NFL warned to improve treatment of women, workplace culture by attorneys general of six states

The attorneys general of six states wrote to the commissioner of the National Football League expressing concern over the league's treatment of woman employees and admonishing him for a lack of improvement to the league's workplace culture.

The attorneys general warned of potential legal action without improvement.

Concerns of gender discrimination include the treatment of women who have experienced domestic violence, the hiring and promotion of women in NFL offices, and the treatment of women in the military. Congress is investigating the league's handling of claims of sexual harassment in the front office of the Washington Commanders.

The attorneys general of Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington State signed the letter, as well as the attorney general of New York.

The New York Times article included allegations from more than 30 former NFL employees who said they experienced problems, including unwanted touching from male bosses, attending parties where prostitutes were hired, and being passed over for promotions based on their gender.

The attorneys general wrote that pink jerseys are not a replacement for equal treatment and full inclusion of women in the workplace.

Brian McCarthy said that in an email response.

The league office and 32 clubs are free from discrimination and harassment and we share the commitment of the attorneys general. We have made great strides over the years in support of that commitment, but acknowledge that we have more work to do. We look forward to sharing with the attorneys general the policies, practices, protocols, education programs and partnerships we have implemented to act on this commitment and confirm that the league office and our clubs maintain a respectful workplace where all our employees, including women, have an opportunity to thrive.

McCarthy pointed out such ongoing league programs as a comprehensive employee training initiative through partnerships with organizations such as RISE, GLAAD, Paradigm, and The Winters Group, in which employees can interact, learn and support each other within smaller communities such as BEN.

The Rooney Rule was changed last month by the NFL to ensure more opportunities for women and minorities. All 32 clubs will have to hire a woman or a member of an ethnic or racial minority to be an offensive assistant coach. The person will be given a one-year contract and will work closely with the head coach and offensive staff to gain experience.