NFL cheerleaders speak out on scandal, abuse | Banfield

[@amy109]

This shouldn’t shock anyone at all. Gross

[@josephwolosz2522]

NFL will do whatever it takes to make money. It doesn't matter who it is. Players,Cheerleaders and even fans.

[@nfbconnect]

Aren’t NDAs null and void when it comes to going public with a crime. Like, harassment is a crime, right?

[@koebiqueen5386]

Exactly Ashley, good luck getting fans to speak up. Thank you for bringing this story!

[@Dawnabrat]

I never realized they were paid so little. One of the reasons American sports in general turns me off is that any involvement with women seems to be for exploitation purposes. Being an actress and even jobs or careers you think you will escape this sort of thing you don't. I love sports, played on women's softball leagues. I just don't like being treated like meat. I also do not want to watch other women be treated that way. It's hard to live and not be hurt by all of it. I lived in the south, in GA for a time, I was swimming at the lake with my sons and husband. In a one piece bathing suit. A women fully clothed was on the shore calling me over to hand me a pamphlet, I thought a local church invite right? Nope, it basically said women like me was the reason husbands cheat. I grabbed it and said ok thank you before reading it. She smiled. Isn't that so Christian? Half the time I wanted to hide from this abuse and half the time I wanted to stand up to it. No matter what we do, the fault seems to be ours.

[@LuckyTown77]

In the late 70s I was being bullied by a cop. A Dallas cheerleader intervened on my behalf. Good deeds last forever. Sorry to hear this horror.

[@JustTrying2MakeitToJesus]

Bless her heart for sticking to her faith. She denied the money; that's how important her relationship with God is. Hopefully, more people will follow in her shoes.

[@samanthamoore8693]

More women need to refuse to sign the NDAs and stand up for themselves.

[@carlosblandino3271]

Better yet they should banned cheerleaders from the sports they bring no revenue people don't come to football events to watch them. We come to football games to watch the players.

[@annaconigliaro2907]

@@carlosblandino3271 I disagree. As someone who wants to see the cheerleaders, at a live game for my first game I think they help bring people into the stadiums who would rather just watch the games at home

[@elisevautour6292]

Sadly, money usually rules for most people. 😩

[@jmfia2391]

​@@annaconigliaro2907 no job then

[@francesbernard2445]

Why are so much fewer people following this story than other news stories? Are people afraid to follow it and talk about it?

[@dogfacesailor]

A Dictator in Canada, Russians crossing the border in Ukraine, China eyeing Taiwan, and a Dementia patient in the White House.

[@trentcruise3084]

@@dogfacesailor A perverted Troglodyte in the stained White House.

[@amy109]

Because it involves very rich and powerful people, like usual with stories like this. MSM will bury it.

[@amy109]

@@trentcruise3084 Biden is still a pedo no matter how much trump has rent in your indoctrinated heads.

[@January.]

*Why are so few people...../so many fewer people....

[@debbiblakeslee2373]

I have lost all faith in any sports …..it’s all about the money……ALWAYS

[@tinawindham6958]

The virgin wants the other cheerleaders to band with her. Girl you are a rare bird. God bless you for not taking hush $$, again your character 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Ask them to donate the money to a charity or animal rescues. Please.

[@BachTantra]

Crazy. I just hope in the future cheerleaders are no longer used in teams in the future

[@marthawoodworth]

I agree. Not a "popular" opinion, but as a woman I think the very idea of female cheerleaders cheering male athletes is misogynistic and patriarchal. Surely athletic, high energy, attractive women can do other things to make money with their prowess. These are savvy, talented women. Why demean yourself? I know a lot of people would say they respect these high-powered go-getters, but I believe the sport of cutesy cheerleading has outlived its usefulness...if it ever was useful.

[@sallyg.125]

U.S. sports brings in billions of dollars - not to mention the millions paid to the athletes on the fields or courts. It's unbelievable they can't pay these young women at least a living wage for their hard work!

[@Augfordpdoggie]

nobody forces them to do it

[@carlosblandino3271]

Nobody comes to watch them go get a real job losers.

