#MeToo comes to the playing field

July 2021 federal employment law insider

Authors:

by H. Juanita Beecher and Burton J. Fishman, FortneyScott

The National Football League (NFL) recently levied a $10 million fine against the Washington Football Team (WFT) for fostering a workplace culture loaded with sexual harassment, bullying, and intimidation. The fine, imposed at the end of a months-long investigation, is one of the harshest penalties the league has ever assessed. The money will be used to support organizations committed to character education, antibullying efforts, healthy relationships, and related topics.

How we got here

Since the revelation of sexual and emotional abuse against young female gymnasts by team doctors and coaches, reports of similar mistreatment have proliferated throughout the sports world. Women athletes in track and field, swimming, and a variety of other team sports around the world have alleged mistreatment ranging from career-ending diet and training regimens to sexual assault.

The discrimination lawsuit filed by the world champion U.S. women’s soccer team and the recent disparate training, lodging, and general support for the men’s and women’s teams in the NCAA basketball championship made a large audience aware of the inequities in sports. Now, professional sports leagues are responding to the unwanted publicity.

Impact on Washington Football Team

Although WFT owner Dan Snyder wasn’t suspended, the NFL stated:

Continue reading your article with a HRLaws membership