Journalist sues NFL, alleging longstanding institutional discrimination

A former NFL Media journalist is accusing the league of refusing to address what he calls long-standing institutional discrimination and said his contract was not renewed because he repeatedly voiced concerns regarding equity and racial injustice.

In making his allegations in a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in New York City, Jim Trotter also cited Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula as making racially insensitive comments. Trotter said the concerns he raised with league executives, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, regarding those comments and the lack of diversity among NFL Media employees fell on deaf ears.

"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," Trotter said in a statement released 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 now works for The Athletic after previously being a reporter for the NFL Network, before his contract was not renewed in March.

My reasons for filing a retaliation lawsuit against the NFL run deep. They include the following: <a href="https://t.co/YWlDPAmJhO">pic.twitter.com/YWlDPAmJhO</a>

The NFL issued a statement disputing Trotter's allegations.

"We share Jim Trotter's passion for quality journalism created in and supported by a diverse and inclusive environment," the NFL said. "We take his concerns seriously, but strongly dispute his specific allegations, particularly those made against his dedicated colleagues at NFL Media."

The NFL said Trotter's contract was not renewed as a result of