Experienced NFL Network reporter and columnist Jim Trotter has filed a lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL), accusing the organization of discrimination in its hiring practices. Trotter claims that his contract with NFL Network was not renewed after he confronted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the lack of diversity within the league.
Key Takeaway
Former NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter has filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging discrimination in the league’s hiring practices. Trotter claims that his contract was not renewed after addressing the lack of diversity within the NFL and challenging Commissioner Roger Goodell on the issue. The lawsuit sheds light on the urgent need for increased diversity and inclusion within the NFL.
Challenging the NFL’s Hiring Practices
In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in New York, Trotter alleges that his termination was a direct result of his efforts to address the NFL’s record of race discrimination and lack of diversity. As an employee of the NFL-owned NFL Network, Trotter publicly questioned Goodell on multiple occasions regarding the scarcity of Black executives within the league and its teams. One such instance was during a nationally televised interview in the lead-up to the Super Bowl in February 2023.
Despite the expectation of a new contract in the spring as his previous deal was expiring, Trotter was informed in late March that his contract would not be renewed, leaving him without a job. Trotter’s lawyers from Wigdor LLP assert that the NFL retaliated against him for speaking out against discriminatory practices and that this is not an isolated incident. The same law firm is also representing former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in a racial discrimination lawsuit.
Revealing Alleged Conversations
Trotter’s lawsuit also references conversations with prominent figures within the NFL. He claims that in August 2020, he asked Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the league’s hiring practices for Black executives, to which Jones allegedly responded, “If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire.” Trotter further alleges that Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula made a derogatory remark, stating, “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.” He raised concerns about this comment but asserts that no action was taken.
The Lack of Diversity in the NFL
Trotter’s lawsuit highlights the glaring disparities within the NFL regarding diversity. According to his suit, the league currently has only eight Black general managers and three Black head coaches. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the need for increased representation and inclusive practices within the sport.
