Latest news with #AFL
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
In nod to team's history, Buffalo Bills to wear two additional helmets in 2025
The Bills are adding some Buffalo sauce and blue cheese (or is it ranch?) to their uniform closet in 2025, which will be the team's final one at Highmark Stadium. The team will bring back the red helmets it wore from 1984 to 2010 − and specifically the version used from 1987 to 2001, with white facemasks and blue and white stripes running down the crown's centerline − for the regular-season finale in Orchard Park, New York, against the Jets on January 4. They're the same helmets the Bills featured during their four consecutive Super Bowl losses between the 1990 and '93 seasons. "There's no better way to celebrate our fans and honor our team's history by bringing back the red helmets. The Bills provided this region with some of the most incredible moments in franchise history in the 1990s wearing these helmets and we feel this is a great way to commemorate the closing of Highmark Stadium in our regular season finale," said the club's chief operating officer, Pete Guelli, in a statement. The Bills are scheduled to move into their new building for the start of the 2026 season. In addition, Buffalo is bringing back the red 'Standing Buffalo' logo that served as the franchise's primary emblem from its AFL days in the 1960s until 1973. It was last used as a throwback during the 2021 season. The grazing buff will return at Atlanta for a Monday night game against the Falcons on October 13. The Bills will also use it at home on November 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
See which AFL teams will be exposed in a new documentary series by the makers of the smash-hit Drive to Survive
AFL fans are in for a treat, as it has been revealed that a new all-access docu-series about footy's top-flight is coming to our screens. According to SEN, the production company, Box to Box Films, behind the smash-hit Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' has already commenced work on a brand new AFL series that will be aired on Amazon Prime Video. Box to Box Films are an Emmy-winning producer based in London. They are reportedly in Australia and are working with five footy clubs. As of March 2025, 'Drive to Survive', Netflix's viewing data report suggests that Series Five of the show has gained over 90,000,000 viewing hours since it was launched in 2019. And as the AFL looks to innovate on how it can broaden its audiences globally, footy chiefs will be hoping that they can drive up some big numbers. SEN has also revealed the footy clubs that producers will be working with, and only one Victorian club is included in the roster. Fremantle, GWS Giants, Gold Coast and the reigning premiers, Brisbane will all feature in the documentary, alongside the Western Bulldogs. It is also understood that the series will revolve around the star players in each team. Marcus Bontempelli is being rumoured to have a spotlight in the series, alongside GWS star Toby Greene. Instead of focusing on the clubs, the new programme, which is yet to be named, will delve into the lives of the players and how they have risen to the top of professional footy. The AFL has previously engaged producers and streaming giants, like Amazon, to produce a series delving into the lives of players in the league. Back in 2021, the 'Making Their Mark' docu-series was released on Amazon and featured Eddie Betts and Nic Naitanui, while also going behind the scenes at the Crows and GWS. While we wait for more details to drop on which players will be involved in the show, one Freo star has revealed he will not be participating. 'I can't say it will involve me too much,' Sam Switkowski told the West Australian. 'I haven't noticed any extra cameras or anything like that, so I'm not too sure who will be in it. 'It will be good for the club, good for the sport as a whole, to be able to see a little bit more of what goes on for our fans and members.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Dani Laidley reveals shocking detail about the AFL's fight to stamp out homophobic abuse as she slams the league for dropping the ball
Dani Laidley has blasted the AFL, claiming the league has 'dropped the ball' on how it educates players around homophobic discrimination, after it was revealed that yet another player is being investigated for a homophobic slur. It came as 20-year-old Sydney Swans player, Riak Andrew, is facing a sanction for an alleged spray during the Swans' 11-point VFL victory against North Melbourne on Saturday. Andrew, who admitted his remorse over the incident, is the fifth player or coach in the past two years who has been called infront of the AFL's Integrity Unit over a homophobic comment. 'This just keeps happening and I don't think enough time has been put into it. The AFL are dropping the ball,' Laidley, a rainbow advocate, said to The Herald Sun. 'I know time is scarce at AFL clubs but where does the priority lie? Are we going to keep getting one of these instances once a fortnight? 'Gill organised for me to do a presentation to his executive and also one to Tanya's team and we talked about doing some work at club level around this topic and since Gill left there has been no follow-up.' It came after it was revealed that Sydney Swans youngster Riak Andrew is being investigated for a homophobic comment he made during a VFL match Right now there are no known current gay or bisexual players competing in the AFL. Laidley believed that the league's approach to education around the subject may be pushing gay and transgender players further away. The former Kangaroos coach had provided advice to Gillon McLachlan, proposing individual talks with footy clubs on diversity and inclusion. However, that, according to The Herald Sun, has been shelved. Instead players now complete mandatory online seminars about homophobia. 