This is another campaign by misguided liberals to end forms of employment that give participants either training or exposure in exchange for their labor. Soon liberals' "fair labor practices" campaigns will end most forms of internships (which is a fair exchange of free labor for training and connections) and next will come most forms of volunteer work. Please save us from liberals who want us to be paid more. It doesn't matter to them if we lose our jobs or our opportunities for training as a result of their "good intentions."
4
Since these cheerleaders are so underpaid, so exploited, why do they not strike or just quit. Obviously they must have other jobs or income sources. Or , perhaps there are unstated benefits: the thrill to cheerlead something grander than the local high school, a delight in the proximity of such high earning employees, the sound of the crowd and there must be more. Indeed, there must be a reason these women put up with so many deleterious details....decorating a rich man' s golf cart......tampon selection, come on now.
But of course, here in Alaska people bid to ride briefly in the basket of Iditerod racers, but then the dogs have beautiful coats and smiling faces.
But of course, here in Alaska people bid to ride briefly in the basket of Iditerod racers, but then the dogs have beautiful coats and smiling faces.
5
Words and phrases like "deserve", and "are owed" are used so loosely as to be bereft of much meaning...as in this article.
5
More generally, I'm amazed at the way very high profile and high profit sports abuse labor. Cheerleaders in the NFL are the tip of an iceberg that includes the use of volunteer labor by the NFL at the Super Bowl, by the IOC, by FIFA, virtual slave labor to build stadiums for some of these events, continued profit from the free labor of players in big time college sports...
25
They can choose or not choose that "job". They are not the only ones in society that work very hard for little or no compensation (teachers). Obviously it isn't a problem because there are plenty of women lining up to try out for these positions and what is even more overt is the fact that the NFL, fans, and most of us don't care.
8
Bob Kraft, I hope you're reading this. Shame on you if you don't pay up.
3
Why do the players need half naked young girls to cheer them up? Don't they get paid handsomely? If they need women to cheer, they should ask their wives or girl friends to provide cheering.
13
The article says "But we shouldn’t have to pass special laws and file lawsuits to get the N.F.L. to do the right thing."
Hmm. An enterprise that entertains people by letting them pay to witness the kind of violence that ruins bodies and minds. An enterprise that coerces governments into paying for its venues, but privatizes the profits? Is the concept of "do the right thing? the slightest bit meaningful to such an outfit? Certainly not.
Hmm. An enterprise that entertains people by letting them pay to witness the kind of violence that ruins bodies and minds. An enterprise that coerces governments into paying for its venues, but privatizes the profits? Is the concept of "do the right thing? the slightest bit meaningful to such an outfit? Certainly not.
15
Somehow this does not seem to be the kind of job at which one earns a living. There must be some other reason these women do it. That said, and yes they deserve to be treated fairly, why bother at all if it so onerous?
4
Roger Goodell has shown himself to be incompetent in dealing out consequences to millionaire players. Passing a league wide rule on fair pay and treatment for cheerleaders would improve his image with the public. But unless bad publicity forces him into it, he will do nothing.
I've seen at least a couple segments on those sports magazine shows. Cheerleaders have always been treated badly. But the NFL treating it's employees badly is more tradition than news. Unfortunately the only relief will come by taking each team to court. They could do themselves some good by being proactive on fairness for cheerleaders- but they won't.
I've seen at least a couple segments on those sports magazine shows. Cheerleaders have always been treated badly. But the NFL treating it's employees badly is more tradition than news. Unfortunately the only relief will come by taking each team to court. They could do themselves some good by being proactive on fairness for cheerleaders- but they won't.
5
It seems strange that the bar here is set so low as to only get cheerleaders minimum wage and employment benefits. Are they not highly trained performers? Surely they should be paid well. No one knows better than they the skills of working together. They should do that and find a union.
5
Just another example of corporations wanting labor for next to nothing...ugh. When will this mindset end in our country ?
5
If you want to get the attention of female fans, how about some male "cheerleaders"?
4
I wholeheartedly support improved workers' right and a stop to employer exploitation and heavy handed treatment.
In this case, however, the expectations - and exploitations - are pretty clear from the get-go. The reason why the women accept the abysmal conditions is the belief this gig will lead to celebrity.
In and of itself, that striving for celebrity - not honing talent or skill - is a reprehensible facet of American culture. But this is not the best example of the honest-to-goodness mistreatment of women, specifically, or workers in general.
In this case, however, the expectations - and exploitations - are pretty clear from the get-go. The reason why the women accept the abysmal conditions is the belief this gig will lead to celebrity.
In and of itself, that striving for celebrity - not honing talent or skill - is a reprehensible facet of American culture. But this is not the best example of the honest-to-goodness mistreatment of women, specifically, or workers in general.
8
... and the reason any self-respecting woman would want to be an NFL team cheerleader? I have no idea. Still, this sounds like a group who needs to unionize so they are no longer exploited.
8
Conditioning to inferior status begins at birth.
8
watching "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team", it is horrifying to see many of the " candidates" have worked their entire lives to make the squad. then the Cowboys work them hours a day under gruesome conditions for, maybe , $15. a week. A WEEK. the cheerleaders are used for Dalas Cowboys promotion year around, even if some are for " charity ", it is all Cowboys all the time. Jerry Jones no fool. this is exploitation pure and simple and it is shameful. i will say if Fineglass and Trammell ( Cheerleader bosses) had influence on the football team, Cowboys might actually get to the Super Bowl with fewer felons
6
Football season is starting. It's time for the Times to write some anti-NFL editorials and publish some anti-NFL op-eds. Fall is almost here.
A few more will be published aound the time of the Super Bowl.
Maybe they'll pull out that old disproved chestnut that domestic violence increases Super Bowl weekend. We'll see.
A few more will be published aound the time of the Super Bowl.
Maybe they'll pull out that old disproved chestnut that domestic violence increases Super Bowl weekend. We'll see.
3
Get a clue, dude. Yours is a very sexist comment and pretty much misses the point of the op-ed. This piece isn't anti-NFL. It's a call for fair compensation for an integral part of the NFL--the cheerleaders who work incredibly hard and are athletes in their own right. Paying them what amounts to less than minimum wage is criminal, and such bad behavior in an industry where the men are paid millions. Be ashamed. Be very ashamed.
10
I don't believe the Boston nanny murdered that child just after the Super Bowl a few years ago. I think the older child did it by tackling the baby, after seeing how enthusiastic his daddy had been about this practice watching the game.
2
There must be some reason why women are breaking down the doors to become 'professional' cheerleaders despite all the excellent points made in the article. Could it be that some 'jobs' have more value as a line on a resume than they do financially? When I was in a cover band back in the day we received a pittance for our efforts and even had to pay for our own drinks. Our 'paycheck' was exposure, for all the good it did. We all have the same option... if you don't like the transaction, don't make it.
16
Every nobody in show biz wants to be "discovered". That doesn't happen without visibility.
To what exposure are you referring? Where is the normal post cheerleading career path? If you were talking about women cheerleading for small town teams sponsored by the local pizza joint, I am with you. But this is the NFL-- the proverbial "making it to the big leagues". They should be compensated in line with professional dancers on late night shows-- since they are indeed professional dancers.
11
I don't understand the rationale of the people weighing in that cheerleaders should NOT be paid fairly. What skin is it off your back? The NFL has plenty of money and could easily compensate these people generously for their time and efforts representing the teams.
I like the cheerleaders! They are pretty and athletic and clearly dedicated. They are required to represent their teams in a professional manner, and their presence adds to a fun atmosphere at the games. Is it because they are sexy women that their contributions can so easily be dismissed by many NY Times commenters? Oh yes, let's all roll our eyes at the "silly bimbos" who should have chosen a different profession. What? It seems that in our society, women are judged on a very harsh standard, and can't win for trying.
I like the cheerleaders! They are pretty and athletic and clearly dedicated. They are required to represent their teams in a professional manner, and their presence adds to a fun atmosphere at the games. Is it because they are sexy women that their contributions can so easily be dismissed by many NY Times commenters? Oh yes, let's all roll our eyes at the "silly bimbos" who should have chosen a different profession. What? It seems that in our society, women are judged on a very harsh standard, and can't win for trying.
42
Until local politicians get their heads out of their hero-worshipping butts and stop providing public money for private enterprises, the NFL will remain immune to all controversies, attacks and problems. When the Pentagon pays to have the NFL "honor" our military, when the NFL and its cohorts pocket almost every dime raised by the wearing of pink Breast Cancer Awareness apparel, when a Hollywood production company is so afraid of offending the league that they alter the script for the film "Concussion," when the NFL can threaten ESPN to the point where they cancel a dramatic series that didn't portray the league in the best light, does anyone reading this honestly think they're going to alter the way they so despicably treat the cheerleaders just because they should? Their arrogance knows no bounds. Yes, it can be argued these women knew what they are getting into and made the conscious choice to do so, and that's unfortunate. But as long as millions watch, as long as millions more are willing to spend huge sums to attend games, and as long as the ratings soar, nothing's going to change.
10
I am a liberal who loves the NFL, and I attend games in person as well as watching on TV, but I totally fail to understand the purpose of the cheerleaders. They don't show them on TV, and at the games they are too far away to see for the purpose intended (which, I guess, is titillation), although they can be seen on the jumbo screens. The "cheerleaders" don't actually lead cheers, they just dance (usually poorly) to mostly-bad music, and most importantly they twirl their hair. So, why are they there? Yes, it's disturbing that the cheerleaders are paid so little, but why are they doing it at all?
11
They do promotions in malls and such to sell more tickets.
4
Not the point. It is a job. A job they are receiving borderline slave wages for- you ok with that?
