Is the NFL Exploiting its Cheerleaders? | AJ+

NFL cheerleaders face a wide range of discriminatory practices in the league, including rampant sexual harassment and massive wage theft. But when cheerleaders call out these sorts of practices they are often fired or let go. Will the NFL ever change?
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[@alphacause]

Football embodies the moral hypocrisy that it exists in this country, on a grand scale. We pay lip service about how much we love our kids, but then allow and even encourage them to play a sport that has one of the highest probabilities of incurring life long injuries - CTE just being one of them. We speak about how much we value women in the modern era, and yet the most prominent role women have in America's most popular sport is to be eye candy with some dancing skill. After all, if it were just about dancing, there would be no need for them to be so scantly clad. We wax on about our freedoms in this country, and yet support the NFL which blacklists someone from employment for exercising his right to protest. We speak about how much we abhor violence, and yet we allow the most viewed sports program in this country to be used as an advertising vehicle for the military - one of the biggest purveyors of violence in the world. People's rabid devotion to football, and particularly to the NFL, belies the moral convictions that they claim they have.

[@paddymaguire1703]

it's all true! so who do you got for mvp?

[@kat2605]

Drake Santiago this comment is everything

[@idkijs435]

Cant say you're wrong at all... but have you ever played organized football?

[@alphacause]

Nino Anthony, no I haven't played organized football on a high school or college level. When I was young I would play it, informally, with a group of friends after school. However, I don't think that discredits my statement. After all, I don't have to actually do crack cocaine to no that it is a destructive substance. I just need to be aware of the results. I have seen the results, not only from the information that is out there, but from experiences of friends, when I was at school, and now with my colleagues at work. They can all point to some injury that bothers them, till this day.

[@rushopolis]

I believe we coddle our children way too much. And these women go into this willingly. My cousin is a cheerleader for the Miami dolphins and they tell the women everything they need to know before hand. The football players are getting paid to perform. That involves playing football, doing interviews, and standing for the national anthem.

[@ting280]

Football is an outlet for our need for sex and violence. If the players are making millions the cheerleaders should be well paid too

[@ranelgallardo7031]

Daggers & Chains What’s wrong with eye candy?

[@ranelgallardo7031]

Daggers & Chains Team mascots are mainly for the kids, you need to help market to the teenage boys and young males. That’s where the cheerleaders are there for, in a way.

[@ranelgallardo7031]

Daggers & Chains Not really the band is there to provide music and energy to the audience. Cheerleaders are there to hype up and help market the team for being eye candy for teenage boys and young adult males.

[@jlj5487]

Daggers & Chains You realize cheerleading used to be a male pastime that only became considered “useless” because women began to dominate the ranks? thesocietypages.org/socimages/2012/12/28/the-manly-origins-of-cheerleading/ What was the original purpose of a male cheerleader then? It was to pump up the crowd and get them invested in the game. You wouldn’t have as many people interested in watching the game without them because it would just be an elite group of dudes beating up on each other like it is in colleges with less emphasis on school spirit. Part of the main reason why people even watch sports is to be a part of something bigger.

[@eddenoy321]

Shouldn't the spectators be paid as well ? Fans show up so the stadium looks filled, thus increasing ad revenues. This is work.

[@genocidegrand2057]

honestly i don't see the purpose of cheerleaders at all for the current viewer. i ignore them all the time. just abolish cheerleaders in sport games

[@k7lianmbappe519]

i 100% agree with you

[@gingergreek]

I agree, it's just unnecessary

[@ewqdsacxz765]

The purpose of cheerleading is exploitation of women.

[@deaundrejohnson487]

Okay but that's just you others like watching cheerleaders they hype up the crowd and bring people to the games.

[@ewqdsacxz765]

+Freight train, male crowd and male people.

[@RaySmith79]

I stop watching NFL like 3 years ago. Not only because of this but also it is a boring game.

[@christianktm2910]

100% agree with you. Soccer or futbol fan here

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Yeah, there is way too much stopping and starting in football.