'And then I saw a press conference where Tanya Hosch was saying we have done an online training module and I just thought: 'Really? You can't be serious about it if you are doing online training modules',' Laidley added, seething over how the AFL are handling the issue. 'It should be about education, storytelling and life experiences. 'We have had AFL coaches (with anti-gay slurs) and we have had it at AFL level, and in the VFL and WAFL and in Queensland. The population of the rainbow community within the AFL ranks could be 50 or 60 or 70 men. And it affects them in different ways.' The AFLPA has also hit out at the league in recent years for its approach to clamping down on homophobia. AFLPA chief Paul Marsh criticised the AFL for a double standard, following Jeremy Finlayson's homophobic remarks. The Power forward was slapped with a three-match suspension in 2024 for an alleged homophobic remark that was directed to an Essendon player. Alaistair Clarkson also copped a fine for calling a player a 'c*** sucker', while Will Powell and Lance Collard were both also handed suspensions. 'We believe the AFL is consistently inconsistent and there are double standards in its approach to dealing with players compared to others on behavioural matters,' AFLPA boss, Marsh, explained. 'This issue highlights the lack of clarity on how the AFL handles these situations and we want this to be the catalyst for an urgent review of the sanctioning framework.' Laidley reflected on her own experiences. She recalled how she would feel uncomfortable when she overheard homophobic comments being made as a player. The 58-year-old made 221 appearances in footy's top flight, playing for West Perth, West Coast and North Melbourne, notably winning a premiership with the Roos in 1996. Laidley was appallingly outed in 2020, by a police officer, before she had the chance to share her transition with family and friends. 'I can go back to when I was involved at AFL and I would hear conversations about who is the gay footballer? I would run for the hills,' Laidley added. 'My anxiety would skyrocket. I would withdraw into my workplace. My mental health would spiral uncontrollably. 'Any time things like this hit the media I can guarantee you any person in the rainbow community who is playing or coaching at AFL level will have their mental health (concerns) elevated. 'People say they are only words but those words turn into how a person feels about themselves. I am through it and I am proud of who I am but it is the younger people within the AFL and also the younger supporters of the AFL. They will be thinking I am going to stop playing footy or cricket or any sport because this is what some of my teammates may think of me.' According to a statement published on the Swan's website, Riak Andrew has admitted that he 'understands the language he used is unacceptable.' The incident is said to have taken place during the Swans' 11-point win in the VFL against North Melbourne on Friday. Andrew, 20, who is also the brother of Gold Coast star Mac, explained he was remorseful over the matter, with the AFL's integrity unit now having launched an investigation. 'This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,' Swns CEO Tom Harley said in a statement. 'While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words.' Andrew is now facing the prospect of a punishment, which will likely include a suspension. It comes as he has spent most of the season on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. The Swans are meanwhile preparing for their annual Pride Game at the SCG on August 2 against Essendon.
New York Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
Pro-Trump group says Cracker Barrel's DEI programs violate federal, state civil rights laws
Conservative pro-Trump law group America First Legal (AFL) filed complaints Monday with the Tennessee Attorney General and the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), alleging Cracker Barrel is maintaining discriminatory employment practices stemming from its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. The complaints point to public documents, internal reports, and Cracker Barrel's own language to allege the company maintains illegal DEI frameworks, such as race- and gender-conscious hiring, leadership and promotion pipelines, which provide benefits to employees on the basis of protected characteristics. AFL also slammed Cracker Barrel for rebranding its dedicated DEI website to 'Culture and Belonging,' arguing that the name change did not halt Cracker Barrel from using 'diversity' as a proxy for race or sex. Advertisement 'Americans are fed up with major American corporations serving up DEI as if it is entirely okay,' said AFL legal counsel, Will Scolinos. 'Treating people differently because of the color of their skin or their sex is not only wrong, it is illegal. AFL has fought DEI since the Biden Administration spent four years celebrating and encouraging its wholesale implementation across the country. Now, companies are retreating from the term 'DEI' but retaining their discriminatory policies. Cracker Barrel and other American corporations must take discrimination by any name off the menu once and for all.' 4 The complaints point to public documents, internal reports, and Cracker Barrel's own language to allege the company maintains illegal DEI frameworks. Christopher Sadowski AFL's complaint points to Cracker Barrel's Business Resource Groups (BRGs) as one example of alleged discrimination, outlined in public Securities and Exchange Commission documents, Cracker Barrel's website and other places. According to AFL, these groups offer employment benefits only available to employees belonging to certain races or sexes. Advertisement The 'Be Bold' BRG helps 'cultivate and develop Black Leaders within the Cracker Barrel organization utilizing allyship, mentorship, and education to create a path to continued excellence,' Cracker Barrel's website states. Meanwhile, the HOLA BRG 'promote[s] Hispanic and Latino culture through hiring, developing, and retaining talent within Cracker Barrel.' Other BRGs revolve around LGBT folks, 'neurodiversity,' and women's issues, among others. 