The Dark Reality Of NFL Cheerleading | Shady | Refinery29

[@refinery29]

What other topics would you like to see explored on our investigative series Shady? Comment below!

[@psychic644]

The rise of Malpractice in the United States. Neglected patients, those who have been maimed. Being given high doses of radiation and developing a secondary disease. The patients are not being covered for the damage. The results of medical malpractice last a lifetime. More and more Americans are never compensated. They can't afford the medical care they need. They often die prematurely as a result. I can prove it, I am a victim of malpractice.

[@isitamoguel]

Beauty pageants

[@nicoleonlysometimes824]

Refinery29 more cheerleading please

[@mcee555]

Something about religion! Keep up this awesome series

[@Tommygrl1327]

Yes, an angle on beauty pageants would be interesting!

[@jonnawhite1989]

The NFL rejected an interview. That says A LOT.

[@sacrore9]

Hey siri, how do I like a comment more than a 100 times?

[@Texasmilitarydepartmentvid9654]

Of course the NFL rejected the interview. They don't want anyone to know what's been going on. They've already cought hell over Colin Kaepernick.

[@nas84payne]

Blessed Beloved The NFL is evil tbh. Cheerleaders, Kap, lack of care over players health, lack of rights for players.

[@themsmloveswar3985]

NFL No Fools Left. People are wising up.

[@lks806]

They even silence football players getting concussions in games but they aren’t ready to have that type of conversation yet either...

[@tawnystill8341]

Being a professional cheerleader is still a profession. They train all their lives (like an Olympian) but they are treated with gross disrespect.

[@sophiap.743]

Black Knight Fool ahahahahahahahahaahhahahahaha ur not a cheerleader tho.:)

[@sophiap.743]

Black Knight Fool i am a level 4 all star cheerleader. I’ve cheered for the last 3 years of my life. I have a boyfriend. :)

[@sophiap.743]

Black Knight Fool what would I be jealous of

[@chloee.6495]

@Black Knight Fool well, found the incel.

[@myeverythinq8666]

Black Knight Fool I’m confused, are you saying that they are mistreated by Lesbians and not men?

[@thunderwolf4237]

$100.00 per game?? Wow. When some of the players make millions per game? So wrong.

[@ConnorGrosseFilms]

Thunder Wolf who makes millions a game???

[@beccafrank6962]

Connor Grosse Films Wilson just had a $140 million contract extension with the Seahawks

[@ericaj1310]

Becca Frank that's a contract, for multiple games

[@lilegg301]

Erica Spranger multiple games but the point is in the same amount of time they earn DRASTICALLY less. some of the pay should be given to these people. they will eventually earn enough to buy anything in the world, what is the need to give them anymore.

[@elijahschemel9745]

They are more talented and throwing there bodies at other humans risking dying and players make about 5 million for 16 games dip shit

[@mrspaulb3889]

A person’s sex life, or lack thereof, should never be up for public discussion or debate. It really is no one else’s business but yours, unless you are a predator who is breaking the law. I personally admire her for doing her own thing, even though I don’t fault someone else for not doing the same. “To each their own.”

[@castelrose]

Tell the Supreme Court that :(

[@markoz673bajen8]

These no need Court; they need to play Rugby. Hard Dirt over shoulder tampon wearing studs.

[@alfamejeu7237]

@@castelrose until you take the life of someone else due to your own neglect and false

[@castelrose]

@@alfamejeu7237 once I understand what you said I might consider it. txs

[@rog9601]

Whoever in the Miami organization asked her that needs to be fired and the HR department needs to train better on interviewing.

[@itdoesntmatter9080]

The players are literally allowed to stalk them, but if the cheerleaders even pick up a phone call, the cheerleaders get in trouble? Dang that is wrong.

[@boston312]

before the rules were established with no contact of the players, many of these cheerleaders were initiating contact with the players and getting impregnated on purpose for child support payments $$$$$ or they were making false rape accusations. The NFL just decided to prevent these problems all together with a no contact policy.

[@Cooldudewhotellsamazingjokes]

@@boston312 Then why not prohibit players from contacting the cheerleaders?

[@boston312]

@@Cooldudewhotellsamazingjokes while im definitely not against your suggestion, my guess is that since the focus and money are on the football players that they see the cheerleaders as more of a liability than the other way around. Its basically about protecting their investments. Ill go out on a limb and say that these million dollar athletes can pretty much have access to any woman they want and therefore dont need to contact the cheerleaders as much as the other way around. From a league's perspective, do these football teams want their star players dealing with false rape and baby accusations when they should be focused on their profession and performing well for the teams that spent millions on them? Think of how much more difficult it would be for a team to replace a Tom Brady compared to that of a cheerleader.

[@Cooldudewhotellsamazingjokes]

@@boston312 It is simple. No social media contact between cheerleaders and players. Be fair. It is not about who is harder to replace. It is about being professional.

[@boston312]

@@Cooldudewhotellsamazingjokes the point i was trying to make is that the cheerleaders are seeking the pro players more than the other way around. NFL players can pretty much get any girl they want including cheerleaders.

[@cd6163]

9:17 well obviously they are paid less than the players I feel like that’s kinda obvious. But getting paid less than the mascots and snack stand workers is ridiculous!!

[@dogwalkerlindsey]

Kermit T. Frog some teams don’t pay their cheerleaders at all

[@theshevirgo]

Tina Severinovna Me my cousin cheered for an NFL team her rookies year it was $75 a game hours of unpaid practice even extra events was only $150 an event m. Her family is well off tho so it wasn’t to pay her bills but something to kill time until she went and got her Masters

[@xlovelygi]

Wow smfh!

[@MonicaWWW]

Mascots perform in a heavy, smothering suit for the entire game though

[@annushkanoor4328]

@@MonicaWWW cheerleaders wear skimpy degrading outfits and have to deal with creepy horned up dudes catcalling and staring at them. Also mascots don't have to spend hundreds on their appearance.

[@LittleMissRockChalk]

In college I worked at a brewery with an NFL cheerleader. I asked her why she waits tables if she’s a cheerleader, and she said it’s because her cheer job only pays minimum wage. Yikes!

[@Guobtz]

At work we had a temp hygienist come in who was also a professional cheerleader for a football team. Temping as a dental hygienist gave her the freedom to earn an income and do what she loves but what a shame they don't get paid more.

[@elizabethhanna6285]

Our mail woman was also a former NFL cheerleader.

[@refinery29]

+yellowbrickexpat So crazy!!

[@ranelgallardo7031]

I went to a hospital for food poisoning and the nurse was an NFL cheerleader. I joked to her and said “I should be sick more often” after I found out.

[@maybelikealittlebit]

This only further lessens my empathy for them! Don’t be a cheerleader then unless you truly enjoy it! Which most of them do. I think the whole idea of cheerleaders (solely female) is super sexist anyways! Either make it just about cheering or admit it’s a sexist thing and needs reform in MANY more ways than just pay for sex appeal. What about the males and non culturally sexually appealing people. 🤷‍♀️ (I personally see the difference in watching a normal sized and average looking person cheering, because it’s about the ENERGY.) My .02

[@laraoneal7284]

They did this in the airlines also back in the late seventies. I was fired for gaining 2 pounds. I went from 110 to 112. It was shocking. They started suing the airlines in the 80s.

[@asu_meii]

That’s fucked up, things like airline work shouldn’t be about appearances.

[@heatherlynsey3092]

That’s just so horrible. Anything could’ve made you fluctuate TWO POUNDS!!! I’m sorry you even had to hear those words.

[@Daniellasanche]

?? Highly doubt this. Lol.

[@citytrees1752]

You are comparing flight attendants with cheerleaders?

[@CocoAvalon]

@@Daniellasanche Do some research and you'll quickly see numerous news articles and court documents backing up this type of treatment. There are tons of accounts just like this from flight attendants from that era.

[@thealleykittens]

$100 A GAME?! Insane. Just walk away ladies, walk away.

[@COVID--kf3tx]

thealleykittens they probably love cheerleading

[@maae4673]

They must've spent so much more on makeup and training

[@pyroshayniac1090]

You'd make more being a professional Disney princess. It's crazy.

[@nanananananananana00]

James Bond it’s not that they’re “surviving off of attention” it’s something they’ve done their whole lives and it’s something they’re passionate about. a lot of people stay in jobs that don’t pay well because they’re passionate about it.

[@iwant007]

Exactly its there choice, if they do not like leave or someone else will do it. The less value you present its the reality of life. They love the NFL lifestyle or go to Vegas be in a show.

[@corgi444]

This also sounds a lot like the ballet industry. Ballet dancers are not paid as much as they deserve. Can you guys make a video exposing them?

[@puddipuding1127]

Drithi Panyam I mean it depends on the demand on who’s watching really. Can’t exactly raise pay for something that has a small demand.

[@aloistyler]

Puddi Puding I’m pretty sure the tens of thousands of families who flock to the ballet every year to see the nutcracker would beg to differ

[@rachellrosas186]

@@puddipuding1127 small demand? us ballet dancers dont just wear pink tutus and look pretty. Sweetie dancers like Misty Copeland are known all over the world. Dancers literally starve themselves just to get into big companies and perform on stage not even as a lead dancer. We deserve a raise on our salery because we are everything but never ''small demand''.