[@theoriginalkrabbypatty]

You have to have a job or be a student.

[@bettebyrd]

@@carlosblandino3271 sounds like you are the uninformed loser.

[@MrQwiksix21]

Uhhh...Dont sign the NDA, And go through with the Lawsuit...

[@coll4455]

I could go on and on about this. These woman are professional athletes yet are told that the decades of training and sacrifice they make to get to this level is going to be paid in the experiences and friendships. That all there training amounts to that of a just a fun hobby.

[@marthawoodworth]

AND they are presented as sex objects; half-naked, sexy dancing, etc. I do not believe that any of these women or ANY women anywhere should be judged by their clothing, whether it's tight, skimpy or prudish. BUT: the NFL and other sports teams everywhere have cheerleaders exposing themselves sexually. Why can't they wear cute outfits - shorts, tank tops, leggings, etc.?A sexy woman will always look like a sexy woman, no matter what she wears, especially when she's in good shape, and dancing. That would be another way to say "We want respect." The non-disclosure statements need to go away. Why should any woman be kept from speaking about disturbing things that have happened to her? More power to these women!

[@heatherleigh414]

Absolutely love your comment ❤ I see many beautiful women who look better fully clothed than they do wearing barely nothing at all and everyone is beautiful In there own way weather its men or woman so many beautiful and amazing features of an individual even if they are born with birth defects there's always still something amazing about them and really it's the soul that matters not what they look like

[@deniseganey6890]

They're all participating in female objectivation, clearly bowing down to Male driven Standards of a woman's place. It's ridiculous in this day and age That women are driving to compete in this arena. Such a waste of talent and dedication. Put your Athletic abilities to some nit so salacious.

[@bettebyrd]

And I wonder if they have noticed high school cheerleaders outfits and actions on the field twerking and skimpy clothing. I retired after thirty years in 2000 and the girls who were cheerleaders disgusted me. I noticed the chance in around 1998 from cute little girl outfits and routines to full fledged adult looking outfits and make up on these little girls.

[@angelacasein7059]

Just observing the working routines of dcc cheerleaders is exhausting imagine doing all that and being treated like that

[@sharonmchugh7730]

Great job Ashleigh, & the former cheerleaders , such horrid practices

[@lidiasmith1579]

Nothing should be covered up with any amount of money. Men need to learn to respect woman and our bodies are not something to expose for a cheap thrill. Also , woman need to help with not exposing their bodies as well. Uniforms should be respectful, and with that men can begin to respect all woman big or small to see us as examples to the public. Respect comes with respect and those who choose not to respect need to be weeded out.

[@teresafraser3049]

More people need to open up and share the abuse they endured in order for positive change to occur 👌👍👌

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

Where is the Me Too movement. 🤔 crickets!

[@chilton1975]

So wat does this say about the directors of the Cowboys Cheerleaders and other teams. Are they conveniently closing their eyes? Horrible.

[@MrQwiksix21]

ESPN desperately wants the focus on something else...

[@jenniferj2456]

It never ceases to amaze me how women express sexism and misogyny an "industry" problems. Lots of us women experience PLAINLY obvious sexism and misogyny in our desk jobs. Women, especially white women who don't benefit from eeoc racial discrimination protection which is taken much more seriously than misogyny and sdxism, are openly and obvious!y discriminated for gender in MOST USA workplaces and it's considered not a problem. In fact, many peopl e in power positions say sexism doesn't exist anymore to further create a narrative that women s workplace unfair treatment is normal. sadly though, it's largely women themselves most times who encourage and demonstrate their own sexism and misogyny towards females but this country also refuses to talk about it. Refuses.

[@nfbconnect]

💯💯💯💯💯🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@katiekane5247]

It starts around not being heard, our thoughts & feelings discounted & progresses to being openly objectified & STILL not being heard. It's nice to be old & no longer sexualized. I get loud now when I'm not heard.

[@marthawoodworth]

@@katiekane5247 I would have liked this comment except for the gratuitous racism exhibited in the first few sentences.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

As a man in a female dominated industry i face discrimination as well-just gotta live with it

[@marthawoodworth]

@@AugfordpdoggieWhat is your industry? I know some men might be discriminated as nurses. And no, "you don't just gotta live with it." You can protest against discrimination, like these women did.