5
Wow, a surprising amount of misogyny coming from NY Times readers. Let's not forget: every worker deserves a fair wage. Good luck to the NFL cheerleaders in their efforts!
18
The NFL, and its owners, did not get as wealthy as they are by being benevolent employers. Not to mention the various preferential tax breaks...
7
Cheerleaders should each get paid about $146,667 per season, which would be commensurate with Goodell making $44 million, or 300 times what a "worker" makes in America nowadays. In these days of income inequality like never before, CEO and corporate greed are manifested even in the NFL.
It's interesting to note that the NFL have given up their tax exemption status with the clear benefit to Roger and the boys of not having to publicly reveal their incomes.
It's interesting to note that the NFL have given up their tax exemption status with the clear benefit to Roger and the boys of not having to publicly reveal their incomes.
7
Uh, true..... but Im afraid the cheer leaders need to organize and demand fair treatment-
1
They're not paid because they're expendable. The NFL doesn't need them and does them a favor by giving them the exposure and professional profile by letting them prance about on the field. Sure let them organize - but then say good-bye your privileged place on the field. Now go watch the game on TV, cheerleaders. And don't forget to thank the American labor organizers for the loss of something you loved doing.
One of the interesting things about this is, reading about the rules on gaining weight, etc., I'm sure that those rules are put in place by other women involved with the squad. There's a cultural thing in society today where women put pressure on each other to look good, whether it's this or competing for who can make the best facebook cover photo.
8
Sexism today, sexism tomorrow and sexism for ever!
4
Cheerleaders, Until They See Their N.F.L. Paychecks and realize how useless and foolish they really are.
1
Do NFL cheerleaders actually lead cheers? Do crowds really respond to them, other than ogling their sexy bodies? Not in the games I have witnessed. Their function seems to be to gyrate for the benefit of boozed-up male spectators.
17
All workers, regardless of age, deserve a decent living wage. Deeming them independent contractors is a dodge, which should surprise no one, given the aroma of greed and corruption coming from the NFL.
8
"Cheerleaders for major league football teams are in it for themselves. They are exhibitionists and hope to capture the attention of a male. It is a way to get noticed and get exercise while at it. Obviously they are made aware of the lack of benefits and still choose to participate. No sympathy from me."
The next time an NFL player complains about a concussion, I'll paraphrase the above.
The next time an NFL player complains about a concussion, I'll paraphrase the above.
13
So, exactly what's your point? If they don't like the pay or conditions, they can get a job elsewhere. No one is forcing them to be cheerleaders. Just like the football players. If they don't want to die at 40 from concussion related injuries, they can do something else. They do have a college education.
9
In case you didn't actually read the article, the pay and conditions are substandard. You get paid for the work you do don't you? They should also. I liked my work as a professor, it was fun and exciting. But I did get paid for it, as I should have. These women supposedly bring value to their teams. The teams should compensate them appropriately, and provide them with decent working conditions.
Can the employer impose standards for the work, such as weight limits and other requirements that make it possible for them to do the job? I would think so. But not to pay them their fare wage? Not right.
So far as the players being able to do other jobs if they want, because they have college educations, that is an iffy proposition. Many of them in fact do not have college educations. Having been at college for a time does not mean that one benefited from the experience in the way that results in a college education.
Can the employer impose standards for the work, such as weight limits and other requirements that make it possible for them to do the job? I would think so. But not to pay them their fare wage? Not right.
So far as the players being able to do other jobs if they want, because they have college educations, that is an iffy proposition. Many of them in fact do not have college educations. Having been at college for a time does not mean that one benefited from the experience in the way that results in a college education.
4
Great idea, Tom. Let's also ditch all the worker protection laws and go back to sweat shops. Allow the free market to reign. If the workers don't like the conditions, they can quit.
5
Right on
The NFL is predicated on violence, brutishness, sexism and -- preferential tax treatment. Tax exemptions make possible the warped world of college football - a de facto farm team system at taxpayer expense - to say nothing of high school and middle school programs; we pay for stadii, public and "private", we permit deductions for "donations" that are in fact payment for better fan access; we cover the tax tab for corporate skybox owners whose lavish spending is as unrestrained as the deductions they take for "business expenses."
We also pay the medical and social costs for the broken bodies, the illegitimate children, the uneducated players and the beaten and exploited women that are considered to be part of the football scenery.
It is far, far, far past time that all access to public funds, whether in direct payments or tax preferences, was taken away from the most profitable sports business in the world.
We also pay the medical and social costs for the broken bodies, the illegitimate children, the uneducated players and the beaten and exploited women that are considered to be part of the football scenery.
It is far, far, far past time that all access to public funds, whether in direct payments or tax preferences, was taken away from the most profitable sports business in the world.
29
And a sensible woman would stay in this ridiculous job where she makes no money and is treated like garbage because......???????????
29
Show business. The prestige. The hyper-competitiveness to make it into the squad. The NFL needs to stop being greedy and get with the times!
1
She might be unable to get a better job. Lots of people have that problem. That doesn't mean she shouldn't be paid appropriately and have decent working conditions.
4
Professional cheerleading is a sport, combining elements of dance, gymnastics, calisthenics, jumping and running, and even weight-lifting (try being on the bottom of a pyramid!).
They are professional athletes. It's often argued, for such as football and baseball players, that they need to be paid those huge sums because their working lives are often very short; youth and strength are fleeting, and by 35 or 40 almost all are 'retired' if they're lucky, coaching, commentating on the media, or autographing jerseys at conventions; 'washed up' if not. The same is true of women athletes, and perhaps even more of cheerleaders, since their personal attractiveness is part of their professional equipment. Nobody cares if a baseball or football players gets a black eye, loses a few teeth, or becomes otherwise unpresentable.
(I know, as a 'good feminist', this is the point where I am supposed to disparage the value of personal physical attractiveness. Phooey on that. That's pure envy from those who had the bad luck not to be pretty and therefore overvalue beauty. Having been in my youth considered first plain, then pretty - your classic 'ugly duckling' scenario - I can tell you looks ain't everything, but ain't nothing either. I like looking at pretty girls in tight and/or scanty clothing, and I'm not apologizing for it.)
They are professional athletes. It's often argued, for such as football and baseball players, that they need to be paid those huge sums because their working lives are often very short; youth and strength are fleeting, and by 35 or 40 almost all are 'retired' if they're lucky, coaching, commentating on the media, or autographing jerseys at conventions; 'washed up' if not. The same is true of women athletes, and perhaps even more of cheerleaders, since their personal attractiveness is part of their professional equipment. Nobody cares if a baseball or football players gets a black eye, loses a few teeth, or becomes otherwise unpresentable.
(I know, as a 'good feminist', this is the point where I am supposed to disparage the value of personal physical attractiveness. Phooey on that. That's pure envy from those who had the bad luck not to be pretty and therefore overvalue beauty. Having been in my youth considered first plain, then pretty - your classic 'ugly duckling' scenario - I can tell you looks ain't everything, but ain't nothing either. I like looking at pretty girls in tight and/or scanty clothing, and I'm not apologizing for it.)
1
At a time that the NFL is trying to get more female viewers, you would think they would fix this. It is an insignificant amount of money.
25
Now, if they'd just been 'male' then they could have bankrolled that into being President, a la "W" Bush!
3
Many NFL teams don't have chearleaders. The Jets have about 40. It would be better to eliminate the squads entirely or at least reduce them down to five, which is the high school norm, rather than underpaying them. Frankly, I don't know anybody who goes to the games to see the chearleaders and the TV networks scan a couple of them as a bumper on the way to commercial. I would rather the teams drop this anachronism than to continue to exploit women.
3
I'm still thinking about Amnesty International's decision to support the legalization of prostitution and I'm still angry about it. If this is how our society treats cheerleaders can you imagine what will happen to sex workers?
1
They'll get screwed.
It's supply and demand. The NFL knows well that these cheerleaders are easily replaceable, as highly skilled and pretty as they all are. If these cheerleaders want to make more money and eat as much bread as they want, they can waitress. Or they can hit the books and become doctors. But if they want to be on TV, then this is what it takes because...in case you haven't noticed, EVERYONE wants to be on TV!!
Ms. Rozic and Ms. Gonzalez would better serve women if they were to focus on getting basic protection for the sex workers of this country.
Ms. Rozic and Ms. Gonzalez would better serve women if they were to focus on getting basic protection for the sex workers of this country.
3
Cheerleading is an apprenticeship to other jobs in film, TV, modeling or Fox News anchor.
Cheer leading is an appearance industry where looks and physique are everything.
Are there any other types of apprenticeships that garner this much national fury?
I would say, given the intense competition for the job, no.
Cheer leading is an appearance industry where looks and physique are everything.
Are there any other types of apprenticeships that garner this much national fury?
I would say, given the intense competition for the job, no.
2
'Cheerleaders, Until They See Their N.F.L. Paychecks'
Fair enough, but did the cheerleaders know this when they took the job?
'...Teams mandated specific hairstyles, nails, clothing and makeup, and strictly monitored weight...'
Should a job based *solely* on appearance hire unattractive and overweight people then?
'...insidious sexism that seems to be part of the culture of the N.F.L...Caitlin Yates, a former Raiderette, said that cheerleaders were benched without pay if they gained weight, and forced into situations where they were sexually harassed...'
Is it really that surprising that their sexuality is their only worth, when that is what they freely chose to sell?
Fair enough, but did the cheerleaders know this when they took the job?
'...Teams mandated specific hairstyles, nails, clothing and makeup, and strictly monitored weight...'
Should a job based *solely* on appearance hire unattractive and overweight people then?