[@PassionJo777]

And u wouldn’t do anything else for work but simply shaking my booty like I did exotic dancing 🕺 I loved it and all the attention ESPECIALLY THE BIG DOSH$$$$ $$$

[@lauramonch3993]

Not sure what the US is like, but I worked at the Dutch National Ballet and they were paid handsomely. 3 week Bali holidays, appartments in the centre of Amsterdam, etc. You could always earn more obviously, but it's nowhere near what's being shown in this video.

[@anabelrosie1817]

What's wrong with a cheerleader being a virgin?

[@TheSF04]

Because they want women to be sexy and innocent but not prudes, experienced but not too experienced (slutty). It's an old double standard because men don't have to fear how many names they have in their black books but if a woman has too high of a number she's, "used goods"

[@TheSF04]

@@diljot6482 That's true. Thats why I said it's and old double standard. But you have to look at who owns/manages these teams. It's not gonna be a 20/30-year-old guy. The owners are fuck-old and they want people to meet their standards. (Plus I never said the girls have to be virgins. From the video it doesn't seem like they wanted her to be one. They just didn't want her to be a "slut". Then what makes her a slut. 5,10, 20? If there are rumors about her and it got back to the managers they can decide to get rid of her for it, especially if she/someone has been posting it to social media.)

[@kaelyns6170]

It sounds like a sexist industry honestly. Virgins are really discrimated against these days and it shouldn't matter to people if someone wants to stay a virgin.

[@msfred3209]

Diljot Singh and why would virgin girls f*** you? You sound utterly selfish.

[@jasmineshelton759]

Agreed, her sexual life is no one else's business but her own!

[@jyhk5682]

Waiting for marriage is a personal decision, these are illegal questions... When men are in power (topless photography) this is what happens...

[@myrtle1234]

The thousands of dollars which they spend on makeup, cheer classes, false eyelashes, etc. could have been spent acquiring job skills. No man them do that.

[@tdawgt5866]

But how does any know that’s what she’s doing unless she has talked about it openly.

[@ggcatbelladogantics2959]

@@tdawgt5866 she may have talked with a friend and that info got back because friend divulged it. Still illegal for boss to ask.

[@magicmath2714]

or you could not make it sexist and blame an entire gender. gender does not determine if someone is good or bad, or what someone does. individual character does.

[@Saintbow]

Let's see...Either A: She goes to school or a Tech school to get an education or learning a skill trade... or B: She dresses skimpy and shakes her ass in front of millions to gain attention and popularity. But hey, you keep blaming men and playing the victim card...

[@absolutetrash2246]

"Less than the players..." I mean valid "Less than the mascots..." Um.. "Less than the concession stand workers." NOW HOLD ON.. ONE SECOND WHAT THE-

[@littlekittytv7893]

How is being paid less than the players valid? They're practicing and working the same amount of time AND sometimes more, and just because they're not tackling each other to the turf doesn't mean what they do isn't dangerous.

[@lorynramage350]

Aughbub dibub it’s because people watch sports for the players. All the views and ticket sales for sports games is because people want to see THEM. Concession stand workers contribute more than cheerleaders do.

[@absolutetrash2246]

Aughbub dibub because the players play the game. The players are the reason everyone watches. They can take away the cheerleaders and the game is still there but if you take away the players there is no game, but I see your point.

[@arihartsfield2868]

@@littlekittytv7893 I totally think they should be paid more but players cant memorize things there are so many more variables.

[@chrisrose4769]

Mascots deserve more there usually in a boiling hot costume lol

[@iluvpurple2mucho]

$3 an hour?!?!?! 😱 that’s just criminal!

[@hadbetterdays8118]

What kind of person would do that, to me that is slavery no proper women who would want a fair pay would get that to me it is straight up prostitution

[@xlovelygi]

I cant believe it smfh!!

[@Oohnohassani]

that is a sin lol

[@nighthawk326]

Many would do it for free.

[@krystingrant6292]

Exactly the cheap ass buffalo bills. Shut down the cheer squad. $50-100 an hr I read and $50 for events. Pay for travel that's ridiculous and uniform keep and sell calendars

[@deagalore]

They should be getting paid waaay more.. I didn’t know they weren’t really being paid. As hard as they work they should be getting way beyond minimum wage wow..

[@deagalore]

kill quick smh so unfortunate that this has been overlooked for so long!

[@gen2886]

What do they contribute to the nfl...financially?

[@gcool6707]

gen nye a lot. I bet sales would drop if they were taken off the field. They amp up the crowd and make things more fun, while also being good for sexual appeal (sadly).

[@jayarnalabozzetta6991]

@@gen2886 they make less than mascots... They're basically the same thing and bring probably more than the mascot in terms of viewership

[@bronzino8213]

@@gen2886 Exactly! All this time there's been professional cheerleaders and that's all they're making? That's their fault. They should have spoke up a long time ago if they felt taken advantage of. Closed mouths don't get fed.

[@praptishukla6012]

"it took a piece of me" that's so real. That's what happens when someone really hits on your self respect. She said it from her heart

[@erinbower7162]

So proud of that lady that stood by her morals to save herself for marriage, but that was terrible how they treated her.

[@Redorgreenful]

I'm in support of people having autonomy in deciding for themselves when & if they have sex. But saving yourself for marriage isn't the same as standing by your morals. There's an implication there that people who don't save themselves or people who decide to & later reverse their decision are not behaving morally. If that's one's own personal morals for themselves that's all well and fine. But that's not some "brave decision" one's making. And tying morals to virginity is a judgment on others. And other people might not have the same belief system. They might believe having sex before marriage isn't a bad thing but a good thing. And I'm speaking a former Catholic. There's no cookie that's deserved for saving oneself. You can/should be proud for showing integrity & being true to your own belief system on when to have sex.

[@mary-annelee3950]

Redcatrobe It is apart of her morals though, morals are different for everyone because they are things that shape us whether it’s religion, society, geographical influences. I understand how you don’t care and that’s your opinion just don’t post false information saying there’s “no cookie” because in the catholic and other religions virginity is valued, might not be so much in society nowadays but religiously it is.

[@DoctorMommy24]

@@Redorgreenful I dont see any implication from her or a person's choice on waiting until marriage, youve got it twisted as THEY singled her out for it not the other way around. When making such a seemingly informed opinion it helps to keep your own biases out.

[@samhoover284]

I agree with Mary-Anne in this thread, but I did want to mention that just because someone else is saving themselves for marriage (or abides by any other moral that you don't or didn't personally do), that doesn't make you or her or anyone better than the other. If this person is staying true to his/her personal beliefs, it doesn't affect you or make you any less of a moral or religious person. So if someone wants to wait for marriage but you don't want to wait for marriage, great! Religion and morals are very personal, in my opinion. Have a good day

[@raeslight]

It is BEYOND DISRESPECTFUL. What does her virginity have to do with her job?!!

[@OcarinaOfBurr]

They should all quit the NFL and become Instagram models, bet they'd get waaaay better pay

[@umuwashere]

Ocarina Of Burr or they could get an actual job

[@AppleBottomJ]

yep!

[@amberchavez7231]

Ocarina Of Burr stripping is better

[@kottonkandy0962]

Except for the fact that most “models” never try the product and basically compulsive liars to their “fans”. Also the the fact that Instagram is just a social media plug, not a profession.

[@princessroxas1]

they're better than models

[@amandae3445]

Not only does the NFL disrespect stephen hillenburg and not play sweet victory, but they also dont know how to treat women. Shut em down boys.

[@codyfernfan6274]

Amanda Estevez I love how the respect and fair treatment of women throughout history is on the same par as a spongebob meme....

[@bruh-mb1rd]

@Black Knight Fool Nice bait

[@bruh-mb1rd]

@Black Knight Fool the fact that I saw multiple comments of yours saying that all women who comment on this are "jealous lesbians"

[@myeverythinq8666]

Black Knight Fool lol you hate lesbians but it’s okay, it’s not like they like you either. i’m sure heterosexual women don’t either

[@elestrenstar_]

Black Knight Fool boi can you stop with your ignorant comments around this comment section. You’ve already got suspended from Twitter maybe KZbin should do the same to you. SMH

[@2nicnag2]

I was of the mindset that no one is forced to be a cheerleader so you are agreeing to whatever standards/rules they have knowingly, but then when the players are allowed to contact cheerleaders and ‘do’ whatever they want, why would the rule be set that way for the players when it’s clear the cheerleaders can’t interact with the players?? That’s when I truly realized it’s far beyond just dealing with the job details, it’s the absolute ridiculousness and clear sexism

[@Harrrgh]

The NFL should be ashamed. Pay the ladies for their hard work.

[@kaskahea1274]

Harrrgh 📍 on point!!

[@nadia1994ization]

Harrrgh pay??? They are forced to take topless photos and called whores... what kind of money can make you fine with doing these shit???

[@twilightfades_7]

Harrrgh Working hard? To prance around in a skirt? How inspiring. Cheerleading just needs to disappear. It is a useless job. Where is the education in cheerleading? Can you retire as a cheerleader? Cause you have to be young and hot to be a cheerleader. You'll be damned if you see a “40 year old“ cheerleader.

[@hislord1]

Nah, those women aren't the primary reason why people come to watch the game. Get rid of the cheerleaders, they're pointless.