[@bettebyrd]

Oh it’s still going on! 😳

[@alim-nb6wc]

I'm proud of them for speaking out. Some of them take the money though l.

[@pacotaco5526]

There may be reasons for them taking the money that we don't know about. They could have been threatened by staff members and higher ups. It still doesn't make them less of a victim and It still doesn't make it OK.

[@nicoleb4077]

I remember watching Meagan's Journey on the making the team DCC. She's not only beautiful and eloquent and well-spoken she was a great dancer and if there's something "wrong" with her body, then damn it I want her body! Good for you Meagan for speaking up!!!

[@melbrooks1192]

Are cheerleaders needed/ necessary ? Of course they’re scrutinized for their looks. Why is that surprising to anyone ? You have to look at certain way. Everyone knows that.

[@marthawoodworth]

No, you don't have to "look at it that way." You can look at it another way: change is always possible. Don't blindly accept the same-old-same-old.

[@bettebyrd]

Obviously not EVERYONE!

[@StephanieBuckley78]

Does anyone remember in like the early 90's the CMT show they had about the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader tryouts? Absolutely disgusting. They were brutal to young women from everywhere. I'm surprised anyone wants to go through that type of abuse, because that's exactly what it was. I honestly doubt Hugh Hefner was even that critical of his playmates. None of this is shocking to me. That abuse has been allowed to go on for decades because they view them as lesser human beings.

[@pacotaco5526]

Yup i definitely remember watching "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" in 2006 . I agree with u, They were terrible to those women saying horrible things about their weight and their looks. Putting them on calorie restricted diets, punishing them when they gained as little as a pound. I watched it a few times but never forget how bothered i was buy the way the women were treated.

[@bronxgurl6293]

The show is still on CMT and has been since the early 2000's.

[@ponygirlusa]

The girls are not obligated to try out. The point is that they want the cream of the crop, not average (looking) girls. They want what men would consider sex symbols. Only men know what they want. Women can be outraged by the beauty standards they look for, woman can sue and send out mediocre, chunky girls to become "cheerleaders," but it won't change what men find sexy.

[@bettebyrd]

@@ponygirlusa it’s not WHY they were chosen that’s the problem it’s the way they were treated once chosen.

[@ponygirlusa]

@@bettebyrd Who knows how much of what is viewed is real or to create drama and attract viewers. I never watched that show but that America's Next Top Model is 90% b.s. to get people watching and talking about it for ratings. It wouldn't be surprising if that cheerleading show did that as well.

[@henchyheld3925]

I do not believe that the girls do not quit because they are worried about the next girls who will abused. I believe they are treated horribly, but there is a glamour about being a Cheerleader. There are 1000's trying out.

[@heikehollas4109]

Banfield for President 🌹🎀 ❤️ From Germany

[@susantwombly5632]

Wow.

[@RANTHEEMAN]

Kristan Ware is a rarity.

[@melissaschreiber7]

But see that's the bad part about it and we've known this for years and these girls allow themselves to be put there. These girls are no longer cheerleaders they're not really cheerleaders like we were in high school and we were there to cheer for our team in the in the game. They're nothing but a a sex appeal image for these industries and it is so sick and it is so pathetic that they treat these women as such. I mean look at the issues with Hooters and how them girls came together and said this is ridiculous the clothes were wearing. These sports industries have no respect for women even now in 2020s

[@christinemichele2318]

Sounds like religious discrimination.

[@anna-mariepellett4362]

I don’t hear anything being said about the costumes that they wear. Are they OK with that are they looking for any change in that?

[@elisevautour6292]

Typical. 😠

[@michaeliovine2462]

Not shocked at all

[@TheRivrPrncess]

What happened to Meagan Pravden is the reason I stopped watching Making the Team. She looked so good in the uniform and all they had to do and should have done is fix the uniform. Their body shaming her in action and speech was disgusting.

