Jim Trotter, a long-time reporter and columnist who spent 5 years at NFL Network, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL. He claims that his contract was not renewed after he confronted Roger Goodell about the league’s hiring practices for minorities.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, states, “Jim Trotter … was let go by the National Football League because he challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell and others regarding the NFL’s record of race discrimination and lack of diversity.”
During his time at the NFL-owned NFL Network, Trotter publicly questioned Goodell multiple times about the underrepresentation of Black executives in the league and teams. This included a nationally televised interview leading up to the Super Bowl in February 2023.
The @NFL says its commitment to diversity extends beyond the sideline and front office, but the numbers in the newsroom at the league-owned media group says otherwise. So I asked @nflcommish sbout it. 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/nabWjo0SDm
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) February 8, 2023
@JimTrotter_NFL
Despite expectations of a contract renewal in the spring as his deal expired, Trotter’s contract was not renewed in late March, leaving him without a job.
Trotter’s attorneys from Wigdor LLP wrote, “It has already been acknowledged by many in the media that the NFL retaliated against and took vengeance on Mr. Trotter for him having taken the NFL to task on its discriminatory practices.”
The lawsuit alleges that the NFL has a history of silencing and retaliating against Black men who speak out against such conduct. Trotter’s lawyers claim that this behavior is part of the fabric of the league.
Wigdor LLP, the same law firm representing former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in his racial discrimination suit, is representing Trotter in this case.
The lawsuit also mentions Jerry Jones and an alleged conversation he had with Trotter in August 2020. Trotter asked Jones a similar question as he did Goodell, regarding the league’s hiring practices for Black executives.
Trotter claims that Jones responded, “If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire.”
Trotter also refers to Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula and alleges that Pegula once commented, “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”
Trotter raised concerns about Pegula’s comment, but no action was taken to address the issue.
According to Trotter’s lawsuit, the NFL only has 8 Black General Managers and 3 Black head coaches.
In addition to the 53-page lawsuit, Trotter, now employed by The Athletic, released a statement explaining his decision to file the lawsuit.
Trotter wrote on social media, “The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. I tried to do so, and it cost me my job. 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.”
He added, “I hope this lawsuit leads to real change across the league and in the newsroom. It is on the backs of a majority black player population that owners have made billions, and those players deserve to have someone who shares their cultural and life experiences at the table when decisions are being made about how they are being covered.”
FAQ
1. What is Jim Trotter accusing the NFL of?
Jim Trotter is accusing the NFL of discrimination and lack of diversity in their hiring practices.
2. Why did Trotter file a lawsuit against the NFL?
Trotter filed a lawsuit against the NFL because he believes his contract was not renewed in retaliation for challenging the league on its discriminatory practices.
3. What does Trotter hope to achieve with the lawsuit?
Trotter hopes that the lawsuit will lead to real change in the NFL, promoting diversity and inclusion in both the league and newsroom.
Conclusion
Jim Trotter, a former reporter for NFL Network, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging discrimination and lack of diversity in their hiring practices. Trotter claims that his contract was not renewed after he confronted Commissioner Roger Goodell and others regarding the league’s record on race discrimination. The lawsuit also mentions conversations with team owners Jerry Jones and Terry Pegula, in which controversial comments were made. Trotter’s lawyers argue that the NFL has a history of silencing and retaliating against those who speak out about discrimination. Trotter hopes that his lawsuit will bring about meaningful change in the league and newsroom, ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and representative of the players’ experiences.
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