[@twilightfades_7]

hislord1 Exactly 💯 All this fuss over a job that is useless.

[@aitanasahni48]

If she wants to wait for marriage she can. Period.

[@pearlchinasa1770]

Helena Sandstrom .

[@saravian9201]

@@helsbelsss why the FUCK would you ever say that

[@xandra_5099]

@@helsbelsss ....a female incel. You got issues

[@tutsebhatu6495]

yes!

[@hneedham5116]

Xandra Ann WHAT DID THEY SAY

[@dylanwestt3469]

when nfl gets paid millions, cheerleaders get paid minimum they deserve more even if its not a ton more tbh

[@twilightfades_7]

dylan westt For what? Prancing around in a skirt? Where is the education in that? That is a job that switches out women every 5 years for younger women. It is not a long lasting career. It is the most useless job I have ever heard of.

[@cici39177]

Scattered Thoughts Throwing a piece of leather and tackling people on a field? Where is the education in that? Its the most useless job I have ever seen. Why do they get paid millions? Bottom line is the NFL can AFFORD to pay these women more....cheerleading is also extremely athletic and dangerous. It is not just prancing around in a skirt. Do some research. I an not a feminist by any means but this technically is degrading and sexist...

[@twilightfades_7]

Cosmetologeek Cheerleading itself is sexist

[@twilightfades_7]

Cosmetologeek Sports have always been a career. Something I have no control over. 😂

[@twilightfades_7]

Cosmetologeek Athletic and dangerous? Football is athletic and dangerous. What's your point?

[@katherinerussell3637]

Damn not even the NFL see cheerleading as a sport. It’s more like a sex appeal then a sport.

[@anniesok868]

Because its not

[@rascal_lipton_tea]

They don't even cheer, they're dancers.

[@kathydelarosa1286]

But they’re just dancing, I never see them stunt or tumble

[@kovacspistol]

As an artist I was horrified by the painting directly on the carpet. As a human I was horrified by the disrespect these women receive in their profession.

[@pit9390]

I was LOOKING for this comment.

[@paincreatesfame]

Me too

[@rockykl408]

@Krystal Pistol what's wrong with the painting 😂😂😂

[@_Https.maddie]

Indeed valid points

[@UwU5437]

KZbin comments like this horrifies me so much i smell toast each time

[@miyakoakita2529]

I don't know if this will get seen, but I think I should tell my experience. I was a varsity cheerleader in high school. I want to repeat, HIGH SCHOOL. We were assigned our own football player and basically became their cheer slave for the season. We had to stay up and make signs for their locker and make them food and bring them gifts and were responsible to know all about their role on the team. Not only did they have to do NOTHING for us, but they often belittled us and would tell out coaches we did a bad job in order to practically blackmail us for things (different food, homework help, just to annoy us, etc.) I remember staying up until 2 AM making cupcakes and signs and having a test the next day that the football players got an extension on, but cheerleaders didn't. We often stayed longer for practice than the football players did. I enjoyed cheering. It was a thrilling on the field, but it was NOT what is seemed.

[@refinery29]

+miyakoakita Wow, that's so crazy! Thanks for sharing with us!!

[@applelime7693]

lololol cheer slave 😂

[@amberstarling5896]

My sister's high school had this but it was for the baseball team. They were called Diamond Girls and were assigned a player. I thought it was ridiculous and was so glad my high school didn't do this.

[@morganantoinette225]

My Highschool has a variation of this, but most girls got to choose their football player if I'm not mistaken. Though there was only once where the football team had to reciprocate making posters and things. The cheer team made posters all the time, for every home and away game, they were never paid or reimbursed for these posters, candy, food and other gifts to the players and it was mandatory.

[@lct8954]

Yeah where tf were your parents b/c i was a cheerleader from 7th grade until I graduated and our school stressed our grades and being role models for our communities.

[@angelwild9145]

It’s not right to disrespect, humiliate, and degrade these hardworking women. Cheerleading is a JOB. Pay these professional, beautiful, and talented individuals a fair wage and treat them like human beings!! I’m glad that these ladies are taking their power back and going after these BULLYING sexist, misogynistic, and oppressive bastards!!

[@bear1more287]

Angel Wild ,maybe they should have a Union

[@krizziacelestino5985]

@Black Knight Fool what????

[@user-kx9xl2km5o]

@Black Knight Fool quick question do you have reddit

[@mikejackson7881]

Lmao...uhhhhh no try again loser its peo ppl e voicing their opinion that people like you try to shut down by name calling gtfoh🤣

[@elijahschemel9745]

It’s all lesibos down here any nfl player could do there job if they get training Ned the same way

[@thomasoaxaca9771]

I dated a Niner Gold Rush Cheerleader for over 2 years. She was obsessed with her appearance not enjoying going out to dinner; spending every waking moment worrying about the competition, celebrating birthdays as age was a liability; and everything that would hinder her position. She was obsessed with maintaining her position on the squad and never enjoying even the simple things in life. This carried over into all aspects of her life including our relationship. I thought things would change, only realizing that one day would come when she would not make the squad. Eventually, I walked out, regretting that this beautiful human being was most definitely being used for commercial gain. I pray she is happy and doing well. I will always love you, Dawn.

[@lizettewanzer8650]

😢😢

[@dreamnumber99]

Truth

[@willowrox01]

the nfl really hates women my god

[@cremadefresita]

joy!! they’re so gay!

[@hislord1]

Lmao, the NFL doesn't hate women. They recognise that these women add nothing to the game and correctly choose not to pay them. I support the decision to scrap cheerleaders altogether. They're pointless and a distraction.

[@hislord1]

@Maip - They're attractive eye candy, it's nice to have but they add nothing of value to the game. As I said before, get rid of them today and tomorrow the same crowd will be there to watch the men play. You know why? Because those women are just nice to look at but not essential to the game. I personally support banning Cheerleaders as they add nothing of value and are a distraction.

[@HusseyStars]

Why is this a surprise...? Football is trash anyway.

[@nmeyers92]

Football cheerleaders, especially Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, have become staple in the football experience. They are just there for pure entertainment. If they are working and putting in long hours, they should get paid. It is as simple as that.

[@eva-ru6nj]

They're paid less than the mascot!!! Cheerleaders put in hours of training and practice, but yet a random guy in a costume walking around gets more money per hour?

[@evilvhs2728]

The mascot is the soul of the team.

[@andaiibori7205]

Evil Vhs The point is over there. You missed it.

[@theblazikenbro]

Most people care more about the mascot then cheerleaders that’s why some teams don’t have cheerleaders because they recognize they’re pointless

[@bagofhotchips2585]

@@evilvhs2728 - cause so much training and hard work goes into being a mascot. Mascots are more easily replaceable than the cheerleaders are. At least we SEE Who the cheerleaders are. If they replaced a mascot who would know, or even care..

[@Hooverpixie24]

Don’t argue when you can’t even use the correct they’re*

[@CristinaV.Quinones]

I was a dancer for 20 years, and a cheerleader throughout school. I trained with the intention of becoming a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader in 2008, I remember submitting my info for auditions and seeing the fine print- IF I was selected I had to train through a summer bootcamp and could be “eliminated” at anytime (no pay). At that time the cheerleaders were paid $50 A GAME! I said no way and went to college. I am so sad to see things haven’t changed.

[@serverservidor16]

Sorry baby

[@foxibot]

Orlando magic wanted me to be one, I guess because I was modeling and acting and because I picked up the routines fast, but once I saw 15 bucks a game, I said helllll no! And I got angry because I couldn’t take a bathroom break during try outs ( I have a health issues and I didn’t hide that) and so I told these guys that signed us up(they were firemen) to give me my application and picture back, and they could see this Louisiana cajien wasn’t playing. The choreographer kept telling me I would get it, but I said there is a hundred girls here, and you are going to get it to thirty and then just 2! She was nice and sincere, and said I had that it factor, but I was like this is crazy, I have other ways to make good money, when I left so did most of the other girls, it gave them the courage to leave I think. The firemen said they understood and didn’t blame me but hated to see me leave. The routine was crazy hard too, and some of those girls had been taking all kinds of dance for like 14 plus years.

[@alexnadon6999]

$50 jeez, could have set up your own girl squad cheer team and made videos and youtube would have paid wayyy more money then the NFL.

[@Kerrviii]

Yep, I won’t disclose which team but I used to get $150 a game in 2006!

[@labellav1103]

I just got done watching the DCC Netflix series and they are still talking about how they get paid pennies but in the same episode how they came to be and brought SO MUCH MONEY to the Dallas Cowboys who are a 9 billion dollar team! The coaches say its a privilege to be a DCC! Crazy to think they are the ones that "started it" all while setting their standard for cheerleader, yet paid dust. Sad to see.

[@lookilookii]

I was so angry watching that! The disrepect for this hard working women is insane!

[@Diana-yk7sp]

I will say that the DCC cheerleader director has tried to improve things for the cheerleaders over the years. They do get all of their hair visits, tanning, etc. paid for and Kelly Finglass (director) is very protective of the cheerleaders safety. Meaning she would NEVER suggest the cheerleaders go up in the stands with the fans. Each NFL team is different. But, she has no control over their salary. She can advocate for them but it's the owner that decides what they get paid. I think the overall issue across the board of ALL NFL cheerleading teams is that women deserve to be treated with respect AND to make a proper salary, etc.

