Tampa Bay Buccaneers Settle Lawsuit with Cheerleaders

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly reached an agreement with former cheerleaders to settle a lawsuit concerning unpaid work. The decision will cover nearly 100 cheerleaders who represented the team for a five-year period starting in 2009.

Jose Patino Girona of The Tampa Tribune reports the organization agreed to pay a maximum sum of $825,000 to close the case. The settlement states the Bucs do not admit to any wrongdoing but agreed to a deal to avoid any further "burden, expense and uncertainty" from the litigation.

Also included were comments from Manouchcar Pierre-Val. She's a former Bucs cheerleader and became the lead plaintiff for the class-action lawsuit:

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It's only fair that the girls get compensated for the time they put in, especially if the Bucs are reaping the benefits. Cheerleaders are not just performing on Sundays. It's a time commitment both mentally and physically.

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The report notes a deal was originally reached in December before being signed last month by Pierre-Val and the team. The settlement must still get approved by a judge after a motion was filed on Friday in U.S. District Court.

If that happens, then each cheerleader would be in line to receive approximately $3,400 for each season they worked with the franchise after attorney fees. Those involved in the case could also opt out of the agreement, according to the report.

The timetable for potential court approval of the settlement is unknown.