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

NEW YORK — The attorneys general of six states have written to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, expressing concern over the league's treatment of female employees and admonishing him for a lack of improvement to the league's workplace culture.

Without improvement, the attorneys general warned of potential legal action.

The letter outlines concerns of gender discrimination ranging from the NFL's treatment of women who have experienced domestic violence to the hiring and promotion of women in NFL offices. It comes as Congress investigates how the league has handled claims of sexual harassment in the front office of the Washington Commanders.

The letter was signed by Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, where the league is headquartered, as well as the attorneys general of Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington State.

That letter also cited a New York Times article that 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; being passed over for promotions based on their gender; and being pushed out for complaining about discrimination.

«The NFL must do better — pink jerseys are not a replacement for equal treatment and full inclusion of women in the workplace,» the attorneys generals wrote. «Our offices will use the full weight of our authority to investigate and prosecute allegations of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation by employers throughout our states, including at the National Football League.»

In an email response, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said:

«We share the commitment of the attorneys general to ensuring that all of our workplaces —