[@angelv5170]

If cheerleading went back to being a male dominated sport, they’d definitely get more respect. It’s only not taken seriously because it’s mostly female

[@strawberrypez2938]

I agree with you, although with the machismo outlook of the NFL, men will probably never be cheerleaders again. I'm glad these women are standing up with their convictions. I think a movement is needed to completely turn this around: ALL NFL cheerleaders need to strike, together, and not one NFL cheerleader in the country should show up to cheer until they get what they deserve.

[@kerenkares6109]

Yep more respect and paid waaaaay more money 🤕🤕

[@UwU5437]

Based on what? Did you conduct interviews, made simulations? Gathered stats? Are you Nostradamus?

[@doctorwholover1012]

@@UwU5437 based on the history of female dominated careers becoming more lucrative when men begin to take over, I'm guessing? Like, nursing, computing (female first, then men took over), biology (which was male dominated but is now becoming female dominated and thus, lowering pay and respect) etc? You could talk about how in Victorian times it was the mother/wife's/women's responsibility to prepare and deal with the family's dead, and then male undertakers took over and monetized it into a billion dollar, abusive business? Like, did you actually take 30 mins to look up the topic and investigate it, or did you go off your 'gut instinct', like "i'd know about this if it were true, and because I haven't heard this before it must be wrong" ? The first thing anyone should do when given a piece of information that opposes the standard is research before response, c'mon. You got the whole internet on your phone, you can't look something up ? 😅

[@AllAdaeze]

it was never male dominated what are you talking about

[@megh9263]

I am blown away these women are only making approximately $3 an hr. I always assumed they made bank. They are performers/entertainers. W/ their looks & physique they could certainly be doing something more lucrative. It sucks they're trying to live out their passions/dreams & made to feel so disposable. Esp. when these women literally train for years to make the cut @ auditions. It absolutely ripped my ❤ out hearing that girl was being discriminated against for her values. I'm not gonna say they should be awarded 200k a yr like others but the NFL is not hurting in the money department. As a straight woman, seeing the cheerleaders is one of my favorite parts of going to games haha! They bring life, beauty, & fun to the games. And they are entertaining! They should be given a justifiable salary respectable of all their efforts to serve their team.

[@MikeBNumba6]

No one gives a fuck about the cheerleaders. If the girls want to make more money then they can easily quit. The thing is though, the NFL can easily find another girl to take their place. Nfl cheerleaders are a joke and have very little value to the franchises. A few nfl teams don't even have cheerleaders. They deserve to be paid what they are getting because at the end of the day NOT one fan buys a ticket to watch them perform

[@jasmineshelton759]

They'd be better off as exotic dancers and gogo girls... not saying there is anything wrong with either profession nor am I saying that they should do that instead, I'm just pointing out the complete bullshit these pimp ass mangers are pulling on these young women.

[@leighsimmons4520]

Wait that’s less than a babysitters pay

[@Brea890]

So much hostility in these replies 😞 I agree with the original comment. Being an entertainer or athlete of any kind takes so much skill and dedication - it consumes your life just to get to the pro level, and then it IS your life. To be making $3/hr for that level of dedication is a joke especially when people can barely get by on minimum wage. I love cheerleading and couldn't care less about the actual games 😂 watching these girls dance is incredible and so fun!

[@caitfoster570]

wdym as a straight woman

[@pearlsgirl2012]

I was legit shocked when she said she only got paid barely $3 an hour!!!!! Girl how do you live!!!???!??

[@rb2k196]

Trish Espitia not always - my sister was best friends with an NFL cheerleader while she was at college on the east coast of America. Her best friend was working two extra part-time jobs just to cover the cost of her rent and all the things she needed for the ‘glamor requirements’ (hair, nails, makeup, keeping fit etc.)

[@raeslight]

That's crazy! On top of that, she must get enough rest. Wow..

[@refinery29]

+pearlsgl2012 Same here!!

[@quacker143]

If thats the case why join at all. All that hard work for nothing at all.

[@Junekup06]

They have to get a sponsor. XD

[@nicolefranklin1752]

One of my middle school gym teachers was a New England Patriot's Cheerleader for a few years. She ultimately loved it because it was her passion, but they were significantly underpaid and had to abide by the most absurd rules regarding the players. All of the cheerleaders had other high ranking jobs such as doctors, professors, etc they were working full time in addition to cheerleading. They deserve more!

[@itbefufu]

NFL doesn't even care for their football players hence the reason why Rihanna, Cardi B, and Beyonce refuse to perform at their half time show during the superbowl. It takes one person to make a movement, props to her.

[@AlejandraPerez-sv3tr]

Dear Fufu, Beyonce recently performed the half time show

[@kaylabey]

Alejandra Perez - that was before the ck incident

[@josh70812]

Kayla Bey cardi b was in super bowl commercials and perform at a super bowl event

[@havefun582]

Business and life will still go on even after the performance skip outs, I understand the agenda. The NFL is too powerful for boycotts.

[@detenebrisvenio7610]

Hey so what exactly happened that made them not want to perform I'm a little late on this

[@ka.hairunisa]

Can you expose the reality of 'kpop training life' ??

[@eeiity8600]

Kahaa Nim, yes omg.

[@joyeetakar7773]

yes!!

[@hihellobye8498]

loonasorbit thats horrible!!GWSN does not deserve that!!! And I don’t think Kpop idol training is Slave Contract or plastic surgery. Though it must be hard training for a debut that may never happen and your kept in the dungeon for a long time. You might already know this but some idols trained for 9+ years.

[@belbenedict5389]

Yesss pleasee !

[@lop2929]

up

[@angelinaasmr6085]

Even in HS cheer, we are told that we are "less important" than the basketball players, and that we should just accept that it is part of being a cheerleader. And in my school, we had to follow strict rules about our appearances, social engagements and social media. Even my friends on the basketball team started to notice all the things we were expected to do and the rules we had to follow. The need for a perfect image was getting out of hand.

[@sewlfn]

yeah cheerleaders are much less important for the overall game but the rest of that is horrible

[@d0giem]

people don't come out for the cheer as much as the game, go on dancing with the stars.

[@sgsportgirl]

Chris Breezy They still don’t deserve to be treated like shit. Either treat them like human beings or don’t have a cheer team at all

[@Frozo-nt2ky]

the only thing i dont agree about is that cheerleaders definently arent more important than the basketball players

[@sewlfn]

@@Frozo-nt2ky yeah lmao, cheerleaders are there to "cheer them on" you obviously arent more important then the basketball players

[@jelenalazarevic6897]

The fact these women are expected to train as pro-athletes and look like supermodels only to be treated like the lowest of the low is beyond disgusting. The sheer humiliation mixed with the fact they don't even earn a minimum wage. That in itself is a scandal. On a random note, Kristen's hair is absolutely gorgeous and I hope she's doing well in life.

[@olaffromfrozen1892]

I would watch the NFL games with my friends and family, and when seeing the cheerleaders perform, I would think, " Wow! They're really good! They must make alot of money cheerleading!". But holy shit did my perspective change. These cheerleaders are going through mental abuse, and are getting way than less than I thought. How is $100 per game even sustainable?!

[@espem88]

Olaf From Frozen I’m sure those were exactly your thoughts when you saw them. 😂

[@olaffromfrozen1892]

@@espem88 As in when I watched NFL or this video?

[@jimzecca3961]

A game is about three hours long. $100/game is over $30/hour.

[@techtunetales]

Even in IPL india cheerleaders got paid 250$ in 2008 😂

[@grandcanyon2]

@@jimzecca3961 and they only come out mostly during half time for 10 minutes. since that women sued now they get payed 2750- 2920 a game.

[@AesthetixVB]

Minimum wage?? Yet they train and have to maintain a strict standard? what the actual.

[@hadbetterdays8118]

Less than minimum way 3 dollars an hour.

[@AesthetixVB]

@@mathieumansire372 Lol, stop acting all high and mighty old man, you act like nobody should fight for a fair wage and that flipping burgers is too hard for those girls to do.

[@AesthetixVB]

@@mathieumansire372 You're right, a lot of people do have it worse, and maybe some light should be shed on that too but I don't know what's the point in using that as an excuse to deny someone else's problems. How do you know how much they're being paid, are you a professional cheerleader with the required athletic skill to be like them? If not, then I think you're being a little presumptuous about what these girls are actaully going through.

[@mathieumansire372]

@@AesthetixVB im pretty sure they earn Waaay more than 100$ dollar a match , these girls have many fans and probably many "gifts" and donations

[@mathieumansire372]

@@AesthetixVB these girls have it GOOD , I find it offensive these priviledged lil brats complain while people are starving of hunger on the corner down the street nearby...sorry no compassion or empathy from me on this point , they could find a better job that pays more if they dont like it , litterraly 1000s of girls want to be a cheerleader therefore they are replacable and thier service value isnt crazy high .....they dance , they dont save lives or feed people or build anything

[@noraa.616]

*Honestly, they’re better off just accepting to be cheerleaders for female teams in all kinds of sports, and refusing to cheer for any male team, until the officials who own the male teams’ paychecks start to have the self-respect to pay the cheerleaders well, and treat them well. Bonus point: more people will watch the female teams in all kinds of sports*

[@rasianbray3977]

Good point but let's not act like women can't harass other women, the harassment if any, would be minute compare to what male players give

[@skrittle555]

m e l a n i n agreed! harassment, particularly sexual harassment, is based on the manipulation of a power differential, not just gender differences. also, there is the stigma that women "can't be predators" which may contribute to under-reporting harassment perpetrated by women. we just don't know the stats if they're not reported. personally, i think this is a larger issue about the cheerleaders not being taken seriously as professionals and undermining their power. this does definitely seem to be gender-based though, because sexualizing them was seen as more "lucrative."

