State officials probing workplace discrimination at NFL; ‘No company is too big or popular’

SAN FRANCISCO — Citing lawsuits filed by employees that describe sex, racial and age bias, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday an investigation into allegations of workplace discrimination at the NFL.

Bonta was joined by New York AG Letitia James in announcing subpoenas issued to NFL executives as part of an examination into the workplace culture at the the league’s corporate offices in both states.

 “We have serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment,” Bonta said in  news release. “No company is too big or popular to avoid being held responsible for their actions.”  

The officials, both Democrats, said they are exercising their legal authority to seek information from the NFL regarding allegations of gender pay disparities, harassment, and gender and racial discrimination.

The investigation focuses on the league’s corporate offices, not specific teams or players.

“No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or objectification in the workplace,” James said in a statement. Bonta said he and James have “serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment.”

The league didn’t immediately comment on the investigation.

James and Bonta cited a 2022 New York Times story that detailed allegations of gender discrimination by more than 30 former female NFL employees.

The women described a sexist culture at the NFL that they said persisted despite promises of reform that Commissioner Roger Goodell made after the 2014 release of a video that showed Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his fiancee.