NFL Cheerleaders Willing to Settle Lawsuit in Return for Roger Goodell Meeting

Two former NFL cheerleaders who filed a complaint against the league for discrimination are reportedly willing to settle if they can have an extended discussion with commissioner Roger Goodell.

According to the New York Times' John Branch, former Saints cheerleader Bailey Davis and former Dolphins cheerleader Kristan Ware requested a four-hour meeting with Goodell in exchange for $1 each to "prepare a set of binding rules and regulations which apply to all NFL teams." 

"We're not asking them to admit fault, or to admit guilt, or even admit that there is anything wrong," attorney Sara Blackwell told Branch. "But if they do want and expect that cheerleaders should have a fair working environment, as they have stated, then it doesn’t make any common sense why the answer would be no."

Davis filed her complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in March after she posted a photo on her private Instagram account. According to CNN's Ahiza Garcia, the picture "was eventually seen by her bosses, who then terminated her employment for posting it and violating standards for conduct."

Furthermore, Davis alleged "that while female cheerleaders must heed numerous behavioral guidelines, no such restrictions exist for male players, who often post shirtless photos and are free to like photos of cheerleaders," per Garcia. 

Ware, meanwhile, filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations earlier this month and alleged that she was subjected to discrimination based on her religion and gender. 

According to the filing, which was obtained by Branch, Ware alleged she "was held to a different standard than players, who often cite their faith publicly, everywhere from social media posts to locker room interviews."

The league has since issued a statement supporting workplace equality: 

"The NFL and all NFL member clubs support fair employment practices. Everyone who works in the NFL, including cheerleaders, has the right to work in a positive and respectful environment that is free from any and all forms of harassment and discrimination and fully complies with state and federal laws. Our office will work with our clubs in sharing best practices and employment-related processes that will support club cheerleading squads within an appropriate and supportive workplace."

On Tuesday, Blackwell told Branch that if the league wants to make good on that statement, it should follow through and accept the terms of her clients' proposal. 

"If the NFL is serious about this statement, then this should be an acceptable settlement demand," she said. "It is one that is virtually free for the NFL and for the NFL teams and it will ensure the positive and respectful environment the NFL states is the right of the NFL cheerleaders."