[@sarahbarabe8470]

If only

[@montielovesyouu]

Also female players are fighting for better pay. They make zip compared to most Male teams. If they lose a game, they make so much less oncr again.

[@125loopy]

Actually, that last sentence is untrue. Very few people watch women's sports. Men's teams are paid much more because they get a shit ton of advertisers and fans. It's crazy how they treat these cheerleaders, though.

[@taylormelton3088]

As a former cheerleader myself who did high school and college cheerleading, it was a dream of mine to be an NFL cheerleader. I’m glad I gave that up after college. Yikes. How awful these girls are treated.

[@lydia.cobain]

Cheerleading needs to firstly be recognized as a real sport, and it's NOT. Which I think is a big problem. Much like a pro football player who has been working their entire life every day excercising, practicing, completing, for their sport, these cheerleaders do the same for their sport. And on top of that, they are PROFESSIONAL cheerleaders. The best of the best. Their salaries should match that.

[@parisin45]

Lydia Van Sant Allstar Cheer is very much a sport, however, this is equivalent to sideline cheer, with a little more acro. I don’t think this type of cheer qualifies as a sport. Especially because they are cheering for a sport.

[@standardofexcellence]

Good point

[@irrelevance3859]

It's really not a sport. I say it's a genre of dance like ballet, hiphop, ect.

[@rubyblack6682]

@@irrelevance3859 nope, it's a sport. You try it and then try to tell me it's not.

[@irrelevance3859]

@@rubyblack6682 I've tried it before. I know it requires a lot of endurance and resilience ect. But it's more choreography and preforming versus game. Just because it's a genre of dance doesn't mean it's any less than sport or any easier. Ballet is a genre of dance but anyone with a head knows it's ridiculously difficult and competitive nevertheless, requires a lot of training from a young age, skill and flexibility similar to cheer but that doesn't just make it sport

[@stan_dinghere]

this girl painting with acrylics on new carpet is giving me anxietyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@maccart67]

I know, was thinking same thing.

[@katrinaa980]

that's all I was able to think about for the rest of the video, what a brave soul.

[@lynnmahan154]

Me too!!!!

[@inkcruz4075]

Ikr lmao

[@lynnmahan154]

@@angelicasysnila5476 no, no it's not! 😉

[@frankie1012]

I wouldn’t say raising their pay to minimum wage is a “win” against the NFL. What a joke!!!

[@Robin-of2jt]

I definitely don't think its fair compensation but I think its valid to call it a win in the small step from

[@aflower6955]

They deserve dollar 20/hour. Just look how much pain they have to go through!

[@a.christianhansen6115]

This is fantastic that these women are coming forward and telling what is going on behind the scenes of a cheerleader God bless them

[@kileykocian]

“Being replaceable” is a concept in every sport. For a lot of people it’s motivation to work harder. But with everything else piled up on top of that, for these girls, it’s just traumatizing.

[@michellelaroche2189]

I tend to agree but an elite athlete in any sport is irreplaceable. Look at football players--there are some who are well liked and the management will do all it can to hold onto those players. Same should go for dancers, cheerleaders, etc...

[@thereader6371]

@@michellelaroche2189 Why? They don't provide the same value to the team, do they now?

[@michellelaroche2189]

@@thereader6371 I feel like cheerleaders who have a strong dance background, are able to pick up choreography quickly, understand the game and are good ambassadors for their team are hard to come by--just as it is hard to find a quarterback who can find an open receiver and throw the ball to the numbers every time, while avoiding getting sacked. Yes, they are replaceable but the top notch ones are not easily replaced.

[@michellelaroche2189]

@Julius Ashcroft Disagree (and I don’t even care for cheerleading, lol.) But I will say this-some do know bigger tricks or stunts. This is usually more apparent at the collegiate or competition levels. The fact is that to be able to dance well, pick up choreography quickly, have good flexibility and the skills to be able to intelligently market your team is quite unique. There’s usually an extensive selection process. These girls have to maintain their body weight within +or- 5 lbs of their ideal body weight. It’s not as easy as it sounds

[@thereader6371]

@@michellelaroche2189 But that's the thing though, the people who are the core audience of these sports leagues, they don't care about what skills these girls might have, all they care about is staring at a bunch of girls in skimpy outfits while they don't have anything more interesting to look at, which is, in this scenario, the game itself, so they indeed can be easily replaced by any other random pretty face.

[@victoriabardsley8097]

The ladies that make up the NFL cheerleading squads are hard working, talented women who deserve to not only be paid fairly for their time, they deserve to be treated with respect!

[@codypolar6593]

@Victoria I'd say $3 an hour is about right then. Do something that contributes to society and you should get paid. Getting put in the spotlight to fulfill your need for attention is called a hobby not a job.

[@MonicaJNYC]

respect is something that's earned...if you act like a bimbo....

[@kathymyers7279]

Sorry, as a woman, cant respect that.

[@outdoor07]

Respect yes - "deserve pay", no.

[@ailish2284]

Cody Polar so what do football players contribute to society

[@JuliaMarieH]

I don’t expect them to make nearly as much as the players, but this is ridiculous. They deserve better

[@space-nl7cw]

Dude, i could work at Dunkin’ Donuts and be payed more.

[@kcoker9189]

I mean I don't see the players doing gymnastic flips and even moving as much as the cheerleaders lol. Plays are what, 30 seconds long? Then a minute or more break until the next play? They don't need to be paid that much in any universe

[@aaroncummings2613]

@@kcoker9189 but they are...its the owners money negotiated with the players. Maybe Cheerleaders need agents too? Possibly a draft to pick the best to help the team win and bring in more fans?

[@johnv5156]

They deserve EXACTLY what they are able to negotiate and not a penny more. I was a musician in college that made crap money. I remember feeling entitled to more money, however, I quickly realized our band could quickly be replaced with someone willing to take a lower payout.

[@ChristianOne]

Your comment doesn't consider that both the men AND women are ATHLETES of the highest caliber. The men throw a ball, the girls do splits and flips...I think they DO deserve equal pay and the men and women could BOTH dress in skimpy clothes or BOTH cover up. It is sooooo sexist the way it is. At $3. an hour, that does't cover the cost of their hair extentions, let alone rent. The women getting less than minimum wage while the guys get millions is absurd. Pay them all a great livable wage, or pay them all millions but the vast pay gap is RIDICULOUS. Women are way underselling themselves by agreeing to this nonsense.

[@toniroberts8117]

I was a cheerleader from 7th grade in junior high though highschool. I loved it a lot but I remember things changed most when I tried out for college cheerleading. To be a college cheerleader was a whole new world. For one, you had to be enrolled as a full time student. What’s cool is that if your a cheerleader, you get a full paid scholarship. I remember tryouts were absolute torture. By the 4th day I was so sore I could barely move. I also remember how strict it was. During tryouts, I weighed about 125 pounds (I’m 5”3) and they measured my fat/skin and I was on probation right away to lose weight. Pretty crazy since I was about a size 5 at the time and certainly didn’t think I was overweight. They measured our fitness level like I’ve never seen before. As far as general appearance I didn’t have it hard but a couple of the other girls weren’t all that feminine looking, thy were more athletic and I know they got flicked crap about that. Also even since high school we did have strict social rules. Any time in uniform you represent the team and their is lots of rules. No smoking, cussing, and are watched pretty close. Of course your grades need to also be at least a 3.0 (B average) or higher.

[@Urban_Piggy]

“Let’s talk about your vow to wait for marriage” “See ya!”

[@cmiller1164]

exactly - I like the way u think Magan... Pleather Underwear.. or no underwear?.. whatever you want to wear is fine with me

[@genwilson7741]

$100 per game?! That’s literally one good hair style! Smh...

[@bobsingh5521]

I’m sure the sugar daddy players/owners take care of the rest

[@Enigmaticharm]

@@bobsingh5521 found the incel

[@Enigmaticharm]

@A J no? I mean some are but most are pretty ok

[@bobsingh5521]

@@Enigmaticharm Explain this millennium language?

[@minecraftsteve6997]

@@Enigmaticharm no, all weebs are ugly including you,

[@datadoesdorian]

Honestly I feel that football players are paid way too much for what they do. Not saying that what they do doesn't have value in society but at the end of the day they are running around catching a ball and hitting each other. They don't need to be paid millions for that.

[@filipaalmeida280]

Best comment ever!!!!

[@agricolaregs]

For what they go through with their bodies and the little length of career, I disagree.

[@datadoesdorian]

@@agricolaregs fair. But it's voluntary battery of their own bodies for something largely unnecessary.

