Ex-Employee and Outspoken Critic of NFL Settles Suit Alleging Racial Inequality in the League
The central issue in Trotter's lawsuit revolved around his vocal criticism of the NFL's diversity policies and his allegations that this advocacy led to his dismissal. He claimed that during league-wide meetings and in various public forums, he repeatedly raised concerns about the NFL's failure to hire more Black coaches, executives and media personnel.
October 25, 2024 at 12:08 PM
7 minute read
Jim Trotter, a prominent sports journalist, filed a lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL) in 2023, alleging that he was terminated from his role with the NFL due to his vocal stance on the league's failure to address diversity issues. With over three decades of experience covering the NFL, Trotter worked for the NFL-owned media outlet, NFL Media, from 2018 until his contract was not renewed in March 2023.
Trotter released a statement on Oct. 9, 2024, indicating that his years' long legal battle with the behemoth that is the NFL, came to a close. Through the lawsuit, Trotter was able to achieve something nearly impossible, that is, to secure a win against arguably the biggest sports franchise in the world. Trotter's press release announced that a donation from the NFL would allow him to create the Work, Plan, Pray Foundation. The foundation is intended to aid students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with scholarships and resources as they pursue degrees in sports journalism and sports management.
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