'...insidious sexism that seems to be part of the culture of the N.F.L...Caitlin Yates, a former Raiderette, said that cheerleaders were benched without pay if they gained weight, and forced into situations where they were sexually harassed...'
Is it really that surprising that their sexuality is their only worth, when that is what they freely chose to sell?
7
OK, I get promising to pay them and subsequently don't pay in a timely manner, that needs to be addressed. My guess is that it doesn't happen very often. Most teams don't pay at all, it is the chance for a young attractive woman to get herself into the public arena. What is unreasonable about that? How exactly is the NFL holding these women hostage to cheer?
What are they doing, threatening to deport cheerleaders who don't toe the line? No, this is just another non issue liberals are using to stir the pot for something they despise, football. Both cheerleaders and the NFL know exactly what they are getting (and not getting).
What are they doing, threatening to deport cheerleaders who don't toe the line? No, this is just another non issue liberals are using to stir the pot for something they despise, football. Both cheerleaders and the NFL know exactly what they are getting (and not getting).
6
So the NYT believes there’s an injustice to be remedied because the NFL cheerleaders aren’t paid enough.
If they really believe that, shouldn’t the NYT pay those of us who contribute these comments?
Seriously. If you think about it, there are a lot of parallels. People don’t subscribe to the NYT to read the comments. Yet a lot of people read them and enjoy them. And participate in writing them. So many people write them, in fact, that I have never read all the comments for any article, only a sampling.
Same thing with the NFL cheerleaders. They are a sideshow. But some young women enjoy performing in front of large audiences. And (just like us commenters), there are more of them than there are positions on the cheerleading team. I’d never do what they do. But I’m not them. If they want to do it, and they do it willingly, who am I (and who is the NYT) to interfere?
Just like the NFL, the NYT is a big, rich corporation. Shouldn’t the fat cats at the NYT share the wealth with those of us who write comments? Why should they keep all the money?
I don’t seriously expect to be paid by the NYT. But for the NYT, there’s always just one more injustice in the world to write about. The NYT editors obviously feel strongly enough to publish an opinion on injustices suffered by the NFL cheerleaders.
I’ll find other things to worry about..
If they really believe that, shouldn’t the NYT pay those of us who contribute these comments?
Seriously. If you think about it, there are a lot of parallels. People don’t subscribe to the NYT to read the comments. Yet a lot of people read them and enjoy them. And participate in writing them. So many people write them, in fact, that I have never read all the comments for any article, only a sampling.
Same thing with the NFL cheerleaders. They are a sideshow. But some young women enjoy performing in front of large audiences. And (just like us commenters), there are more of them than there are positions on the cheerleading team. I’d never do what they do. But I’m not them. If they want to do it, and they do it willingly, who am I (and who is the NYT) to interfere?
Just like the NFL, the NYT is a big, rich corporation. Shouldn’t the fat cats at the NYT share the wealth with those of us who write comments? Why should they keep all the money?
I don’t seriously expect to be paid by the NYT. But for the NYT, there’s always just one more injustice in the world to write about. The NYT editors obviously feel strongly enough to publish an opinion on injustices suffered by the NFL cheerleaders.
I’ll find other things to worry about..
11
I would be delighted to be paid for my comments. I will be contacting the NYT Editorial Board shortly, to apply for my compensation.
More abuse from the sports fascist institution of football. The glorification of misogyny and male violence presented as entertainment. While the players and cheerleaders are ripped off, the public is conned into subsidizing and worshipping this spectacle of American Capitalism at it's worst.
16
There are workers in the US who truly need protection from unfair labor practices, who really do work in dangerous and exploitive environments, and this piece concentrates on NFL "cheerleaders"? This is not a labor issue, this is a group of girls who accept dubious employment and then try to turn it into something meaningful. Surely there are more worthy labor issues that Ms. Rozic and Ms. Gonzalez can lend their support to.
10
Granted. But why should the NFL with all their tax breaks and subsidies and money be permitted to take advantage of any one in their employ? And when will this scam of "independent contractors" be addressed? This is definitely a labor issue.
5
The buffoon Roger Bad-dell is "worth" $44 million a year but these women are paid close to nothing? Fumble, NFL!!!
14
I know it's old-fashioned, but that's what unions are for. Most people still working, including, apparently, the two legislators who wrote this piece, have forgotten, or never knew, just what a union can do for the benefit of workers. Most of the protections that government legislation now affords workers originated with unions and the pressures they put on business. Instead of whining, these women should organize and strike--they will soon discover whether the NFL really values their services or will make do without them. I think they should all watch a video of Norma Rae at their first meeting.
69
Unions are great... if you work in a monopoly industry.
The strength of unions in the mid-20th century was largely the result of the the industrial strength of the US.
When other countries became more competitive, unions could go on strike and/or demand higher wages if they wanted to, but those in other countries stood ready to replace them, and did. Hence their decline in the private sector.
They're thriving, though, in the most powerful monopoly of all - government.
If the NFL cheerleaders want to try to unionize,there are plenty who stand ready to replace them. Good luck with that.
The strength of unions in the mid-20th century was largely the result of the the industrial strength of the US.
When other countries became more competitive, unions could go on strike and/or demand higher wages if they wanted to, but those in other countries stood ready to replace them, and did. Hence their decline in the private sector.
They're thriving, though, in the most powerful monopoly of all - government.
If the NFL cheerleaders want to try to unionize,there are plenty who stand ready to replace them. Good luck with that.
This has to rate as one of the silliest crusades ever. These women know exactly what they are doing - they are professional models looking to promote their careers and (some of them) meet hunky, rich men. Professional models are almost never well-paid. NFL cheerleaders are no different. But, in terms of their future aspirations, they are doing better than most.
1
Yet they are still betted paid than the ball chasers at the US Open.
2
Why are there no male cheerleaders?
4
They have ugly legs and mostly can't swivel their hips, thats why. Really pretty simple when you think about it.
What should we expect from NFL owners who for years have tried to obfuscate and deny the long term effect of multiple concussions on players, all for the sake of the bottom line. Players are literally dying from the post concussion syndrome and we still have equivocation from the NFL as to long term effects. Reminds one of the tobacco industry and their "studies" showing tobacco use had no serious health effect!
Cheerleader pay or lack thereof is all part of the same despicable money grabbing ethic of the league. Expect nothing to change without court involvement. A war of attrition via litigation by well paid league lawyers will be the approach.
Cheerleader pay or lack thereof is all part of the same despicable money grabbing ethic of the league. Expect nothing to change without court involvement. A war of attrition via litigation by well paid league lawyers will be the approach.
4
If the cheerleaders all 32 teams formed a union and went out on strike, the players union could walk out in support and this dispute would be settled in five minutes. You know the ancient doddering owners live in fear that their cheerleaders would win the right to work to say, 35 years old. The owners can still protect themselves by continuing to hold tryouts every year where they can cull out the older women. That will never change but at least the cheerleaders could be paid well out of the vast sums the NFL generates.
For that matter if the players refused to play in states which have enacted these ALEC concocted minority voter suppression laws, those would be changed in an instant.
But either the players do not realize the power they have in all this, or they subscribe to the Michael Jordan/ Tiger Woods position that politics might threat a person's "brand".
Or maybe they have just bought into the conservative belief that (except for their own player's union) unions are the problem here in the U.S.
Guess I'm nostalgic for traditional American values like those of Bill Russell, Muhammed Ali, and Jim Brown.
For that matter if the players refused to play in states which have enacted these ALEC concocted minority voter suppression laws, those would be changed in an instant.
But either the players do not realize the power they have in all this, or they subscribe to the Michael Jordan/ Tiger Woods position that politics might threat a person's "brand".
Or maybe they have just bought into the conservative belief that (except for their own player's union) unions are the problem here in the U.S.
Guess I'm nostalgic for traditional American values like those of Bill Russell, Muhammed Ali, and Jim Brown.
4
If all the cheerleaders walked out there would be 200 more at the gates happy to do the job.
"And yet, one high-profile group of women in the multibillion-dollar N.F.L. is still waiting for fair treatment" High profile? Scantily-clad entertainers who do absolutely nothing? This "high-profile" premise is bogus. If you watch football on television (which by definition the vast majority of viewers do, as stadiums can only hold so many spectators), you never even see a cheerleader. And if you're in an 80,000 person stadium, the cheerleaders are tiny specks on the sidelines. And far less important than the nice people working the stands, selling water, soft drinks and popcorn. I'm guessing that cheerleaders are paid about the same, which seems entirely appropriate. Want to earn more money and respect? Pursue a different career, where you can get paid for what you think, not what you look like.
3
Actually, the cheerleaders are paid much less than the people who are talking food in the stands. That's the whole point of this article. But these women get paid close to nothing. Should we really have a good economy in which people work for free? Should they be expected to work for free? Should you be expected to work at your job for free? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Let's assume that someone is dumb enough as an adult to want to be a cheerleader. I imagine that there are certain women out there with certain assets who want to cash in before gravity sets in but let's be real; its really kind of silly-- all that cleavage, bare midriff and twirling things. They can't even do basic back flips. The fact that they would put up with their selection process is a testament to humiliation control on its own. But putting all that aside: they do work, they are entertainers of a sort so they should be fairly compensated. If the NFL money-bags are so cheap so as not to pay a decent wage then the girls should just take their pom-poms and go home. No one goes to the stadium to see the girlie....mostly because most people are sitting too far away anyway. If it's those rare glimpses for the Television audience they can just use the same clips year after year. (btw...in Israel the religious folk tolerate cheerleaders at sporting events...but the teams in more conservative environs have to cover them up...what fun is that?
1
So the NYT believes there's an injustice here that needs to be remedied. More opportunities for the government to micro-manage every corrner of people's lives.