[@aloistyler]

agricolaregs they signed up to play that sport so that is their own stupidity and greed getting in their way

[@jeanakatherine9369]

agricolaregs What about construction workers with bad backs & red headed roofers that are scared of heights...teachers that hv to put up with other people’s kids all day, waitresses that feet hurt, secretary with carpal tunnel...these jobs are important & peoplew/chronic illness & pain still hv to go

[@staceypennington919]

I'd LOVE to see more about this. While having full time jobs, they are expected to do so much. They don't get the respect they need nor the money.

[@clementine1827]

I knew it was messed up but this disgusts me. Especially the part of them being forced to pose topless. I can’t help but cry.

[@johninokla2635]

Especially the married ones and yes at one time there could be married cheerleaders.

[@STMARTIN009]

Yeah that screams sexual harassment. There should be lawyers tackling that issue. Pun intended

[@gahyeonlvr7501]

I did competitive competition cheerleading for about 5-6 years. It’s hard. People like to downplay cheerleading being a sport but it’s not easy. You have to work for years to be flexible and constantly work out to stay fit. You have to be ready for performances and practice until odd hours of the night. You gotta pay for your makeup, uniforms, hair and travel expenses (we sometimes had to go out of state!) not to mention that to be on the squad I was on, it costed literal thousands of dollars a year just to be a member and auditioning was hard as well. I know that NFL cheerleading is similar to competitive cheering, so I KNOW these women work hard. The NFL sees women as disposable objects. It’s sick.

[@MissMoontree]

I used to be an edgy teen, disrespectful to the sport. But, as an adult, I can see the effort they put in and the skill it takes. I also once had to cheer for my frat/sorority and that was hard work. Aside from hard work, a guy lost his balance when I was upside down on his shoulder, and I fell hard. Bruises all over. Cheerleading takes guts, that I don't have anymore :') Srsly, respect to those women!

[@gahyeonlvr7501]

MissMoontree I was a flyer and also a base during stunts. Falling happens a lot. Our gym had squishy floors for safety but it still hurt. I remember once I fell about 4 times. Everything was sore and I had bruises everywhere. I remember we won a competition with that routine though :)

[@candieland4276]

"Costed"??? 😆 Yep, you were definitely a cheerleader...

[@candieland4276]

@Lesbian Amazon Sister grammarist.com/usage/costed/ Not in that usage it is NOT. it is improper 100% to say "it costed me..." omigod. I can't believe I'm having to explain this. Really!? Read. Educate yourself. Clearly you need it🙄 This conversation has done 'costed' me my sanity😉

[@Julia-lk8jn]

Paying the travel for working out of state? That is bloody crazy. Especially for something like a hundred dollar a game. And anybody who says cheerleading isn't a sport: grab yourself a random cheerleader training video and do it for one hour.

[@emmanuellezhang]

the lawyer is the real mvp

[@MiamiPush2theLimit]

Emmanuelle Zhang no one forced them to become cheerleaders.

[@YouGotHirt]

The lawyer just wants to win for a big payoff. I don't think she cares at all.

[@asmitaghorai7332]

@@YouGotHirt Neither do you.

[@marieindia8116]

The bad association and exploitation were main reasons I never considered starting cheerleading in school. However it is an art, much like chorus dancers, and this world usually punishes artists and dreamers, unless they can profit from them.

[@gdlywom]

This is why businesses love hiring the super young. They don’t yet know that they’re not supposed to be treated like that, that there are laws in place to protect them, and they should stand up for themselves, regardless of the “cost” in the long run. In other words, young people don’t yet know their worth.

[@AllThingsAniyah]

No they definitely do. Some teams are pretty upfront. So many teams say you have to have a full time job, a family or be a part time job in order to join the team. It definitely sucks but the laws don’t 100% apply because of certain contacts if that makes sense

[@marieindia8116]

Ditto for the military.

[@only1adrienne]

Every bit of this is true. When I cheered for the Cincinnati Bengals we made $50/game and definitely had to pay for everything else ourselves. The only thing the team pays for is the uniform and the boots. On top looking like models 24/7, we had the anxiety of weigh-ins twice a week. If you didn’t make weight you couldn’t cheer. I was told that at 5’2 and 127lbs I was 10lbs overweight and was benched until I lost it. Took me years to get over my obsession with the scale. We were paraded around the owner’s rich friends and sponsors like high class escorts expecting to please when one of them chose us. It was humiliating. I cried when I heard what happened to the Redskins girls. I knew they weren’t lying.

[@leethiel1769]

And yet you still performed

[@mygoatisdead]

@@leethiel1769 Try not to be selfish and to get around the concept that people sometimes need to be protected. Are you Libertarian? Seems like it.

[@maximostiberius2324]

You chose this. You chose to be paraded before the owners rich friends. Yet you chose to stay. I have no sympathy for someone who allows themselves to be used. You had an ego that you needed stroked. If you were an accountant with complaints I'd back you 100%

[@maximostiberius2324]

@@mygoatisdead protected from who? Themselves? These girls accepted the pay and all the obtrusive guidelines. Yet they like being a part of the big picture. I have no sympathy for them at all.

[@peterfus9543]

Yah ok you can leave one is telling you you need to stay and is a crime to leave people now the risk yet they still join and then complaine adout it my dad worked on warehouse roofing this young male fell he had a kid and a wife i think he drinked or not and fell went to the hosptial and the only thing kept him alive was machines they unpluged the machines there was no way he could surivie he lost his life at the age of 21-30 he newe the risk but went on with the jod he did not need to he could of quit. He had a wife and a kid and he had sow much to live for.

[@Feliciatanktop]

They should all quit, like a protest. Let’s see what happens when cheerleaders are no longer at the games

[@ebonih7138]

I feel like no one would care

[@karmicobsession1636]

the team in my state doesn't have cheerleaders they do just fine.

[@Feliciatanktop]

Maybe they should just end cheerleading in sports all together. Just do competitions, like dancers. It’s not worth it to get treated like crap, paid very little, and still seen as sideline entertainment

[@jamalwoods9649]

I know for a fact I wouldn't give a shit.

[@yuppitsarah]

I wouldn't even care lol I watch games on tv during the season, a cheerleader is on camera for just a few seconds. I even went to a couple games, didn't even notice the cheerleaders lol they don't make the football game, the players do. and the food! xD Cheerleaders are gorgeous. but ive always wondered why they have them for football. no one really takes notice. the actual game is more important to everyone. as its what everyone payed for.

[@trentjohnson3302]

You did great on this!! To my understanding it’s not abt the cheerleading itself but what it can lead to in the future many people say things abt being housewives to rich men but many become dance instructors, coaches, they coach other NFL teams plus social media presence with sponsors and ad deals. So the actual job of the cheerleaders sucks but the long term outcome can be astounding

[@netposerx]

Another reason not to support the NFL.

[@paulfernando6282]

net poser SUPPORT CHELSEA FC

[@jlivb]

net poser thank you👏🏾👏🏾

[@patrioticeagle577]

But the women that were in the cheerleading chose to do cheerleading and be the part of NFL It's not like NFL kidnap them women and fucking rape them and put them at gun point then force them to be in cheerleaing telling them to suck every fucking employee in the god damn game and have the guys GO Balls deep in them sweet walls but like Reality check man

[@patrioticeagle577]

Blame the women that chose to be in the cheerleading and the women that wanted to be a part of the NFL cheerleading team or whatever

[@patrioticeagle577]

I'll drop the mic from here

[@nikkidee9383]

If this is considered "the best JOB in the world" we have failed as women

[@misguidedpearls7456]

Nikki Dee 💙

[@jjari0307]

It is for her. Everyone has different dreams and she loves being a cheerleader so she thinks it is the best job:)

[@nikkidee9383]

No. Do not correct my statement to appease your opinion. The sentiment of 'failing as a society' places blame away from the individual who accepts the abuse instead of taking responsibility that you and you alone are in control of your choices. What you allow becomes standard. It is NOT societies fault. You have a brain and can think for YOURSELF

[@nikkidee9383]

@@jjari0307 it is for her. I agree. But glamorizing an industry that doesn't give a shit about its employees is not something people should to aspire to do.

[@nikkidee9383]

@6 ! 'Perhaps how they are valued are how they are paid'....take home is less than three dollars an hour...less than mascots...less than concession attendants...

[@alexandriasimpson195]

Was anybody else anxious when she was painting on the carpet

[@jaebird789]

alexandria simpson YES!

[@yeshiregalado3182]

alexandria simpson right? Like u really not gonna place a newspaper down sis ???

[@pocopepotivio9679]

Kristine is cool she graduated from my highschool and I actually know her she's very careful about stuff like that lol 😂

[@kelseycoca]

Yes!

[@plusgirlbworld]

I was thinking the same thing, something wrong with me lolll I’m like well you gonna have to clean it or it might get ruined

[@katievandaveer-leibow656]

I give some props to the journalist, this story was presented well with an attention to creating a way. You could have went full FemNazi on us but you kept the focus on creating a solution and a positive outcome. It was refreshing, I honestly expected way less but you surprised me. Something good might actually come from this.

[@hayleighbishop-sweeney128]

uuuh They should be making AT LEAST $50, 000 a year. You don't go through all those years of training and hard work to be paid less than or minimum wage, they can be a server or a retail worker if they wanted to do something that paid them minimum wage. Being a chearleader is ridiculously hard work, and it's absolutely a sport

[@refinery29]

+hayleighbishop-sweeney We think so, too!

