The attorneys general of New York and California announced Thursday that they areĀ investigating allegations of workplace discrimination at the NFL, citing lawsuits filed by employees that describe sex, racial and age bias, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment.
Attorneys General Letitia James, of New York, and Rob Bonta, of California, said they have issued subpoenas to NFL executives as part of an examination into the workplace culture at the the leagueās corporate offices in both states.
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 leagueās corporate offices, not specific teams or players.
āNo person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or objectification in the workplace,ā James said in a statement. Bonta said he and James have āserious concerns about the NFLās role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment.ā
The league didnāt immediately comment on the investigation.
James and Bonta cited a 2022Ā New York TimesĀ 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 backĀ Ray Rice punching his fiancee.
Domestic violence charges against RiceĀ were dropped.