Making the sacrifices of time in return for the paltry pay is not something I'd ever do. So why do these women do it? No one puts a gun to their heads and forces them.
Yet there are more applicants than there are positions to fill. Why is that?
Not all compensation is about money.
Making the sacrifices of time in return for the paltry pay is not something I'd ever do. So why do these women do it? No one puts a gun to their heads and forces them.
Yet there are more applicants than there are positions to fill. Why is that?
Not all compensation is about money.
3
So, by your logic any position that has more than one applicant means that that successful applicants shouldn't be paid? That's exactly where your train of logic leads. You wouldn't think it was fair if a computer programmer was paid nothing just because there were five people who applied for the job right?
I love football (increasingly a guilty pleasure) and, being a normal red blooded male, don't mind eyeing the cheerleaders. But for the life of me, I can't understand why any self-respecting woman would willingly subject herself to blatant exploitation by the teams such as described in this article, not to mention the drunken, classless, harassment from male 'fans.' Its not like most (all?) of these women don't know what they are signing up for. Right?
I sort of understand how vanity, prestige, media exposure (in more ways than one), and the unlikely prospect of fame and fortune play into the equation.
One time, watching a play through binoculars, I saw a Patriots cheerleader get absolutely crushed by a running back who was forced out of bounds. So, you can add on the job safety to the list of hazards as well.
(Speaking of the Patriots, blame the problem on that organization. Apparently, nearly every problem the NFL faces is somehow traceable to those nefarious cheaters!)
I sort of understand how vanity, prestige, media exposure (in more ways than one), and the unlikely prospect of fame and fortune play into the equation.
One time, watching a play through binoculars, I saw a Patriots cheerleader get absolutely crushed by a running back who was forced out of bounds. So, you can add on the job safety to the list of hazards as well.
(Speaking of the Patriots, blame the problem on that organization. Apparently, nearly every problem the NFL faces is somehow traceable to those nefarious cheaters!)
2
watching "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team", it is horrifying to see many of the " candidates" have worked their entire lives to make the squad. then the Cowboys work them hours a day under gruesome conditions for, maybe , $15. a week. A WEEK. the cheerleaders are used for Dalas Cowboys promotion year around, even if some are for " charity ", it is all Cowboys all the time. Jerry Jones no fool. this is exploitation pure and simple and it is shameful. i will say if Fineglass and Trammell ( Cheerleader bosses) had influence on the football team, Cowboys might actually get to the Super Bowl with fewer felons
3
The NFL is possibly the most blunt metaphor for the corporatocratic system. Money trumps everything.
8
Yet another reason not to watch or support the NFL (as if we needed one).
8
let's see. women being abused in financial and other ways with regard to their labor. shocking! never heard of such a thing, except in every corner of the male-dominated world ie everywhere.
women, we do have power, but only if we act together. I say, all women, in every job, join in on an agreement to strike, to stop your work, for one hour, or two hours, just to make the point. yes, it is scary, but before reagan, that cowardly union buster, had his way, the power of acting in a united way with others in one's situation, did have great benefit. we saw how important such actions was when we saw how much it was fought by the bosses and their thugs in the early days, and by the business thugs like reagan and walker in wisconsin in more recent days.
women of the world, STRIKE!!!! All of us.
women, we do have power, but only if we act together. I say, all women, in every job, join in on an agreement to strike, to stop your work, for one hour, or two hours, just to make the point. yes, it is scary, but before reagan, that cowardly union buster, had his way, the power of acting in a united way with others in one's situation, did have great benefit. we saw how important such actions was when we saw how much it was fought by the bosses and their thugs in the early days, and by the business thugs like reagan and walker in wisconsin in more recent days.
women of the world, STRIKE!!!! All of us.
7
Chicago Bears never had cheerleaders and sure won't so long as Virginia McCaskey is in charge. They'd rather invite a high school band to come play the half-time show. Why do you think that is?
Professional cheer leading, by it's very nature, is exploitative employment. There is very little to veil the intent behind the teams and owners that hire these performers. I'm not at all surprised that the abuse extends into labor negotiations and working conditions as well.
For that matter, you should ask yourself how much the people hauling field-goal nets, peeling industrial tape off shoulder pads, or picking up hundreds of dirty locker room towels each day get paid? Let me tell you, labor laws need not apply in the NFL unless you're union and even then they're applied unevenly. Deflategate being the prime example.
Yet, the masses will watch football no matter the injustice bequeathed to anyone working in the institution. It's simply rare that labor abuse is so publicly displayed and tacitly ignored. The same or worse occurs in many industries; we just don't see it every Sunday.
Professional cheer leading, by it's very nature, is exploitative employment. There is very little to veil the intent behind the teams and owners that hire these performers. I'm not at all surprised that the abuse extends into labor negotiations and working conditions as well.
For that matter, you should ask yourself how much the people hauling field-goal nets, peeling industrial tape off shoulder pads, or picking up hundreds of dirty locker room towels each day get paid? Let me tell you, labor laws need not apply in the NFL unless you're union and even then they're applied unevenly. Deflategate being the prime example.
Yet, the masses will watch football no matter the injustice bequeathed to anyone working in the institution. It's simply rare that labor abuse is so publicly displayed and tacitly ignored. The same or worse occurs in many industries; we just don't see it every Sunday.
79
Professional sports (not just football) don't pay much to most of its workers. People who stand on their feet as ushers, security, hauling kegs of beer, flipping burgers, etc. Most don't get holiday pay or overtime and the whole thing is rigged so that labor laws apply at the most minimal level (i.e. seasonal workers). This comment is spot on.
2
The Chicago Bears had the Honey Bears in the 70s and 80s. Nobody misses them at this point. As for the high school bands? Who cares?
.
If this is how women in very high profile jobs are treated - that is to say, awful - what can women in less glamorous situations expect?
And, please note, this is by an industry so rolling in money and media exposure that they could - without even creating a blip in their balance sheet - be MUCH more generous to their lowly workers.
Until Society recognizes that Labor Unions are a very important cog in the support of Worker's Rights ... this scenario will continue.
If this is how women in very high profile jobs are treated - that is to say, awful - what can women in less glamorous situations expect?
And, please note, this is by an industry so rolling in money and media exposure that they could - without even creating a blip in their balance sheet - be MUCH more generous to their lowly workers.
Until Society recognizes that Labor Unions are a very important cog in the support of Worker's Rights ... this scenario will continue.
20
The whole idea of Cheerleaders at NFL games is a real farce. Many pro-sports events these days are merely a combination of: money-grabbing by the owners'; lots of drunks; intolerable noise; shifting fan-seating to that for corporate tax-deductible buyers; and for many people, it is just an opportunity for the self-proclaimed "beautiful people" to see-and-be-seen. The cute, bubbly cheerleaders, providing T & A, is but one more component of Roger Goodell's very successful circus.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
10
I am about as liberal as they come especially on workers rights. But these are 18-25(?) year olds who hopefully go on to work in other industries where they should then have fair compensation and protections. But this is not a career with longevity- how many 40 year old cheerleaders are there? They should however receive any medical treatments for injuries incurred on the job. But retirement, paid leave, etc., just don't make sense.
6
And how many 40-year-old linemen and running backs are there? What about all those fresh-out-of-college NFL players that are here one year, gone the next - would you suggest they don't get paid either? The cheerleaders are working for a team that is profiting off their work. Their age and career stage are irrelevant. People should be able to reasonably expect compensation in exchange for their work; not to be subjected to these subjective judgments about the role of such work in the long arc of their careers. And who's to say that they don't go on to become cheerleading coaches? Sounds like there's potential for longevity to me.
3
Your comment indicates just how screwed up the American system of benefits and protections have become over the past sixty years. In every other advanced country, no company has any duty to provide medical insurance, vacation time or retirement benefits. These are all in the realm of the government. This is also why in advanced countries like German, Sweden or Canada, companies can focus on their products and services and not on these non-production areas.
A cheerleader's career (like a professional athlete's career) is necessarily short. Injuries that occur in the 18-25 y/o period may have lifetime consequences. Even if not, shouldn't any person engaged in work be paid adequately and be able to accrue all of their benefits during this period? This would include vacation time (obviously not a high priority in a seasonal sport), health benefits and accruals towards their pension.
Too often in this country we think of jobs such as in fast-food or as cheerleaders as being throwaway vocations. Because the stereotype of a fast-food worker is a 16-y/o male with pimples and not a struggling father holding down multiple low-paying jobs, or a cheerleader as a young, attractive woman probably going to college and probably a future wife of an NFL player or someone else of prominence and not a person who has to pay the bills even at her young age, we dismiss their basic rights and needs. This "American" attitude needs to be corrected.
A cheerleader's career (like a professional athlete's career) is necessarily short. Injuries that occur in the 18-25 y/o period may have lifetime consequences. Even if not, shouldn't any person engaged in work be paid adequately and be able to accrue all of their benefits during this period? This would include vacation time (obviously not a high priority in a seasonal sport), health benefits and accruals towards their pension.
Too often in this country we think of jobs such as in fast-food or as cheerleaders as being throwaway vocations. Because the stereotype of a fast-food worker is a 16-y/o male with pimples and not a struggling father holding down multiple low-paying jobs, or a cheerleader as a young, attractive woman probably going to college and probably a future wife of an NFL player or someone else of prominence and not a person who has to pay the bills even at her young age, we dismiss their basic rights and needs. This "American" attitude needs to be corrected.
3
So they are young and female they shouldn't have any rights. These women are the same ages as most of the players! Why should they be treated poorly because they can get jobs elsewhere later? Just don't make sense.
5
If the NFL treats its' men like cattle should we be surprised that it treats its' women the same.
