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This week, Jim Trotter, a veteran writer, filed a retaliation against the NFL. The case could shake the league's foundation.
Veteran journalist Jim Trotter, formerly of the NFL Network and now The Athletic, filed a retaliation suit against the league. Now, while we delve into the specific, remember a few things. First, Mr. Trotter was privy to many conversations that the average person was not. As a result, jumping to the conclusion that he is not telling the truth is in a word, weird. I get team loyalty, but when you have someone that makes these statements in court documents, they need to be taken seriously.
The Plaintiff
For decades, Jim Trotter built a sterling reputation as an NFL reporter. From covering on-field stories, coaching hires and league business, many laud him for his professionalism. When the NFL Network, and by extension, the league, Trotter wanted to continue this path. As a Black person in sports media, he asked about the dearth of diversity in league administration, from media, and Park Avenue itself. This did not fly with the league. In return, the league declined to renew Trotter's contract.
The Tipping Point
If you want to look at a specific point where the NFL and Jim Trotter's relationship soured, look no further than an exchange he has with league vice president of on-air talent, Sandy Nunez. In no uncertain terms, Nunez asked Trotter if he was loyal to the NFL and that newsroom. In response, the veteran reporter replied "not in alignment with a newsroom that does not have Black representation in decision-making positions." In essence, Trotter explained that he was not thrilled with the lack of Black voices in positions of power.
League Response
As mentioned, the league declined to renew Trotter's contract after it was made clear that he would return. Under those circumstances, the basis for a retaliation lawsuit exists. You've all heard of quiet quitting, letting someone's contract elapse is a quiet firing. Similarly, the move looks like the NFL wants a culture of compliance, not allowing anyone to rock the boat. How can you have an impartial media with a league acting as overlord?
Pegula Problems
Within the filing, Trotter details something he heard from the mouth of Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula when discussing the protests over social injustice. Allegedly, Pegula said " "If the Black players don't like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is." Yes, a man who owns a team in a league that is made up of anywhere between 60 and 70 percent uttered this statement. Imagine the temerity it takes for someone sitting in a private box, thinking this about his players. Although, this does align with what many others have uttered. Remember, Bob McNair of Texans said this. Pegula offered up a denial via social media.
Jerry World
Now, if you are honest, you understand the amount of nonsense that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones committed. From the leaking of intimate photos to coaching issues. Plus, his reputation with race relations needs closer scrutiny. First, remember that fake knee he took during the police brutality protests? Well, this time, Trotter claims Jones uttered this phrase. "If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire." This was in response to a question that Trotter asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Gut Feeling Number One
I believe in Jim Trotter. Why would he jeopardize his name and career on calling out specific team owners and league departments? Trotter's entire career centers around the NFL. Just by taking this to court, he jeopardizes his career. So, that signals to me the truth. The most dangerous person in this case is the one with the least to lose. Part of lawsuits is the discovery phase. That means each side will have to submit documents to the other that they will attempt to use during the trial. If Trotter specifically called out Pegula and Jones, what makes you think there are not unpleasant comments reside below the surface? The league needs to think long and hard about a quick settlement. If not, the released information could be catastrophic from a public relations aspect.
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Gut Feeling Number Two
The league will settle with Trotter. The risk of exposure is not worth the public trial. This case cuts at the heart of race relations and hiring practices. With the trouble faced by the Rooney Rule and the Kaepernick collusion case, the league doesn't need a win. They just don't need a loss. In addition, look for some press releases highlighting a new league hiring initiative. Somehow, this will attempt to swing public sentiment in their favor. Jon Gruden's case against the NFL presses on and the league looks to face even more embarrassment. Additionally, Brian Flores' racial discrimination lawsuit continues. With so many fights in so many arenas, the league will attempt to throw money and promises around.
Is The League Racist?
In a word, kind of. The league possesses a lengthy history of racism that starts with the formation of the league. Think of what George Preston Marshall named his Washington franchise. Next, look at the gap in Black coaches between Fritz Pollard and Art Shell. Combine that with Jimmy the Greek and Rush Limbaugh. Also, think about it: There is a rule that NFL teams must consider Black candidates for coaching and management jobs. A special rule had to be created.
Why Should We Watch It?
Simple. There are hundreds of Black men that used the game of football to bring their families out of tough situations. On top of that, why the league is messy, the modern transparency actually made things clearer. If you truly want to be honest, the NFL is better because the race-related scandals force the league to try harder because of the fact that the public loves the game but also remains leery of the management. Football in ingrained into the American psyche. Team owners should never obscure the accomplishments of the players.
Overview
Jim Trotter, like Brian Flores before him, is calling attention to the inequality within the National Football League. In doing so, they risk blacklisting or even retaliation, as Trotter alleges. But why? Again, simple. It's a sport that we love and want to do better for. To paraphrase James Baldwin, they love football more than any sport in the world and they insist on the right to criticize it perpetually.
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