[@sharongilley3985]

REALLY ...WELL NFL KNEEL AGAINST FLAG AN COUNTRY PLUS ABUSE WOMEN AN YOU STILL WANT TO SUPPORT AN WATCH... IM SO DISGUSTED WITH ALL THIS..

[@normacolon9618]

U had to make it political..u r just a trumpeteer and most of the other in the comments. U never gave a crap about these ladies...so font start know u trumpeteers.

[@snowmanrainmaker]

Well it's a good thing I'm not the NFL because I would just eliminate the position of cheerleader permanently there would be none on the sidelines at any game!!!

[@terryterrific3955]

Honestly that's probably the best decision; as the casual NFL fan could care less about cheerleaders.

[@crazi2sweet]

That’s not the answer, humans should just treat other humans with respect and then everyone could be happy doing what they love to do.

[@snowmanrainmaker]

@@crazi2sweet a good mascot can provide the same enthusiasm that brings a crowd to its feet cheering for their team, opinions vary though!🤔 personally I would just eliminate the problem and do away with the cheerleader program.

[@ellingtonfeint13]

Why do the victims have to suffer the consequences?

[@janeth5517]

I thought women were beyond ‘cheerleading’ long ago.

[@Lia2222]

Women Power💪

[@bettebyrd]

You ladies are absolutely gorgeous and these men are animals. I quit watching when the man took a knee when it was only entertainment I was paying to see not some guys political view! Never want to see another of their games again. This just tops the cake! 🤮

[@anna-mariepellett4362]

Do you have the owners confused with someone who gives a damn!

[@barriobikinishop8006]

Tess from the rams

[@loribushey1932]

The entire Dallas Cowboys cheerleading org is f'ed up. Talk about Victorian rules and Playboy personna. Treat them like professional athletes and stop barbacizing them.

[@rootofitallremedies3974]

Unfortunately this a common issues in not only cheerleading but dance, gymnastics, modeling and pagents. Women need to stand up for them dam selves and have some frigging standards for yourself!!!! As much as it is the NFLs fault, it's just as much the womens part for not banding together and standing up for themselves!!!!

[@Anthony-ot8vl]

NFL doesn't make enough money? These beautiful women should be treated better.

[@nicoletambasco9210]

You had my complete attention until you singled out a young women and used one line of an entire article to bash her publicly. 18 19 20 years old..yup they’re children. Not a ton of experience and naive. You just sent a ton of H her way and I just lost all respect for you.

[@aprilosborn1886]

I'm surprised this hasn't been made known on this level before now, I wonder what cheerleaders had to suffer though in the 70's, 80's, 90's, etc.., they're there to do it job, that's all, then want to go home to their families

[@barriobikinishop8006]

Every1 knew tess

[@barriobikinishop8006]

She s my niece

[@Awanderer80]

The women do know they can get another type of job,right?

[@TruecrimeRealConvict]

Why tf does she even bring up to anyone about being a virgin??? I’m calling cap in this situation….I guarantee you that these girls loved being a cheerleader for the nfl but once they got fired or stopped on their own they hadn’t saved any money or found out how to make money off their fame as a cheerleader and now they’re trying to sue these guys

[@leoromo7845]

I stopped following nfl years ago. To many stupid people supporting those @holes. Keep on exposing those jerks ladies. God be with you.

[@kumashock4074]

Forced to be escorts? Is that not trafficking?

[@melissak8419]

The Commanders name reminds me of The Handmaid's Tale. And I don't understand why can't or don't the cheerleaders get paid for their time. The NFL makes plenty of money.

[@wikilix86]

Wasn't it easier for him just to pay them few grands and have them over the weekend in his jacuzzi?

[@aliengrey1708]

OMG, what you might imagine a football league would be like regarding cheerleaders they actually are, though I never expected that they would also be grossly under-paying them, that makes it a lot worse, they should be getting at least $150K /yr to tolerate the Chadism. You know what "Chad" is like, everyone knows a Chad from high school or college, he and Corey would be misogynistic.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

nobody goes to see the cheerleaders

[@ponygirlusa]

The girls know ahead of time what their pay will be. They aren't forced to be cheerleaders, it's a choice (if they qualify.)

