An investigation has been launched into allegations of employment discrimination and a hostile work environment at the National Football League (NFL), according to a joint statement from New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
It comes just over a year since the NFL was warned by a coalition of six attorneys general to take “swift action” to improve conditions for female employees.
In a statement Thursday, the attorneys general of New York and California said the joint investigation will “examine the workplace culture of the NFL and allegations made by former employees, including potential violations of federal and state pay equity laws and anti-discrimination laws.” It said the NFL has offices in New York and California with more than 1,000 employees.
The Attorneys General on Thursday issued subpoenas to the NFL seeking relevant information, the statement said.
CNN has contacted the NFL for comment regarding the investigation.
“No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or objectification in the workplace,” said NY Attorney General James. “No matter how powerful or influential, no institution is above the law, and we will ensure the NFL is held accountable.”
“California will not tolerate any form of discrimination,” California Attorney General Bonta said. “We have serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment. No company is too big or popular to avoid being held responsible for their actions.”
Attorneys General James and Bonita cited a New York Times report from February 2022, which detailed more than 30 former female employees alleging gender discrimination and retaliation after they had filed complaints with the NFL’s human resources division.
The Times reported at the time: “They described a stifling, deeply ingrained corporate culture that demoralized some female employees, drove some to quit in…
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