctive slow-motion re-runs, dramatic musical scores, and real-game sounds from players and coaches—have helped to bolster the league’s image.
Sabol’s son, the late Steve Sabol, is credited because the creative driving force behind NFL Films. The Sabols are the third father-son duo to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The NFL has been affected by several racial and gender discrimination lawsuits and claims in recent times.
Last February, it emerged that the Dallas Cowboys had paid a $2.4 million confidential settlement to 4 members of the Dallas Cowgirls cheerleading squad who claimed a member of the team had engaged in voyeurism. The settlement was concluded in May 2016.
Brian Flores, a black assistant coach who was fired as head coach by the Miami Dolphins, filed a lawsuit last 12 months against the NFL and three teams – the Dolphins, the Latest York Giants and the Denver Broncos.
Flores claims in a category motion lawsuit that the league discriminated against him during coaching interviews.
The Giants responded to the lawsuit by saying they were “satisfied and confident” with the recruiting process, which earned them Brian Daboll, recently crowned AP Coach of the 12 months in 2022.
The Broncos and Dolphins denied Flores’ allegations. The lawsuit stays pending the courtS.
In October 2021, members of the Washington Commanders cheerleading squad demanded that the NFL release the outcomes of an investigation into allegations that coaches shared inappropriate photos of some members via email.
Last 12 months, six former team employees alleged that owner Dan Snyder instructed the team’s video department to place together an sexually suggestive video of cheerleaders baring their private areas.
A recent report released by Congress claimed that Snyder presided over a “toxic work culture” for greater than 20 years. Snyder is currently in the method of in search of a buyer for the franchise, which Forbes appreciated at $5.6 billion.
The outcomes of the NFL’s toxic workplace investigation have yet to be released.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his supporters say the league’s owners colluded to maintain him from skilled football after he made the famous kneeling gesture before the national anthem.
Kaepernick has been out of the NFL since 2017.