[@bluebird4902]

I think you are over estimating the worth.

[@KALAPANAPOCHIHANALEI]

I agree! It's like any professional athlete!

[@hayleighbishop-sweeney128]

If we value other athletes for tens of thousands of dollars to millions why is it different to an athlete literally nearly every school in north america has?

[@saraheells1725]

Nah they dont log as much field time during a game, but the calendars they sell and appearances more than compensates for that money. The players get millions and the cheerleaders are pro athletes. They trained their entire lives, and probably harder.

[@gurifiel]

This is straight up abuse “your voice didn’t matter” that’s just-

[@christianolange6950]

Think about it Waterboys make more

[@STMARTIN009]

@@christianolange6950 a worker at McDonald's makes more

[@space-nl7cw]

Still, some people pay to watch the cheer and most athletes do better with cheer. If there is no cheer, some athletes wont play better. those players are also what people payed for.

[@gurifiel]

@@space-nl7cw True, but it’s not fair to say “your voice doesn’t matter” that’s just saying “what you think doesn’t matter”. Nobody should have to hear someone say that

[@jimmydelaney4754]

I'm sorry, did she say something?

[@ivanlouche5421]

The players can get away with murder, abuse, drugs, etc!!!!

[@oliviasnow9662]

Jawbreaker Snack may ask u what does etc means I’m 14 and I don’t know what it means

[@charko6139]

@@oliviasnow9662 it's short for "et cetera" and it means "and others" or "and so on"

[@oliviasnow9662]

Hunter Lee thank u so much 😊

[@charko6139]

@@oliviasnow9662 no problem!

[@karinmorley7092]

Many baby mamas, etc

[@bharathsf]

It's not a surprise but saddening. I mean they're treated that way. Lot of misconception too because of cheerleaders are portrayed in movies and television shows. I am 100percent sure, those cheerleaders have a million times more personality than I can even dream to have but the way they are shown is sometimes really sad

[@jasminemalikia]

This is super eye opening as someone who has watched the CMT show Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team since I was 14. If anyone has seen the show, they kind of talk about the rules and guidelines that women have to follow when auditioning and as a professional cheerleader. The one that stands out always the most is the interactions with the football players. Last year during the show, one of the veterans on the team “left” because she was talking to players and etc. and refused to stop from what was portrayed. She was a really great dancer probably one of the best I’ve seen since watching the show, and to see that she left because of that was shocking. After seeing this, I would have really love to see her in this to explain her experience and how it affected her after it was publicly televised on national television.

[@sydneys-4]

Jasmine Miller oh my gosh!! Yes I agree with you 100% Holly was such an amazing Dancer and I felt like Judy was belittling her and being so rude like it's none of your business who she hangs out with or dates! Also Erica from Dcc filed a law suit against the cowboys for only paying the girls minimum wage

[@Minniejoonmoon]

I know! Holly was one of my all time favorites and I was heartbroken when she had to leave the team. I follow her on Instagram tho and she seems to be doing great in LA as a dancer so theres that at least :)

[@josephchang9480]

This is basically the kpop industry though nobody likes to admit it.

[@amberchavez7231]

Joseph Chang not really they got caught secretly filming woman n posting them having sex ... so cheerleaders film football players and post their tiny dicks due to roids ?? Not so much

[@pratikshagurung5628]

But in K-pop they pay for their school, dorm, food so they pay back by the money they make

[@princess-qp3iw]

@@pratikshagurung5628 I've read somewhere that you will have to pay all the expenses of years and years of training that the company gave you (most likely using the money you gain when you debut) but the problem is that apparently this can cause K-Pop idols to be in serious debt to their company. One girl group got their first pay after 2 years of debuting because they had to pay for that debt... I also read somewhere that companies like the big 3 actually removed this policy (?). I'm not sure if any of this is correct tho...

[@pratikshagurung5628]

@@princess-qp3iw that's literally what I meant

[@princess-qp3iw]

@@pratikshagurung5628 okay...? The reason why I replied is because you missed some parts...

[@lesethdavis4889]

All cheerleaders should tell the world about THIS and noone should take these lovely women for granted Edit: Thanks for 346 likes

[@darcey6392]

I've heard so many Dallas Cowboys fans say the only good thing about the team all season was the cheerleaders! I swear if they lost those girls they would lose SO much money

[@lesethdavis4889]

@@darcey6392 I know they don't respect these beautiful women!

[@theblazikenbro]

sardonic boi ur dumb

[@sloebone7399]

Yes it’s high on the world problems list. And to whoever said the Cowboys would lose money, not a chance. Nobody goes to the game to see the cheerleaders.

[@MarisaPecoraro]

Don't know how I missed this when it came out-- I'm absolutely stunned that they are openly admitting that there is an assault problem in the NFL but instead of addressing it they fire cheerleaders... okay well I guess I'm not shocked I'm so numb to how normal it is.

[@chaike9001]

The coach really said remember to not to be ugly, people already suffer with self esteem especially women. That’s a real morale killer.

[@majlordag1889]

😑that's disgusting

[@krystingrant6292]

That's basically what she said 🥺😔💯

[@yashkapoor5805]

But that's the literal point. The job is to sculpt your body to perfection. I mean it's not like the athletes get a free pass. I once saw a cricket captain mocked by an entire country about his weight because he played bad once. They tore him to shreds. It's a requirement to be as fit as humanly possible for sports of any kind, they don't get a pass for being women.

[@gabbar51ngh]

Lmao. Men go through all kinds of insults throughout life and much worse if you're part of a competitive sport. If you can't even take that, you wouldn't be able to last long.

[@thebirthofjackie8491]

smh they only paid them minimum wage while some football players made 30 million

[@refinery29]

+thebirthofjackie SMH!

[@knziec]

Tia doesn’t mean they can pay them just minimum wage. They’re still apart of the sport

[@twilightfades_7]

Knziec ! No they are not a part of the sport. They are separate from it.

[@hislord1]

Yeah, because the football players actually have skills. Get rid of the cheerleaders, it will make no difference to the crowd numbers.

[@knziec]

Scattered Thoughts they still have a contribution to the sport because they cheer during it and pretty much each football team has a group of them.

[@황사야]

I do allstar cheer as a hobby. I couldn’t imagine how you would do this as a job. The pay and treatment is absolutely outrageous, and I really hope they change that in the near future.

[@fabreo4041]

True like, there are cheer competitions out there that'll probably give them more money than this!

[@황사야]

C Anda // exactly... i don't do cheer anymore but it was something i really enjoyed. i don't think people would enjoy this.

[@joelwillems4081]

I knew one who did it for an NBA team. It's basically a resume builder. You can't make it your only goal in life but use it as a stepping stone. Their social media is closely monitored, but also for their safety since many wackos comment and follow on there. After a year or a couple at the most, the majority move on. Gyms eagerly hire them as personal trainers. Schools, clubs and instruction academies as coaches. Brand ambassadors, that new-age thing of influencer, etc. Probably some now drop out along the line during or after college to do that same type of thing. I can't imagine college cheerleaders are as strictly ruled as they don't get paid. And now the NCAA allows them to become brand ambassadors and influencers while still in college. I suppose some may marry fairly well with men who hold similar values as those companies. Like an actress or singer, there doesn't seem an end to the line of those wanting to live that life, even if it is temporarily rough. It would have been balanced if this short report covered that but honestly, it's that wishing to be a princess thing, I guess.

[@thomaspeters5889]

Imagine supporting a squad financially (One that doesn't bring in any money) and all it does is cost you trouble in the way of court cases and scandals. This is why many teams don't have cheerleaders and the ones that do are beset with rules and guidelines. People, business people specifically, aren't inclined to shell out money for something that doesn't produce anything in return.

[@zh0re59]

"But when did appearance become so important to pro cheer?" When men found out that they could use cheerleaders as just another type of eye candy rather than people who actually help their football team win.

[@victoria3011]

@Julius Ashcroft Cheerleaders’ jobs are to amp up the team’s fans in the crowd, which in turn boosts the energy and morale of the players. If that’s not doing their part to help their team win, you’ve clearly never heard of the concept of a home game advantage and what it can do for a team’s success.

[@peterfus9543]

Back in old times where they would make money and the pay was good and would dring in people now it like yah they are just there no one comes to see theme no more really

[@rapsheets4993]

They are just strippers on the sidelines

[@jameslee4519]

@@victoria3011 You either know nothing about sports or are trolling... cheerleaders don't create the "homefield advantage", wtf?! If the home team in football is losing 42-0 in the 4th quarter, even the best cheerleader in the world isn't going to do shit to "boost energy and morale of the players". Cheerleaders "job" is to provide some additional amusement during games, they don't affect a team's chances of success, to think they do is absurd

[@LesAnderson]

This is not worth it. AT ALL.

[@krystingrant6292]

I agree I really watch Dallas cowboy cheerleader show like crazy. Had no idea this was going on horrible.

[@clementinelee4436]

Just like with models. So beautiful but yet, they’re so insecure and those smiles are fake. I feel bad on how they’re controlled.

[@akutenshi6946]

Models earn a lot more and are treated a lot better like gigi hadid, cara delevingne etc.

