Former Cowboys Cheerleader Files Lawsuit Against Team

A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has filed a federal lawsuit against the team, alleging she wasn't paid for all her work and made less money than the team's male mascot.

[karibennett]

What SHE is saying is that the cheerleaders should not HAVE to also work a full time job as they still have obligations, rehearsals, games, etc. and its time to recognize.

[debbiebooker]

If they can pay the Mascot $65, 000 a year, they can pay their Cheerleaders.

[carolkirk]

Just putting up with Kelli and Judy is worth a lot more than what they get paid.

[zulu]

NFL cheerleading cannot be classed as a hobby if the cheerleaders are always expected to put the team first.

[thickbagina]

I googled their salary after watching an episode of the show about them and I was disgusted with how low they pay! This is not excusable! I'm so grateful she is brave enough to do something about it!

[nuffzed]

Netflix brought me here. So glad she won. These ladies work hard 🎉

[kide]

Spoiler Alert,






she won two weeks ago

[makeurownsammich]

It looks like it paid off, at least a little. I saw an article saying they are now getting $12/hr instead of $8 and they now get $400 per game rather than $200. Good for her taking a stand!🙌🏼

[benzgirlz]

That’s Poverty Level Pay. Fast Food workers get paid more. Are they on Medicaid and Food Stamps too? They can’t live on $8.50/hr! It’s 2018! That’s just disgusting!

[karissam]

$8 an hour?!? I was getting paid $12 for a dumb part-time retail job and I’m not nearly as fit or as skillful as they are. I’m sure their work is hard. They deserve a livable wage.

[deltaecho]

wow, their tryouts are insanely hard, and they're paid nothing. It's almost criminal.

[Missblaak]

So Kelli gets pissed that a trainee did not know what the “Me Too” movement meant yet she allows “her girls” to be unfairly paid. SMDH

[colleenmethod]

Umm, just wanted to mention - these cheerleaders are not paid for - costume maintenance, gym fees, workouts, practices, all non-stadium related appearances. The calendar fees go to the team, endorsements are paid to the team, the girls can't accept money for appearing in the team uniforms given.

Alot of the cheerleaders these days are owned by the team - they are required to 1) Have a day job in the area, 2) Be available for all team related appearances (despite the day job). And here's a big one - many don't have medical insurance to cover the injuries sustained while a cheerleader.

As to Rowdy being brought into the story. Its just an example.

[lauraroberts]

Just heard DCC settled the lawsuit and changes were made!!!Go Erica!!!Now I can not feel guilty when I watch Their CMT show, cause they were paid so little!!!

[sunlighttulips]

I'm rather surprised by the condescension apparent in the comments so far. The cheerleaders are just as much a part of the NFL and the NFL experience as the football players. Many have spent years in dance training and they are right there on the field performing throughout the entire football game.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, at least, are held to a high standard of conduct and act much better in public than many of the players. The players get multimillion dollar contracts and endorsements, and the cheerleaders can't even get paid a decent wage? They aren't asking for million dollar contracts - just enough money to cover practicing several hours a week, appearances all over the world, and game duties. Seems very reasonable to me and, for a billion dollar organization, should be an expectation. For the organization to offer to pay her for her unpaid time shows they know there's an issue.

It's time to stop "enjoying" the cheerleaders' performances while looking down your noses at them. It takes a courageous individual to stand up against the tide of apathy and tradition to fight for something better for future generations. Erica, good for you.

[linhaton]

Shame on this organization. Eight dollars an hour? Shameful.

[drawntomountains]

It's waaay past time that these ladies get compensated appropriately for every appearance, personal expenses, wages lost from their regular jobs and much, much more. These ladies work extremely hard to know their dances, routines, and learn new ones every week ! Their training to stay in the required size and shape is a continuous and ongoing process. The suit is long passed due !!

[barbier]

The pay is shameful. I’m glad someone spoke up.

[FemaleDallasTexas]

The cheerleaders need to file a class action lawsuit

[alexandrasdrapetomaniacmin]

8$/h and no overtime is just disrespectful.
Jerry Jones' net worth: 8.4 billion USD (2019)
After seeing his net worth, I'll say it's more cruel than disrespectful even!