18
Umm, well paid cattle but goof point.
There are many ways in which employers abuse workers, and misclassifying workers as "independent contractors" is an all too common approach. This allows culpable employers to avoid paying the basic salaries and benefits, include social security contributions, that are required by law.
The government very much needs to crack down on these unethical practices.
But the government's resources are limited, as are this newspaper's, and I'm not sure NFL cheerleaders are the group most in need of new laws and government protections. It's likely these women are accepting these jobs with their eyes open, and believe, probably correctly, that the publicity and cachet of a job as an NFL cheerleader will provide opportunities to their future careers that justify the low wages and absent benefits.
There are many, many employees and "contractors" that are abused by employment practices of a similar nature. Many victims are at the low end of the economic scale, and may not have many other employment options. Like all workers, NFL cheerleaders should have their legal rights protected. But perhaps more attention should be directed at the large numbers of more anonymous workers with greater need and few alternative opportunities available.
The government very much needs to crack down on these unethical practices.
But the government's resources are limited, as are this newspaper's, and I'm not sure NFL cheerleaders are the group most in need of new laws and government protections. It's likely these women are accepting these jobs with their eyes open, and believe, probably correctly, that the publicity and cachet of a job as an NFL cheerleader will provide opportunities to their future careers that justify the low wages and absent benefits.
There are many, many employees and "contractors" that are abused by employment practices of a similar nature. Many victims are at the low end of the economic scale, and may not have many other employment options. Like all workers, NFL cheerleaders should have their legal rights protected. But perhaps more attention should be directed at the large numbers of more anonymous workers with greater need and few alternative opportunities available.
63
This isn't about who "deserves" protection "more" but about upholding laws equally. Writing off one class of workers creates a precedent that can be ecploited.
1
Calling employees "Independent Contractors" has become a widespread practice in business. This is another example of corporate greed and corruption in this country. We need a Federal law that stops this practice. Piecemealing it state to state does not resolve the problem.
19
Wage theft? I would argue that laws that fail to account for non-monetary reward is flawed. There is no shortage of professional cheerleaders so it is obvious that there is something that makes the job desirable other than money. Nationwide exposure, no pun intended, and proximity to rich, famous men are at least two. The Oakland and Tampa cheerleaders and their lawyers won the lottery.
7
The ballers are in proximity to smart, beautiful and fit women with childbearing capacity, wonder if those men be game for the same third world wages.
1
Lawmakers who should be focusing on issues that affect large segments of the population are wasting time on THIS? Exactly how many cheerleaders are there? What's the cost to the taxpayers per cheerleader affected?
This is a non-problem. Women who want to be NFL cheerleaders know that the compensation is low going in. Why does this issue warrant legislative time, and an op ed piece in the NY Times?
This is a non-problem. Women who want to be NFL cheerleaders know that the compensation is low going in. Why does this issue warrant legislative time, and an op ed piece in the NY Times?
7
So orphan diseases or WNBA results should not be reported because they affect relatively few people? Reports about the poor conditions of cheerleaders' employment is not about a small group of people. It is about the tens of millions of Americans whose jobs are precarious and fraught with poor conditions.
If you live in a state with a professional sports team, more than likely you have already paid taxes to subsidize a sports stadium and the operating costs of these teams (that we love). What you are saying is that you are OK with putting part of your hard-earned tax dollars into the pockets of billionaire owners of these teams but you are not okay with some of that money going to improve the conditions of some of the lowest paid members of the team. What's wrong with that picture?
If you live in a state with a professional sports team, more than likely you have already paid taxes to subsidize a sports stadium and the operating costs of these teams (that we love). What you are saying is that you are OK with putting part of your hard-earned tax dollars into the pockets of billionaire owners of these teams but you are not okay with some of that money going to improve the conditions of some of the lowest paid members of the team. What's wrong with that picture?
2
NFL owners are given stadiums by the tax-payers or a mountain of tax credits. The NFL operates large swaths of its business as a non-profit. And then we allow the NFL bosses to steal wages from these young women through gimmicks such as classification,etc
I do not want my tax dollars to pay for stadiums or give NFL tax credits to have the Super Bowl played in my state, etc. Football ownership entitlements bilk tax payers and labor abuses hurt everyone.
I do not want my tax dollars to pay for stadiums or give NFL tax credits to have the Super Bowl played in my state, etc. Football ownership entitlements bilk tax payers and labor abuses hurt everyone.
62
But it does not believe in fair play. It exploits anyone it can.
13
So why does it seem that pro sports provides such a clear mirror for human behavior, in mostly negative ways?
15
It's a supply and demand thing, As long as there is an over-supply of pretty young women banging on the door to get a job as an NFL cheerleader, the pay will always stink. It's the same problem as in the professional modeling business.
15
Luckily, no one forces the women to take these jobs.
This is ridiculous. The cheerleaders have to compete for their jobs and stay in shape just like the players. The NFL and the owners have plenty of money and should pay these girls top wages not just minimum wages. If they are asked to do promotional activities on other than game days even more reason to treat them like employees. This is just gender discrimination at its worst.
53
They're not "girls", they're young women.
Most people with choices accept employment based on their evaluation of working conditions, benefits etc. I suspect most of these women have choices. Cheerleaders are entertainers and, except for the lucky few, an entertainers career is difficult. The few aspiring entertainers that I know have all supplemented their income with part time jobs, eventually gave up and choose to pursue something else. If it's so bad, they should move on!
7
Except in most cases they are not even treated as employees.
1
Entertainers who get to pick their jobs are contractors. Entertainers who work required shifts, and are restricted in what other jobs they take are employees.
2
The NFL is kinda like the Donald Trump of sports right now. Embarrassment.
20
As admirable as their stand for better pay may be, I have a hunch that pro teams will just shake off this problem like an old dog shakes off fleas. Perhaps if these women had unionized many years ago they might have had a chance but as I see it,teams could just shuck them,go to a CGI company to develop some avatars to throw up on the jumbotron and let the women go the way of the DoDo.
4
Female cheerleaders are but a minimal part, in my view, of a rapidly evolving contemporary phenomenon: the spreading female nudity all over the United States (see-trough dresses at big Hollywood events; skimpiest outfits in athletics, ice-dancing, beach-ball duets, swimming, bars and nightclubs, partial nudity on Times Square, and complete nudity on beaches ̶ and yet, women’s movements are saying and doing nothing. Is it a direct consequence of private capitalism’s quest for easy profit from peddling human flesh, nowadays starting (with their mothers’ encouragement) with little girls barely six years old? Is the consequence of nature-ordained biological wiring: unless we show some flesh, the males will not be tempted to bite? Or is it a social disaster that may be linked to the increasing insecurity of women concerning their femininity: with most women full-time in the labour force and subject to their brutal exploitation by the laws of markets, there are almost no hours left for the culture of full-filling long-term loving relationships. The yearning for romantic togetherness is replaced with the lust for instant sex by making women’s sexual organs more and more visible and therefore more and more marketable: sex for money. An enormous human tragedy in making.
17
No should have to face sexual discrimination. And working conditions should be safe and not demeaning. But as far as what they are paid, as long as the teams are up front about the commitment and what they are paying, I think it's a stretch to say the cheerleaders are being taken advantage of.
3
And thus starts the slippery-slope..."oh, I TOLD you I'd be paying you $3/hour, therefore it's ok and labor laws don't apply..." Right.
2
The Ancient Roman Coliseum is alive and well in the US.
22
NFL cheerleaders are totally irrelevant; why have them at all? They add nothing to the game and are a throwback to a long-gone era. Young women who are interested in athletics and are physically fit have many more suitable choices for a career.
127
because it gives men something to look at between plays, duh!
Exactly. How many NFL teams have actually been able to significantly profit off of the cheerleaders? They don't drive ticket sales because no one goes to the games to see them, and they are a non-factor when the NFL sells broadcasting rights to networks. I think the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have had their own reality show, but what other NFL franchise cheerleaders have had that kind of branding potential. If the teams wanted pictures and calendars featuring attractive women in franchise uniforms, they could just as easily hire part time models. All this trouble over labor rights and exploitation just isn't worth the trouble. They should just cut the cheerleading squads and be done with it.
Lotsa comments here telling these women to accept their lot, I expect by the same men who slobber over them while watching football games.
33
"...required them to go to approved vendors for out-of-pocket expense"? As far as I know that bit is legal - I was forced to buy an approved cell phone and use an approved vendor for work-related oncall.
3
Everyone, no matter what the job is, whether it is a paid or volunteer position, should be treated with dignity. That is what is at issue here.
16
These women are perfect, high profile examples of practices that are common throughout the labor force. Waitresses, receptionists, and all jobs that are about greeting and making someone feel welcome all treat women similarly and the more a costume or level of fashion sophistication is required the less they are compensated.
I fully expect as these cases are won, finally, that more places where women are short changed in the work place will be exposed and changed forever.
Are cheerleaders eye-candy for men and not to be taken seriously? Hey, I watch them and enjoy them too! Who sez to say they are just there for men?
Even women spectators are not counted or taken into account!
I fully expect as these cases are won, finally, that more places where women are short changed in the work place will be exposed and changed forever.
Are cheerleaders eye-candy for men and not to be taken seriously? Hey, I watch them and enjoy them too! Who sez to say they are just there for men?
Even women spectators are not counted or taken into account!
59
Cheerleaders for major league football teams are in it for themselves. They are exhibitionists and hope to capture the attention of a male. It is a way to get noticed and get exercise while at it. Obviously they are made aware of the lack of benefits and still choose to participate. No sympathy from me.
4
Strict cheerleading rules including the use of tampons? That would be a cold day.