[@eddiearmijo6635]

Welcome to Hollywood. PECKER PAPERS, INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW.

[@rr8960]

The Cowboys haven't been great since Tom Landry.

[@patriciafeehan8112]

Ooops predators

[@Augfordpdoggie]

of the 4 women..the 50+, non cheerleader is the hottest go Ashley!

[@jamesmarchetti3286]

Oh my Gosh! Heartbreaking! As a Christian Brother it makes my wonder I can watch? another NFL game seriously 😳? In my Faith I wouldn't want my fellow Christian Sisters know I watch this totally Disscusting Game! As a Christian Brother, Thank you so much for Reporting this!!!! Please don't Stop! Where is Everyone else's Reporting??? 😢.

[@ponygirlusa]

🤣

[@barrettlori9249]

Wow! Sounds like just another tennacle of the Seedy Underbelly of the Rich and Powerful we've recently seen....BUT you TEACH people or "organization's" how to treat you Ladies! Make the Change needed! There's power in numbers!

[@repentANDobey]

praise Jesus, Kristan! Good for you! We as born again Christians have been silenced more and more by not being able to mention Jesus, our Lord God, our creator, our father who protects and loves us, and how dare anyone tell us we cannot talk about our creator, creator of everything and everyone and yet so many not only don't recognize him for his glory but they are attempting to shut us up and not discuss him at all because the devil is a liar and deception is his game and he has infiltrated every single avenue that the masses have access to and we may be few but it is the few that will see heaven and the rest can go to hell (pun intended)

[@acgillespie]

*What Girl don't desire to be Barbie for a season?*

[@safffff1000]

He should said he identified as a woman and I want see fit slender cheer leaders

[@MrJuxone]

So why did YOU 3 sign an NDA, if you disagree so strongly.

[@MyFatherIsTryingToKillMe]

🤑

[@katrozeboom]

These are not the ones that signed the NDA. These are former cheerleaders that are speaking out.

[@samanthamoore8693]

They didn’t! 🙄

[@jmeyer4266]

These women are ALL exhibitionist and were willing to wear skimpy outfits in front of the whole world knowing full well that being sexy is the point.

[@ellingtonfeint13]

You can’t diagnose people from afar.

[@sj4632]

Ban cheerleading in the whole of the NFL. Problem solved. They're not needed and it's embarrassing for any sports team to still have cheerleaders.

[@sassialane]

So instead of holding men accountable, the women should be fired and punished??

[@Pizzaloverfrfr]

Yes, that will solve everything! Great idea 💡

[@Augfordpdoggie]

Dalrymple....try p$%nhub

[@CountryBoy2280]

These women just wanted money nothing happened it's obvious

[@Kirra2122]

How do you know?

[@CountryBoy2280]

@@Kirra2122 it's obvious

[@ellingtonfeint13]

@@CountryBoy2280 do you have an argument? Proof or evidence? Why is this is obvious?

[@CountryBoy2280]

@@ellingtonfeint13 and they have no proof

[@ellingtonfeint13]

@@CountryBoy2280 They never presented the findings of the investigation. How do you know that they just want money? That is just a blank argument, again where is the evidence for them just wanting money?

[@dianastephany3162]

Hum..women dress in skimpy clothes, run out on a football field in front of thousands, jump up and down and shake their butts…and they’re appalled when someone sees them for what they are? Lol.

[@yvetteesandoval6638]

I'm sorry this is just bull crap it's everybody trying to get money from stuff that was honestly a normal thing anybody with a brand new that in order to be a NFL cheerleader just as much as the guys had to be strong the girls had to be top notch it's no big horrific hidden secret I mean it's only obvious do you ever see a chubby cheerleader besides high School in any kind of sport and cheerleading besides maybe maybe even college no because people want to pay for eye candy it is what it is why is everybody acting like this is just so bad this is the way the world is and this kind of dumb news coverage when there's people in Afghanistan that we left behind being tortured and murdered when right now in Ukraine families are being killed this is what they believe you need to think about