[@chownful]

u broke the social conditioning

[@JD-kw6cv]

NFL been pimping these cheerleaders for decades no money

[@cthulhuchrist6289]

What else would you do with hos?

[@i-love-comountains3850]

@@cthulhuchrist6289 Humans* In answer to your question: Pay them fairly as employees supporting the NFL.

[@cowboybob7093]

Stop whining about cheerleaders. Didn't they read their employment contract? Look at the 'no fraternization' bit in context: Are most of these women such devoted fans that the idea of being in close proximity to the players never crossed their minds? Who can blame a team for protecting a million dollar player from a rogue minimum wage gold digger ( _rogue_ I wrote _rogue._ ) Yes, eliminate cheerleaders. Most of them do it for fun, for the experience. Ladies: deny your sisters the opportunity, it's only fair.

[@mochithepooh5368]

So a bunch of old men in suit tell women about the 'perfect' body'...creep. Also how they pay them below the minimum wage? It's called a MINIMUM wage for a reason.

[@kneelbefore6978]

They are payed less than the minimum wage because the minimum wage is for full time jobs and these cheerleaders don't work full time!

[@i-love-comountains3850]

@@kneelbefore6978 Still bogus. Not like the NFL can't afford it, and they should pay them well. Change my mind.

[@kneelbefore6978]

@@i-love-comountains3850 that's like saying Walmart should pay their toilet cleaners top and wages just because they have the money. There is no reason why they would waste potential profit on someone doing a very low demanding job with barely any profit potential. The chearleaders aren't the main attraction after all. They are just ment to be something to entertain you during the games pauses.

[@iriselba3027]

These girls are athletes they deserve more money

[@leej-vq6hl]

Another reason why the American “Football” is so wrong on so many levels.

[@bravoalley228]

Football outside the American arena...which some call soccer, is better ;)

[@harshithsadhana7475]

thats why f1 lost cheergirls

[@HiAdrian]

What came across from the news wasn't that the F1 cheerleaders ("grid girls") themselves complained, but feminists who don't watch F1.

[@yld629]

Nobody watches cheerleaders... NOBODY! Get rid of them.

[@Abhi-cb7eh]

This is unfair.

[@MrSpaztastic23]

It looks like the nfl doesn't feed them enough

[@bighouseshoes7503]

Football don't need cheerleaders...

[@AvangionQ]

Living wages ... for all.

[@bluemarvel6156]

I've never been a sports fan nor have I even paid attention to it, but one thing that I am aware of is exploitation. It is very reassuring to know that we're at a point in American history where gender inequality, discrimination and racism are longer just not being tolerated, but also being exposed and uprooted. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke

[@TheLicktysplitz]

Glad you guys uploaded this video I had no idea that they got treated like this. I thought they were making bank like the players especially if they're putting their bodies out there like that. they could have made more as an adult Entertainer if they decided to then doing that ,not that I think they want to do that .that's outrageous to get paid under minimum wage and then they have to pay for all these things and standards and NFL's not dishing out the money for that ,plus no protection when they're out there ,don't they know there's animals out there .Big old 6-foot 8 over 300 pound linebacker has a bodyguard but these little tiny cheerleaders whoe are practically in underwear are going out there in a crowd full of nasty men that's outrageous!!

[@Riomojo]

This is an important video, thank you

[@BuddyL]

🏈: The Quintessential 🇺🇸 Sport... for all the WORST reasons. Concussions, racism, misogyny, money discrepencies - and those are just the ones off the top of my head.

[@PhedelCastro]

BuddyL Don’t watch?

[@BuddyL]

@@PhedelCastro What does whether or not I watch have to do with the HIGHEST paid 🇺🇸 sport paying their players and cheerleaders less than peanuts? Ponder that as I block you, genius. Ta.🖕🏿

[@PhedelCastro]

BuddyL you think professional football players don’t get paid enough?

[@horseenthusiast1250]

I used to love cheerleading as a little kid because it was fun exercise (and I was a flyer, which is exhilarating), but I hate how sexual it is when you hit even a high school level. It’s uncomfortable and controlling, and takes focus away from the actual fun of the sport. Throw unethical business practices on there and you have a very bad no fun terrible awful time.