Time to think about doing something else, please, women. No woman can be that hard up. Reconsider a change from all that u rah rah for the home team to
u rah rah for your own self esteem.
Time to think about doing something else, please, women. No woman can be that hard up. Reconsider a change from all that u rah rah for the home team to
u rah rah for your own self esteem.
10
I have worked concessions for professional sports teams. We serve a more important team purpose than cheerleaders but we are employees of a contractor that pays minimum wage. We are at least as high profile as the cheerleaders and similarly paid. Some vendors have a routine that entertains. Many climb stairs for hours with heavy or awkward wares. Some sell hundreds of $15 drinks per game while making $8 an hour. Nobody champions concessionaires. We are exploited, but we're not pretty girls in skimpy clothes. I think the champions of the cheerleaders have more of a feminist agenda than a work exploitation agenda. Their real concern isn't fair pay. It's exploitation of pretty women. The relatively plain lookiing women and men who are paid a fraction of their worth for feeding tens of thousands for hours are no concern of theirs.
11
These ladies are getting paid even less than you do. Instead of railing against them, maybe you guys should join together and demand of the NFL pay everybody who is "part of the team", decent wages. If workers would stop picking on each other for a second, then maybe we could get somewhere against the capitalist exploitation machine.
1
Why am I not surprised that the same organization that expects the citizens to foot the bill for their multi-million dollar stadiums would treat their cheerleaders in a way that would make the Marque de Sade proud? They must think the whole world is in thrall to their money machine. They have to unmitigated gall to classify themselves as a non-profit?
I find it shocking that the NFL not only monitors every personal aspect of these women’s lives, from eating habits, right down to their monthly necessities, but they expect these workers to accept sexual harassment as part of the job, even a perk, when they ought to be giving them combat pay. Only the military has more say over a person’s life.
Then to weasel out of even classifying them as employees? Wage theft?! No wonder the legislatures have had to step in.
If the NFL is looking to expand their franchise beyond the “go-make-me-a-sandwich” crowd, it’s going to take a little more than slick marketing and selling ladies’ jerseys. Women know when they’re not really welcome. It will take an enormous institutional shift in attitude, starting with treating the women who work there with respect and pay them according to professional standards.
I find it shocking that the NFL not only monitors every personal aspect of these women’s lives, from eating habits, right down to their monthly necessities, but they expect these workers to accept sexual harassment as part of the job, even a perk, when they ought to be giving them combat pay. Only the military has more say over a person’s life.
Then to weasel out of even classifying them as employees? Wage theft?! No wonder the legislatures have had to step in.
If the NFL is looking to expand their franchise beyond the “go-make-me-a-sandwich” crowd, it’s going to take a little more than slick marketing and selling ladies’ jerseys. Women know when they’re not really welcome. It will take an enormous institutional shift in attitude, starting with treating the women who work there with respect and pay them according to professional standards.
7
Everybody has heard of pornography and soft porn. Everybody has heard of slavery, so lets call call cheerleading for the NFL "soft" slavery. It disgusting, whether these woman are 18 or mothers they deserve to treated equally and paid. Since the NFL ( just a money making machine) is just a another form of entertainment why do you need a opening number who represents your team.
Now the NFL can have movies changed to show it really not a dangerous sport, bull.
Now the NFL can have movies changed to show it really not a dangerous sport, bull.
4
1. No one has ever been forced at gunpoint to become an NFL cheerleader. It is a personal decision based on individual desires and one can always just walk away.
2. Expecting the NFL to “do the right thing” is a fool’s errand. Even if Roger Goodell knows what the “right thing” is, his history shows him to have a degree of ineptitude, stubbornness, and cluelessness remarkable for someone paid over $40 million a year. Forget Deflategate and focus on the concussion issue and you have your answer.
3. All businesses are required to abide by state and federal wage and hour laws. The fact that many do not is not an excuse but represents a failure of state and federal regulators to tackle (pun intended) this problem.
4. Unions have fallen on hard times in terms of both their popularity and power, but it may be time for NFL cheerleaders to consider such a move that will give them a voice regarding wages, hours, and working conditions.
2. Expecting the NFL to “do the right thing” is a fool’s errand. Even if Roger Goodell knows what the “right thing” is, his history shows him to have a degree of ineptitude, stubbornness, and cluelessness remarkable for someone paid over $40 million a year. Forget Deflategate and focus on the concussion issue and you have your answer.
3. All businesses are required to abide by state and federal wage and hour laws. The fact that many do not is not an excuse but represents a failure of state and federal regulators to tackle (pun intended) this problem.
4. Unions have fallen on hard times in terms of both their popularity and power, but it may be time for NFL cheerleaders to consider such a move that will give them a voice regarding wages, hours, and working conditions.
4
Cheerleaders, are undressed young women who "work" very, very part time, one game a week for 16 weeks. Young ladies get dressed and find some real employment, hopefully with benefits. Women are as intelligent as men, probably more so, and can contribute much to the world other then "cheer leading".
5
Please read the article. the women work far more than one game a week, that's part of the problem: work that is done but not compensated.
2
Since this is not a full time job nor a living wage, I assume most of the girls have jobs or are in college or living with their parents.
Cheerleading by anything other than excited fans or mascots is unneeded. Although I respect the athletic requirements of cheerleading it's just another insult to women to be viewed by men as sex objects.
7
Never understood cheerleaders' purpose at games, but more so why females would want to stand in front of horny men in a crowd in skimpy outfits, yelling 'rah, rah'- shaking your parts, knowing there are men drooling over you. Now I learn they do it for peanuts, it baffles me more. Thankfully I can't relate to a problem such as being fined over Pom Poms. Such nonsense.
13
So how are NFL cheerleaders compensated? Hourly wages or fixed dollar amount for a season or an appearance? Is it the same at each team? What about travel to exotic locations for calendar shoots?
There is a lot of information that is not presented in this article. I need more information before I can form an opinion.
There is a lot of information that is not presented in this article. I need more information before I can form an opinion.
4
Male privilege, BIG Business, Testosterone run amok, Female Sex Objects parading and displaying; Shame on those who " don't care about the cheerleaders." This is truly an indictment of our base, patriarchal society.
54
Yet another disturbing revelation about professional sports teams, and football in particular.
Cheating, drugs, brain injuries, abusing employees, huge public handouts to the wealthiest. All with apparent impunity. Nice messages for youth.
In Florida, billions for stadiums and arenas aren't enough. Up until last year every team got 2 million dollars in sales tax kickbacks. Then our governor decided that wasn't enough, so they now get 3 million. That same governor also wants to test everyone getting money from government for drugs. It seems everyone doesn't include sports teams (and lots of other exceptions including politicians).
Clearly, we haven't been generous enough and the near-constant exposés are going to strain our relationships these uber wealthy businesses.
Cheating, drugs, brain injuries, abusing employees, huge public handouts to the wealthiest. All with apparent impunity. Nice messages for youth.
In Florida, billions for stadiums and arenas aren't enough. Up until last year every team got 2 million dollars in sales tax kickbacks. Then our governor decided that wasn't enough, so they now get 3 million. That same governor also wants to test everyone getting money from government for drugs. It seems everyone doesn't include sports teams (and lots of other exceptions including politicians).
Clearly, we haven't been generous enough and the near-constant exposés are going to strain our relationships these uber wealthy businesses.
8
"And yet, one high-profile group of women in the multibillion-dollar N.F.L. is still waiting for fair treatment."
Air-play given to cheerleaders by television networks is all but non-existent. The "high-profile group" these days, other than the players, are people in the stands wearing pricy NFL merchandise.
Air-play given to cheerleaders by television networks is all but non-existent. The "high-profile group" these days, other than the players, are people in the stands wearing pricy NFL merchandise.
2
The NFL is a case study in what is wrong with our country. Where to start? Until we get money out of politics we are just playing Whack A Mole.
If you want to right wrongs work on that, nothing else.
If you want to right wrongs work on that, nothing else.
7
Here's a better idea: Just get rid of cheerleading.
10
This is an example of why I smirk when I hear "free-marketers" grumble about "government interference" by claiming that the market itself will regulate things like wages and owners and CEOs, (i.e.: decionmakers) will voluntarily do the right thing, they don't need no nanny state!
But they do. They're in fact the ones who, ironically, compel the government to intercede and regulate. Because far too often, these free-marketers are abusive, especially toward other human beings, the lower on the ladder, the more abuse they are expected to withstand.
While they coddle the overpaid players, these cheerleaders not only are paid next to nothing form very hard work and very high skills, but they are held to incredible standards by their superiors, including off the field. One bad Facebook photo from years before can cost them a place on the squad. They are expected to represent the squad in a professional manner, even in their private time. Meanwhile, football players are routinely excused or merely slapped on the wrist for even criminal offenses, such as domestic violence, by their supervisor (the NFL). The double standard, both in pay and conduct, is glaring.
But they do. They're in fact the ones who, ironically, compel the government to intercede and regulate. Because far too often, these free-marketers are abusive, especially toward other human beings, the lower on the ladder, the more abuse they are expected to withstand.
While they coddle the overpaid players, these cheerleaders not only are paid next to nothing form very hard work and very high skills, but they are held to incredible standards by their superiors, including off the field. One bad Facebook photo from years before can cost them a place on the squad. They are expected to represent the squad in a professional manner, even in their private time. Meanwhile, football players are routinely excused or merely slapped on the wrist for even criminal offenses, such as domestic violence, by their supervisor (the NFL). The double standard, both in pay and conduct, is glaring.
171
Please list the "hard work and high skills" these independent contractors exhibit.
1
1) You don't have to try out for the squad
2) The players are "coddled' because they are the product that what people pay to see.
Double standard on pay? are you really seroius in that statement or just trying to be funny?
have you ever watched an NFL game?