[@sailortwilightmoon]

Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne are both famous rich models. I dont know what universe you live in. But in this universe if your name is big everyone is expected to treat you like royalty. I think OP was referring to those models whose names you don't know and who're completely disposable. They are beautiful and they don't get paid much at all. There are plenty of beautiful girls willing to replace them.

[@beeleg]

Clementine Lee that’s all you got out of the video? That’s pathetic.

[@yvonnelasten7424]

jenna sanchez shut up 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@beeleg]

Lasagna ! Ooooh wow you really told me 😂

[@jonnarobinson7541]

They are told that cheerleading is not to be looked at as a full-time position. Most teams require that they either go to school or have a day job.

[@saishashank4397]

I am proud to be a virgin I am a man(23) its totally my own decision everyone should respect their personal decisions because its ones own life

[@mephistopheles5735]

Agreed

[@blackmould]

Faith or not, everyone should respect what you do with your own body (why can’t people get that??)

[@eleniandthecards]

If my sexual history came up during my job, you bet I’d be calling a lawyer. It was completely inappropriate that they chose to talk to her about it. And you are awesome for your choice, bro! Sex-shaming (or lack of sex shaming in this case) needs to die a painful, fiery death in this world.

[@Caribbeanprincess1]

@Evelyn M. Young You have sense. Ppl like her end up in those situations when they try to straddle the fence of religion and modern popularity. She wasn't as consistent with her Christianity (most are not) as she should have been and obviously vain. She tried to have the "look but don't touch" policy secular/regular/non-religious females have, but obviously was delusional about the deeper implications of hypocrisy it held for her and unfortunately made her a target and butt of jokes. Look but don't touch, women want to be seen but not touched, even girls with decent morals :) But dont call yourself a christian or any other religion if you aren't going to live by it 100%, its just dumb. -NelleNelle

[@Caribbeanprincess1]

Proud of you. I think virgins deserve each other and I hope you find a woman that is equally chaste. -NelleNelle

[@latricelorraine3555]

3$ and hour I made more by dog sitting 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@johninokla2635]

Maybe you are over paid if you don't know to use $3 an hour instead of 3$ and hour.

[@rileyy448]

@@johninokla2635 John, does dog sitting require good grammar?

[@saptab1344]

@@johninokla2635 you dont need perfect grammar

[@imsotox]

$100 a game Criticized Standards Sexualized That’s when I quit :l

[@bear1more287]

Sim Mckenzie ,better off flipping burgers 🍔

[@sacrore9]

@@amberchavez7231 it's their not choice of uniform nor did they ask to be gawked at and cat called. Being called "white bitches" is better than being a basic bitch AMBER

[@miiniimiiniijpeg]

Amber Chavez Since when did race play into this? Also majority of people join cheer because it’s a sport. It requires a lot of strength and it’s a passion many want to take to the professional level

[@nuyichiero9982]

@@bear1more287 iii

[@noneofyobusiness4449]

I was a cheerleader for pop warner football team. We were the absolute worst squad ever. We had to do this dance routine that lasted about 3 minutes. Every time I hear the song "Eye of the Tiger," my eye starts twitching. I kid you not.

[@TheRockerX]

"A lot of girls look up to me. I wanna show them that it's possible to achieve your dream" .....to make less than minimum wage. Jesus. You need better dreams girl.

[@momo-om3wv]

The Rocker X so? Why should money get included to your dream? Why does that matter and should stop you cheerleading?

[@HairRevenge]

Girls who want to do this want the title and to be able to tell other people that they are an NFL cheerleader

[@annaf1588]

It’s the same as someone dreaming to play in the mlb, or nfl. Cheer is a sport and that’s the big league for them🙄

[@jenna_maria]

딸기 Of course following your dream is the goal, but how are you gonna finance this dream if you don’t even make minimum wage?

[@backintimealwyn5736]

every single dream related job girl have, end up into exploitation. Models, actress, cheerleading, dancing. It's an excuse to not pay them , "you get to fulfill your dream, you're not doing it for the money, they are thousands that would gladly take your place , blablablabla" . Dream less , get payed. Dreams are overrated , work for reality.

[@baffledbumblebee]

These were some great interviews and a long over-due report. I know these articles and some of these lawsuits have been around for a while but it needs to be brought into the mainstream and understood my more people. While I definitely understand competitive cheerleading and how that can be somewhat, and maybe even a lot more, more ethical in practice, while it is very intense - NFL and other professional cheerleaders are taken advantage of to an extreme that is (should be) completely unacceptable in its current form. Thanks for doing this video!

[@refinery29]

+baffledbumblebee Thanks for watching & being a part of our mission!

[@allthingsjuana253]

That’s crazy the amount of work they put in ! that’s dedication omg !!

[@meizhen2265]

@@iwant007 you sound like a misogynist from your multiple dumb comments and clearly you are from the even dumber videos you've liked LMAO

[@mujtabaahmed2039]

It's stupid to ask when you ask... When did apperance became important in cheerleading.... It's like asking a football player when did skill became important.

[@fiercestb-dub1767]

I experienced a lot of these things too as a child when I did competitive cheerleading. We were CONSTANTLY told to “get in shape” “make sure you shave everything before competitions (including arms)” “put bronzer on your body if you don’t have toned arms, abs, legs, etc.” “you are always replaceable” “that girl over there is going so much better than you”. Literally heard these things from the time I was 6 to 15 when I finally quit.....

[@mattboland7063]

Guess what? Most of the time, that's meant to motivate you. Either be willing to work hard, or quit....like you did. No shame in that, BTW.

[@metalinyourhead3604]

I really don’t see why a cheerleader should be getting sacked if a player talks to them.

[@h1inc816]

I don't think it's about them dating that the NFL's worried about. Think about after the breakup. If the player is any good, he could ask/demand she be removed if she's on their teams cheer squad, which would be a shitty thing for the NFL to do (they absolutely would do it for the right player). And also a potential tell all about the player. A lot can go wrong. The players aren't saints either. A few have problems with domestic abuse, think about the negative backlash if a player visually hurts a cheerleader. The fan outrage if she's pretty, could be epic.

[@TheGr8fulBrat]

@@h1inc816 if that was the purpose for those rules than the football players would be forbidden from contacting the cheerleaders too. Its all misogynistic bullshit

[@h1inc816]

@@TheGr8fulBrat i didn't say it was right, i'm just saying how the world works.... It's not always fair or right

[@MicahRion]

$100 per game!!! 😱 That’s unbelievable

[@islengarcia7426]

I know!! Especially when nfl players get paid millions per game!!

[@theoriginalkrabbypatty]

You’re told upfront what the pay is and what is asked of you. It’s not like, oh you made the squad, by the way, here’s all the info. Also, there are promos that are offered that you get paid for and you’re constantly given free stuff!

[@MicahRion]

K AH It reminds me of places in the US where it’s legal to pay servers under minimum wage because it’s assumed their tips will bring them up to minimum wage.

[@raeslight]

What are some of the perks? I'm curious. They pay for their hair, make up, etc and receive minimum wage. Are the perks worth it?

[@refinery29]

+thesecondsunrisewithjulia We think so, too!

[@seth_5394]

Almost all positions and talents are replaceable, especially if they are secondary or tertiary to whatever the main event is.

[@usa45CC]

Exactly

[@richie-3485]

"they're finally being paid minimum" annnnnd the players are being paid HOW MUCH? 👀

[@Frozo-nt2ky]

well they are doing all the work lol

[@richie-3485]

@@Frozo-nt2ky try running a sports team with only players and nobody doing every other job that keeps the operation functioning. try making a stage play happen with only the actors. see how well that goes for you.

[@Frozo-nt2ky]

@@richie-3485 okay bet 1/6 of team in the nfl alr dont

[@richie-3485]

@@Frozo-nt2ky what?

[@Frozo-nt2ky]

@@richie-3485 no joke just looked it up

[@sunnyjoslynn851]

I was a competitive cheerleader in highschool and college and I always HATED that professional cheerleaders were called cheerleaders because they don't stunt or tumble - they're dancers. But this has given me a newfound respect for them and I actually feel pretty bad for them now.

[@finaarmania1173]

I used to cheer for the chargers and they do constantly remind you that you are replaceable (because you are) At tryouts there's been 400 girls who showed up and usually 20 or so make the team. They try to treat it like you're lucky to be there and you're a local celebrity. That's why people stick around even though they were being paid less than minimum wage. I'm not going to lie, I never went back another year because it's a waste of time. But the girls who loved it, it's because they are the girls who LOVE attention and the attention that comes from being an NFL cheerleader, like I said they treat you like a local celebrity. Also honestly a majority of the girls there are trying to land an NFL player and get one's attention. That's why they have so many rules.

[@sisco9soccer]

Fina Armania what’s your Instagram, you’re gorgeous:)

[@Junekup06]

Facts! They are there to be close to rich, young men.

[@Junekup06]

Music’s Odyssey I dont know how you earn money, but would you do it for free, if no one paid you for what you do? If you won't, you have no right to judge.

[@marysunshine2027]

@@Junekup06 Facts..those "rich young men" squander it often times and die of prescription overdosea often times or commit suicide from pain. Some yes live long happy lives. Even more die too soon. All in the name of entertaining the masses

[@Junekup06]

mary sunshine very true. Some are broke just a few years after the NFL. It is sad.