[@GoalHornGeek]

My favorite hockey team (Carolina Hurricanes) have always been great with their cheerleaders and aren’t exploiting the cheerleaders by putting them in the tiniest outfits and forcing them to do a kickline while getting massively unpaid. They also aren’t as strict with the rules like the NFL is. They get to be more of the fan development team and are always helping with intermission games and military surprises and stuff like that. They also have much more freedom in a season as the NFL requires 100% attendance at games. Our cheerleaders are only required to attend like 75% of events and are an icon of the team. Look up “Carolina Hurricanes cheerleaders” and click the one with the 16 ladies. Now compare that to the Carolina Panthers cheerleaders. Much more uniform. They have bigger tops and wear pants rather than tiny skirts and tiny tops. Even within the NHL, they are some of the more friendly with cheerleaders. They also have security standing behind them during games to make sure they’re safe

[@GoalHornGeek]

And they don’t fire you for being in the same restaurant as the players. Several players even follow the cheerleaders. They also aren’t required to do a bikini photo shoot and are allowed to gain weight. They are permitted by the team to pull up their pants higher if they feel they find it more comfortable that way as well.

[@pinkrave2]

When I read the caption I assumed we all knew this🤣🤣🤣

[@user-vw4vp5gm2c]

if you say no, you have to make sure the market agrees with you, or you lose your job, someone will take it..

[@dwsh1]

"NFL® CHEERLEADERS ARE PEOPLE TOO!"

[@rouguiyatousow4780]

Why do the NBA and the NFL have cheerleader. Why can't it be like soccer or baseball

[@ranelgallardo7031]

Rouguiyatou Sow Lots of baseball teams now have MLB dance girls that throw baseballs into the stands and hang with the mascot.

[@tilu3303]

@@ranelgallardo7031 Part of it is that thousands of women have cheered and danced in high school and college and enjoy continuing to use their skills outside of the school world.

[@ranelgallardo7031]

nafreehc Also it’s part of the American culture.

[@GoalHornGeek]

Some NHL teams have them too a lot of them are pretty bad. Other teams dropped their squads and the Hurricanes, the original squad, are probably the least sexist

[@sleepinggiantasa]

This is so idiotic, at one point he says “it’s almost like the nfl doesn’t value this woman”. You make it out to seem like all the other American institutions value the people that serve/work for them.

[@SpencerThomasA_V_O_85]

To tell the truth I forget that the NFL has cheerleaders

[@agent_soshi]

If they have to pay for stuff, can’t they claim tax returns on it? Or does the US not have that?

[@VikramKrishnan404]

If you're getting paid minimum wage, you're only going to get 10-15% back on your returns if that. And that could be over a year after your expense.

[@ismaelabraham9809]

When people’s criticize Muslim about the way they treat women 😂😂😂

[@idkijs435]

Better question, does the NFL need its cheerleaders

[@tilu3303]

For many - both participants and spectators - cheerleading enhances the experience and broadens interest.

[@justicerowland6921]

I have nothing to say to these people.

[@Nada-zy4xp]

Omar Duwaji is one of my favorite Syrian Arab producers and host on AJ+...God Bless you Omar!

[@MrPallwaul]

What's the point of cheerleaders? I get excitement from the game itself, are they just there so we don't turn gay from staring at a bunch of men in tights?!?!!?!? Rah!

[@bighouseshoes7503]

The crazy thing is they know what the job requirements before when they applied for the position.. she Broke the rules got fired now she sees a problem with it..wow

[@mariancounsellor]

I have no idea why anyone would want to be a Cheerleader with all the hypocrisy, sexism and the rigid rules. I suppose being able to dance in front of a crowd, being part of a team, and getting attention ( if that’s what you wish for). Hopefully, in time, things will change.

[@AndroidCovenant]

Good strategy getting a guy to talk about this issue!