2) The players are "coddled' because they are the product that what people pay to see.
Double standard on pay? are you really seroius in that statement or just trying to be funny?
have you ever watched an NFL game?
Ummm....they are cheerleaders! Their job is to project an image and look good doing it. At the same time, the value they bring to the table is next to zero. If cheerleaders were to resign en masse, it would be thee quiescent of ice cream sundaes being made without a cherry on top. Oh the horror!
They are subject to appropriate expectations and paid according to their worth. If they don't like it, then quit and try to find a job with similar skill requirements where they get to keep their clothes on.
They are subject to appropriate expectations and paid according to their worth. If they don't like it, then quit and try to find a job with similar skill requirements where they get to keep their clothes on.
1
In two or three years the only squad will be in Dallas. No cares about cheer leaders, they will not be worth the hassle.
17
Re the cheerleaders, I completely agree. but for now the teams must find it useful to have them, as almost all of them do. And so while they have them, they should treat and compensate them properly.
Given how much money the NFL as a league, each team, and their commissioner make (his annual salary last year was $42 MILLION, I think!), it's not only unconscionable that this is even an issue, it's also mystifying. Why alienate the female fan base and expose the league to even MORE bad press (the last thing it needs) for what the authors correctly note would merely amount to a rounding error on their balance sheet?
Given how much money the NFL as a league, each team, and their commissioner make (his annual salary last year was $42 MILLION, I think!), it's not only unconscionable that this is even an issue, it's also mystifying. Why alienate the female fan base and expose the league to even MORE bad press (the last thing it needs) for what the authors correctly note would merely amount to a rounding error on their balance sheet?
1
As long as there is a constant supply of young women competing for these jobs, even though the lack of pay and other undesirable aspects have been known for years, there is little incentive for the team owners to fix the problem. It would be nice to see these women, or maybe some former cheerleaders, advocating for better treatment. Thousands of American families spend time and money preparing their daughters for this abuse.
28
...maybe those families should spend their time and money on education instead - it's a sad thing when women continue to market their bodies in abusive jobs, and I fail to understand the eagerness with which they do so. This includes the fashion industry as well of course
2
But no one forces women to try out for these jobs, fortunately.
Why do they have cheerleaders? Something to look at when arguing over deflated football gets old? Someone forgot that the 60s ended 45 years ago? Would anyone notice if they got rid of them?
61
No.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I would notice. Frankly, watching overpaid teams, composed mostly of genetic freaks getting their brains and bodies broken, to see which one can bring a ball over a line the most times, can get, well, pretty boring. The cheerleaders add another spectacle of equal or even better athletic talent to a game, and, as admitted male, I have to say I would miss watching their performances, particularly when attending a game in person.
Who cares? Cheerleaders are just second-rate dancers who do the job to get attention. It's not like they have unique and highly developed talent for which the public is to pay to see in the absence of the related athletic event.
15
The law is the law. That is the issue. Why would you exempt the NFL?
If it weren't for gambling, most public interest in football would evaporate.
The fact that the woman quoted was employed as a "Raiderette" pretty says it all. Never join a group in which you are an "ette." The diminutive clearly marks your status in the organization.
117
Are the women forced to take these jobs then?
This is all very true and I'm glad women (cheerleaders) are taking a stand. The teams basically sell the job as glamorous and highlight the opportunities for making money by selling autographed photos, calendars, jerseys, and you name it which all really amounts to a full time job for them without benefits or protections of any sort. My former roommate years ago was a Raiderette and she never really had the time nor was unrestricted from pursuing other avenues for money-making while constantly enduring sexual advances and harassment. Time for the NFL to do something meaningful other than chasing Brady and his balls.
109
They should quit and find another line of work. Women, don't train and apply for jobs that systematically treat you badly. You have a choice.
50
Cheerleaders' hope is as timeless as delusion. Someone will see them on TV and make them stars.
15
The Cheerleaders know what the salary is when they try out for the squad.
35
This story captures the extreme narcissistic entitlement in the NFL organization itself and many of its individual owners, coaches, players, etc. These women are being treated like things to be manipulated for the profit of the owners. Tragically, right down to high school level players the message is received loud and clear, "Big deal men treat women badly". The NFL will need a major organizational shakeup before anything really changes.
33
Uh, how do you think the rich get richer?
19
No. The NFL should not improve the pay, benefits and working conditions of cheerleaders. This would only result in their jobs being sent overseas or replaced by automation.
20
Just think how much they could do by replacing the football teams as well in that fashion - and no more pesky law suits regarding TBIs and all the rest of it.
The best solution to this problem would be to eliminate the cheerleaders altogether. They serve no purpose other than titillation. How do you explain to a young girl why there are scantily clad women jiggling their assets on the field. The teams that do not have the distraction of cheerleaders have no trouble filling their stadiums. Let these young women take their talents to a more appropriate venue
128
Seems to me the issue is unfair labor practices not the value judgement on the nature of cheer leading. There are many legal jobs that I don't personally value but my core belief is that everyone deserves a living wage and a workplace environment that isn't abusive.
3
Oh do not be silly Cindy - what is sport, what is football except glorified present day gladiators who are these huge men who we watch bash into one another? With half time show, with the whole spectacle. Football is tittilation, it is huge mass money generating entertainment, it is vicarious testosterone, it is staring at male bodies being, well, male, and cheerleaders being sexy female cheerleaders...if the NFL wants them they should spare a pittance of their billions and treat the cheerleaders as they should, they are after all making money off of them...
The deal is the cheerleader does s a JOB that makes money for owners. NFL film for years and years will be selling footage of 2015 cheerleaders in their archaic costumes. Those people out in front of the crowd who have been chosen for the way they move and shake and look deserve to be paid for the use of the pictures and presence of people watching. That is the entertainment BUSINESS, which sports is a part of.
Just another stupid Mad Men way of the male owners thinking women and girls should give it away.
The deal is the cheerleader does s a JOB that makes money for owners. NFL film for years and years will be selling footage of 2015 cheerleaders in their archaic costumes. Those people out in front of the crowd who have been chosen for the way they move and shake and look deserve to be paid for the use of the pictures and presence of people watching. That is the entertainment BUSINESS, which sports is a part of.
Just another stupid Mad Men way of the male owners thinking women and girls should give it away.
1
Exactly. In the general scheme of things NFL cheerleaders are unnecessary and I can't get too upset about their pay or lack there of. I'm a whole lot more concerned about women in viable professions who make less than their male counterparts.
It is not surprising at all, but another example of how the NFL is morally bankrupt. The executives make fortunes of money and pay cheerleaders worse than burger flippers at fast food joints, while treating them with the same disgusting male chauvinism that has been vilified in multitudes of businesses and social situations. Goodall is a master of chauvinism and an ethical midget. I will not watch NFL games, including the Super Bowl.
10
If you want women to fill this type of job and work for it, including all off-hours promotion, you need to compensate them as talented professional athletes with all the attendant benefits. Otherwise, they are hourly workers (with overtime). Or you could hire a bunch of foreign nationals under the H-1B program and let them portray the all-American "girl next door" for substandard protections, arguably, this is the new American way. What cheerleaders do is arduous, physically demanding and associated with injury. They actually should all be signing up for ACA (Obama Care) benefits since ti looks like their corporate "employers" don't give a hoot. Employers is in quotes since they seek to distance themselves.
6
I am not sure how many seasons the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders recorded and produced their reality show but your article makes me wonder if the girls received any money from that popular tv franchise. Believe me, the episodes I watched revealed extremely talented and attractive women in a tough, competitive environment, definitely "steel magnolias." I was also surprised to learn that they had to have daytime jobs to make ends meet, which made any family life or down time difficult. Yes, they are exploited and I am pleased that the NFL is being forced to pay a fair wage.
6
I feel sorry for cashiers and laundry workers; for home health aids; for migrant laborers doing farm work. Those groups deserve better working conditions, a higher minimum wage, and legal protections.
However, I don't feel one bit sorry for the cheerleaders.
However, I don't feel one bit sorry for the cheerleaders.
35
Why not, XY?
This is exploitation squared... No one should be mistreated like that and I hope it's remedied immediately with back pay, and penalties.
The image of bloated, fabulously wealthy owners, treating these extraordinarily talented entertainers with such casual disdain is sickening.
The image of bloated, fabulously wealthy owners, treating these extraordinarily talented entertainers with such casual disdain is sickening.
11
The NFL = America's most oppressive employer and biggest corporate welfare queen. But why should it change? We the people keep making it a huge part of our lives and at some level find joy in the entire scheme.
17
I admit I never have spent any time looking at cheerleaders - maybe it's a male thing. Regardless, if the NFL feels cheerleaders are necessary to sell its sport, the women should be compensated fairly. It seems they are expected to perform in 90 degree weather as well as 20 degree days. Personally, I feel it is sexist and degrading to prance about on sidelines doing gymnastics and mugging for the camera but, these women are my sisters so I accept their choices and expect the men who hire them to pay them the same as they would for any professional entertainment.
46
And how much do they get in spinoffs, appearances, endorsements, and so on... not to mention in average wealth of boyfriends and husbands? Is there a SHORTAGE of women who want to be NFL cheerleaders????
13
No -- probably there are 10,000 applicants for every spot, and 90% of them would do the job for FREE. Many would pay for the privilege of being on TV.
It's absolutely incredible that football teams could get away with this. I always assumed that professional cheerleaders were very well-compensated, given how important they are to the overall image of the NFL as a "red meat" kind of sport. Don't get me wrong- professional cheerleading does nothing to advance the cause of women. It is rooted in the exploitation of women. But that doesn't mean that the women who choose to be cheerleaders do not deserve adequate compensation and basic workers' rights.
