OFFICIAL;’ Journalist sues NFL for unfair treatment, claiming Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula made a…….
A former NFL Media journalist is accusing the league of refusing to confront what he calls systemic institutional prejudice, and claims his contract was not renewed because he consistently raised issues about equity and racial injustice.
In a discrimination and retaliation complaint filed in federal court in New York City on Tuesday, Jim Trotter also accused Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula of making racially offensive statements. Trotter stated that the concerns he shared with league leadership, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, about these comments and the lack of diversity among NFL Media staff were ignored.
“The NFL claims it wants to be held accountable for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “I attempted to do so, and it cost me my job,” Trotter said in a statement issued by his law firm, Wigdor. “I’m filing this lawsuit because I can’t complain about things that are wrong if I’m unwilling to fight for what is right.”
Trotter is Black and presently works for The Athletic after previously reporting for the NFL Network, where his contract was not renewed after the 2022 season.
The NFL published a statement refuting Trotter’s claims.
“We share Jim Trotter’s passion for quality journalism created in and supported by a diverse and inclusive environment,” the league stated in a statement. “We take his concerns seriously, but strongly dispute his specific allegations, particularly those made against his dedicated colleagues at NFL Media.”
The NFL stated that Trotter’s contract was not renewed due to financial considerations made to meet “a challenging economy and a changing media environment.”
In a statement, Pegula also denied the allegations against him.
“I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind,” he told reporters. “Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint.”
Trotter claimed he faced discrimination based on his race. He claims that by terminating him, the NFL created and supported a hostile work environment.
And he wants a court-appointed monitor to investigate and examine the NFL’s policies, as well as make necessary reforms to the hiring, retention, and promotion of Black personnel within the business.