[@Jay-qz1nb]

Don't be a cheerleader, a simple solution

[@arminjamesrashidy994]

It is true that's what they do there's no stopping until it's changed

[@jimstineman638]

They should only have women over 300. Lbs. Or maybe the players mothers

[@lisastarves5543]

Cheer leaders are pretty..

[@dp1643]

Good until you made the snide W remark.

[@MermaidSailorMari]

didn't vox just make a video about this...?

[@artchick07]

Refinery 29 made on about the pay.

[@JapesZX]

Not relevant but I thought Nancy's dress matches her eyes pretty well.

[@Skybolter]

I stop watching NFL and it is Not only because of this but also because of a Horrifying decease that affects players, C.T.E., Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

[@shultsy100]

Take The Knee!

[@Nikkirael]

THAT'S IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF A corporate PIMP...

[@datruckinginc6349]

Simply don't work in the NFL

[@TupolevTech]

Unbelievable. For all the crap they endure while getting paid peanuts, how can these women look so great and be so passionate about the sport and job ? They should be praised as super humans ffs!!!

[@MissMauritius]

The New York Giants have never had cheerleaders!

[@extra_ice_girl]

Just pay them and give them bodyguards already!

[@itsme-gm9oi]

Someone is alreadys ready to step up and get offended on someones else behalf, even if that so called exploited one actually wants to do what they are doing.

[@melchizedeck.]

Damn this messed up, poor girls.

[@gamerssEnTERPRISE]

Omg really 10 years from now nfl mascots will come out and say they were molested

[@2chrisby]

No. They cn quit whenever they want.

[@jonathano5429]

USA can do with out football and cheerleaders too

[@aliciamack9323]

always respect women bodies and there beauty outside and out

[@jackyzhu9761]

Cheerleading presidents. Weird but true!

[@user-ys6dj9pj6e]

I feel sorry for them

[@joemama7151]

maybe they should get a real job?????????????????

[@Phantom_275]

Then why be a cheerleader

[@seekr6964]

Omg! all this because she wanted to show more skin in social media than her team allowed = sue them. Sports dont need cheerleaders. problem solved

[@SirPhillyLeong]

NFL Cheerleaders mistreatment is an issue worth kneeling for.

[@Dennisaj]

Am I saying cheerleaders should be paid Six figures a year…. Heck no!!! But should they be paid over minimum wage… Yes!!!

[@Ph.40Lowks]

That’s why in a few years nba will be king

[@acjdz]

Soccer is the king its higher then nfl only USA is nfl

[@ranelgallardo7031]

NBA will have to make themselves more competitive balanced. The MLS is going to be growing fast

[@bchien]

Aside from the harassment, cheerleaders need to suck it up. If you don’t want to be objectified and want better pay, choose a different occupation.

[@denisekinzle4536]

They all know it's not for pay.Its too show off.No body holds a gun to their heads.Ive always wondered why anyone would work so hard for no pay but it's a personality flaw that's needs attention.

[@geraldm4728]

If two people enter into a voluntary contract there is no exploitation. If they don't want to be a cheerleader they can leave.

[@lorenzofiorini9471]

Good but why doesn't AlJazeera talk about the situation of women in arab countries?

[@lucaszhu1028]

Wait, the PRESIDENTS were cheerleaders? How surprising!

[@Dennisaj]

Come work 80 hours a week at McDonald’s making minimum wage in then we’ll talk about being exploited!!!

[@Bum_Hip]

While it is clear these are horrible jobs, why would one accept the terms, and sign on for such an unfair, and brutal work environment?

[@fangirling_2477]

Okay, I'm sorry for thee girls but, you signed the contract. You knew what could happens me you did it anyway. I feel sorry for you but, girl, you aren't blameless. You brought it upon yourself. Like legit, you shouldn't sign something you didn't know and you can't say you didn't expect something like this to happen. My heart is going out for them tho.

[@jesskhan09]

Fangirling_ 24/7 the cheerleaders signed a contract. That means they should get paid on time and not be sexually harassed by the fans and players.

[@locNguyen-jb1vt]

Nfl is dieing

[@laserbeamchaser]

i have a better plan, lets just remove cheerleaders from football. that way ill never have to hear this crap again.