210
Interesting assumption. How could you think that?
It might not advance the "cause" of women, but cheerleaders are athletes for sure - highly trained gymnasts and dancers, basically. Why the NFL thinks they don't deserve to be compensated for those skills while paying their male athletes ridiculous amounts of money is beyond shameful.
3
I guess simply quitting a job that has onerous requirements and pays next to nothing never crossed their minds? Of course it didn't - not when we can pass more regulations. The owners should just get rid of the squads, since they add nothing but eye candy to the game. Next up: justice for the pep bands....
4
I sympathize with the cheerleaders and Im surprised the NFL hasn't taken care of this. On the other hand cheerleaders contribute about as much to the entire event as the hot dog guy, parking attendent or stdium janitor (generally men). Fans talk on and on about the players and games but never about the cheeleaders. Hopefully they can use the exposure to make more income elsewhere. Showbiz is brutal. The top men and women get fortunes and most of the rest get near zero.
4
The hot dog guy doesn't attract television viewers, thereby making more money for the NFL. The cheerleaders do.
4
So maybe NFL teams are shamed into paying cheerleaders a few more bucks; but don’t expect it to amount to a hill of beans.
Young women don’t become NFL cheerleaders from a deeply rooted sense of vocation. They do so because they’re sufficiently gifted physically to make it a viable option, because the social amenities available to them with players, management, hangers-on and well-heeled fans (and I don’t suggest anything lurid by that) are very substantial – they are given access to many highly desirable potential husbands; and they see these positions as possible platforms for other careers, such as Hollywood. And, guess what? Their positions as NFL cheerleaders really DO make those options realistic.
In other words, they’re already receiving immense value for their labors that are available to VERY few young women in America. AND THEY WANT TO BE PAID MORE, TOO??
Give us a rah!
Young women don’t become NFL cheerleaders from a deeply rooted sense of vocation. They do so because they’re sufficiently gifted physically to make it a viable option, because the social amenities available to them with players, management, hangers-on and well-heeled fans (and I don’t suggest anything lurid by that) are very substantial – they are given access to many highly desirable potential husbands; and they see these positions as possible platforms for other careers, such as Hollywood. And, guess what? Their positions as NFL cheerleaders really DO make those options realistic.
In other words, they’re already receiving immense value for their labors that are available to VERY few young women in America. AND THEY WANT TO BE PAID MORE, TOO??
Give us a rah!
7
Gee Richard, maybe the cheerleaders shouldn't be paid at all. In fact, maybe THEY should be paying the NFL. NOT.
4
Richard, Victoria's Secret is calling, they want you to model in the next show...
Professional gaming is also an incredibly competitive and skilled work, requiring hours of practice and training. Not everyone makes the cut, and the men who do take obvious pride in their work. In the rest of the world, we don’t dock your pay just because you enjoy your job. Nor do we expect you to work for free or even pay for the privilege of working.
See what I did there? The law of supply and demand also applies to employment. If women are being so mistreated they should just stop trying to apply for cheerleading positions and boycott not just the work but the sports leagues themselves. I'll help start the boycott. No more NFL, NBA, or MLS until cheerleaders get paid minimum wage. Do you think it'll happen? I don't. You can't force self-respect upon people.
See what I did there? The law of supply and demand also applies to employment. If women are being so mistreated they should just stop trying to apply for cheerleading positions and boycott not just the work but the sports leagues themselves. I'll help start the boycott. No more NFL, NBA, or MLS until cheerleaders get paid minimum wage. Do you think it'll happen? I don't. You can't force self-respect upon people.
3
What about the "Black Sox"?
The players were getting very little. Advertisers paying a bundle. Owners were keeping the cash. The players realized what was happening -- they were being exploited. They protested and were then smeared. But it changed the game.
The players were getting very little. Advertisers paying a bundle. Owners were keeping the cash. The players realized what was happening -- they were being exploited. They protested and were then smeared. But it changed the game.
1
So these ladies might be better off working for roller derby or professional wrestling? The job requires discipline, athleticism and hours of practice. Their performances are televised and they're required to do personal appearances. They should be paid at least as much as Hollywood performers, if not the players themselves. And then they're told which tampons to use and who to buy them from? What compensation would you require to subject yourself to that?
Now when you say "minimum wage", is there a set minimum wage in the NFL for cheerleaders, or is it the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr? I can't imagine anyone giving themselves over to such horrific treatment for such small pay. I'm under the impression NFL cheerleaders get a minimum of $4000 a week, like game show models do.
1
They know the rules before they sign on to take he job, as does anyone else who has a job. The poor cheerleaders......poor, poor cheerleaders.......such terrible news and so so shocking. Here's another story you might like to cover in greater depth - 30,000 people in America are shot each year.
8
True, but the vast majority are suicides. Do you not support the right of individuals to make their own decisions?
2
I think we need to look at the big picture here. Are the cheerleaders THEMSELVES upset about this? Or are they THRILLED to have a job that makes them famous and desirable? How many end up married to very wealthy men as a direct result of being a NFL cheerleader? Or it leads to a fabulous job in media somewheres?
My guess is women would do this for FREE, and even pay money if they could be on TV and famous and get all the attention & opportunities!
My guess is women would do this for FREE, and even pay money if they could be on TV and famous and get all the attention & opportunities!
Go for it girls!! Does anyone really think the Cowboys became America's team because of the players --it was the cheerleaders!
7
It is beyond disgraceful that billionaire owners cannot pay a respectable wage to these women. Shame on Goodell and the NFL.
36
I love football but I'm getting increasingly disappointed with the way its run and how the league, teams, and players conduct themselves. I understand its a business but I've never felt a greater urge to turn off the tv on Sunday, Monday and Thursday and . . . . well I'll think of something.
3
Just another in the long list of reasons to not support the NFL. I'm planning for year #4 in a row without watching a single NFL game, and more like 8 years since I watched more than one or two games (including the Super Bowl).
I feel like I've regained so much of my life since I stopped giving my Sundays to the NFL!
I feel like I've regained so much of my life since I stopped giving my Sundays to the NFL!
27
Amen. The Steelers vs the Patriots was on Thursday, and I'm very happy to report not only did I have no interest in the game I couldn't watch it when I tried, just to be polite as a friend was over who wanted to see it. I no longer care.
2
I can say with pride, that I have never seen a game, nor has any member of my immediate family. We just aren't into professional sports.
I am aware of football of course (who couldn't be, in our culture) and I've always wondered why women don't play (in their own league) if it's so much "fun". Women play baseball, and used to have professional teams back in the 40s. And why are cheerleaders all girls? why can't men cheerlead? They do in some colleges -- both George W. Bush and Mitt Romney were college cheerleaders!
Isn't the point to cheering to CHEER -- to encourage the team -- the jump around and wave pom pom and gin up the audience? why on earth is this a female profession (such as it is)? why can't attractive, fit young men do this as well as women?
Funny how this is about the most sexist thing imaginable -- big men playing with huge shoulder pads -- thin young sexy women jumping around in a frenzy -- and rarely is it ever noted, even in the liberal media.
I am aware of football of course (who couldn't be, in our culture) and I've always wondered why women don't play (in their own league) if it's so much "fun". Women play baseball, and used to have professional teams back in the 40s. And why are cheerleaders all girls? why can't men cheerlead? They do in some colleges -- both George W. Bush and Mitt Romney were college cheerleaders!
Isn't the point to cheering to CHEER -- to encourage the team -- the jump around and wave pom pom and gin up the audience? why on earth is this a female profession (such as it is)? why can't attractive, fit young men do this as well as women?
Funny how this is about the most sexist thing imaginable -- big men playing with huge shoulder pads -- thin young sexy women jumping around in a frenzy -- and rarely is it ever noted, even in the liberal media.
When one considers the vast financial network that is the N.F.L. this situation
is difficult to understand. The potential downside of this should be obvious to
the league. Yet, it is as though they have never given it a thought. Maybe they all suffer from 1%ers disease.
A six figure salary and comprehensive health coverage for such a small number of employees is chump change to the N.F.L.. I would think that the
players would step up and support the cheerleaders. They have a union,
why not the cheerleaders? Maybe they can pass the helmet and pay for half.
Or don't they know this problem exists. I would certainly like to see one of them bring this up. I think they have an obligation to do so.
is difficult to understand. The potential downside of this should be obvious to
the league. Yet, it is as though they have never given it a thought. Maybe they all suffer from 1%ers disease.
A six figure salary and comprehensive health coverage for such a small number of employees is chump change to the N.F.L.. I would think that the
players would step up and support the cheerleaders. They have a union,
why not the cheerleaders? Maybe they can pass the helmet and pay for half.
Or don't they know this problem exists. I would certainly like to see one of them bring this up. I think they have an obligation to do so.
12
As long as women are willing to be eye candy for men, women will be mistreated and men will get away with it. The notion of being paid more for it hardly matters. Sorry ladies. Some of us know our dignity does not have any price.
42
Cheerleaders are treated almost as poorly as college football players.
18
Why should football owners worry about the cheerleaders when they dont have to? They did not worry about player health except with respect to how to keep the players playing, until bad press and some of the players themselves started leaning on them.
46
That's why the players union has a collective bargaining agreement. Concerns on working conditions are addressed in that document.
1
I suppose we shouldn't be surprised with all the other parsimonious wayd employers have treated women and minorities, but I found this especially disgusting. Thank goodness some of them thought to sue.
64
Yeah, cheerleading. Wow. Sorry no sympathy. I would really like NYT to perhaps do an OpEd on why migrant farm workers don't have benefits or good pay for the indespensable work they do, but cheerleading? I could care less.