[@theylied1776]

The only two valid points made here are wages for and security of the cheerleaders. (a). Security should be provided for cheerleaders at any and all promotional functions. (b). The NFL made record profits of $13.2 Billion in 2016 and $14.3 Billion in 2017. So, the NFL as a whole should have employee packages for the cheerleaders with a starting salary of $50k with additional compensation from any advertisement featuring the cheerleaders and any promotional material with their likeness or any personal appearances made by the cheerleaders.

[@tootsrr1]

NOBODY IS FORCING THEM TO DO IT OMG THE VICTIMS AGAIN

[@angelenadanna3019]

I did cheer at the college level and even I agree. It's not like we have no clue what the uniform is and we're not ignorant to what is expected. If they have such strong moral indignation to how cheerleaders are treated they don't have to do it. I think there are a lot of girls who do cheerleading professionally just to get with the athlete.

[@prime201]

The problem is if they get rid of the cheerleaders, they'll start complaining about losing their jobs (which i guess its fair).

[@BryanHernandez-ij9pd]

4:35

[@therambler3713]

These are not children at some nike sweat shops in malaysia, these are grown women that have made a choice to work in these conditions for those wages.

[@kathymurguia6881]

There are adult women working in sweatshops. Is it their choice to do so? These women need to stop and make a point or get an other job.

[@therambler3713]

Kathy Murguia yeah................they did choose to work in those sweat shops

[@mrjamila88]

But even if people chose to work in this type of work they still deserve to be treated with respect. All human beings should be treated as such. For all the publicity they help to bring toward the NFL and hyping up the crowds they definitely deserve respect, protection and a pay above minimum wage.

[@jn-ib2nd]

@@therambler3713 thats because they don't HAVE any other choice you privileged ignorant person

[@TheGreenerItGets]

"Society is bad, but you still participate in society. Interesting. I am very smart."

[@trevorprime2274]

+AJ+ Do these cheerleaders have any agency? Are they able to leave the job? Are they able to NOT take the job in the first place?

[@hanak5479]

Of course, but such a job shouldn't exist in the first place. You can't barely pay your workers, order them to spend thousands of dollars on their appearance, and leave them open to sexual harassment.

[@trevorprime2274]

As per leave open to sexual assault: don't the NFL provide them with security guards during official gigs?

[@mikasaackerman8232]

Idk... she’s like.. I get up there, dance around, showing off my body in order to tease thousands of men. And then men make sexual comments towards me and I feel like it’s my fault. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@elliottw5659]

So is this like an SJW run channel orrrr?

[@BarneyBrimlowe]

nobody cares about the cheerleaders.

[@rudystraight1750]

sheeps

[@throast5809]

So they're just strippers that hate money

[@ranelgallardo7031]

THAT ONE GUY They don’t strip fool. Think Hooters girls or beauty pageant women that can dance

[@rudystraight1750]

@@ranelgallardo7031 they dont strip but they did strip their clothes for skanky ones to dance around in for money

[@leehaiko3999]

They know what they're getting into. You don't have to join if you don't want to

[@angelgtrr]

Here for the thumbnail

[@Friday_Trouble]

I don't get it, they're shown a *contract,* they read it and decide to _sign it._ If you don't like the job, leave and go cheer for some protestors or something.

[@Vladdie777]

We have to protect women by removing their employment choices.

[@therambler3713]

ikr, these leftists treat everyone like children

[@bravoalley228]

So why do some people have lawyers? Some contracts are written in so much legalese that people can just sign as they want the superficial benefits. But I'm sure you understand every single contractual terms and conditions put before you, don't you?

[@therambler3713]

Bravo Alley So you're saying people sign contracts they pretend to understand. That's called being irresponsible. And if you act in an irresponsible manner, you deserve what's coming to you.

[@bravoalley228]

The Rambler so do you understand every clause in a contract you sign?

[@fadimasheikh5154]

Women should cover their bodies and wear modesty , if not then it's to you .

[@JogBird]

they can choose to leave and go work at mcdonalds anytime they want