4 According to AFL, these groups offer employment benefits only available to employees belonging to certain races or sexes. AP Another part of Cracker Barrel's alleged promotion of discriminatory DEI practices cited by AFL includes the company's focus on 'attract[ing], develop[ing] and retain[ing] high performing talent with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives,' which is laid out on Cracker Barrel's 'Culture, Belonging and Inclusion' website underneath the heading 'STRATEGY TURNS INTO ACTION.' This focus on promoting and hiring based on 'diverse' characteristics can be seen in action via Cracker Barrel's categorization in internal company reports of board members as 'Diverse' or 'Not-Diverse,' AFL points out. Advertisement Per a public filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cracker Barrel notes that when 'evaluating potential candidates for Board membership' the nominating committee 'considers, among other things … diversity of age, gender, race, and ethnic background.' 4 This focus on promoting and hiring based on 'diverse' characteristics can be seen in action via Cracker Barrel's categorization in internal company reports. Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Cracker Barrel also proudly touts its Diverse Employee Leadership Talent Advancement (DELTA) program in public filings, which the company describes as an effort meant to identify 'diverse managers who have exhibited all the skills we value in our top-performing managers' and position them 'to advance to their next role.' 'Our new, robust diversity training includes education throughout all levels of the Company about unconscious and implicit bias and focuses on creating an inclusive culture and fostering a sense of belonging for all,' a Securities and Exchange Commission filing discussing the DELTA program also adds. Advertisement AFL argues that, in practice, these policies from Cracker Barrel appear to have achieved their intended effect, with the company's representation of women and ethnic minorities among Cracker Barrel professional staff, store level management and hourly workers, having each increased by at least 3% since fiscal year 2022. AFL said only women hourly staff remained constant across the same period, though Cracker Barrel touts in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings that 70% of its employee population is female. 4 Cracker Barrel also proudly touts its Diverse Employee Leadership Talent Advancement (DELTA) program in public filings. AP 'Cracker Barrel's policies openly discriminate against heterosexual, white, and male employees in favor of diverse employees,' AFL's complaint, which asserts the policies violate Tennessee's Human Rights Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, argues. 'Discrimination advocates — under the guise of 'diversity' and 'equity' — have for years claimed that straight white men must be treated differently than diverse individuals by holding them to a higher evidentiary standard; however, the Supreme Court has directly addressed this claim, holding that 'Title VII does not impose such a heightened standard on majority-group plaintiffs,'' the complaint continues. 'Decades of case law hold that — no matter how well-intentioned — policies that seek to impose racial balancing are prohibited by Title VII.' Through its complaint, AFL is calling for Cracker Barrel and the EEOC to launch investigations into the matter, including a review of internal communications and a probe into whether the company used contractors with 'reckless disregard' to circumvent civil rights laws. AFL is also requesting the Tennessee Attorney General and EEOC enforce state and federal laws that would compel the company to halt its allegedly discriminatory DEI practices. Cracker Barrel did not respond to repeated requests for comment in time for publication.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Cracker Barrel Faces DEI Probe After Pro-Trump Law Group Complaint
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cracker Barrel has been targeted by a law firm seeking to defend President Donald Trump's policies amid allegations that the restaurant's diversity drives are "discriminatory." America First Legal (AFL) has called for an official probe into the Southern restaurant chain "for potential violations of federal and state civil rights laws stemming from its discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies." Some of Cracker Barrel's initiatives to develop employees are focused specifically on supporting workers who are women, Black, LGBTQ+, or Latino, according to AFL. This means they "appear to offer employment benefits that are only available based on an employees' race or sex," the Washington D.C.-based law group said in a press release on Monday. The firm has formally requested that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti investigate Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. for alleged violations. Newsweek reached out to Cracker Barrel via email for comment outside of regular working hours. A Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant in Naperville, Illinois, as seen on April 12, 2002. A Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant in Naperville, Illinois, as seen on April 12, 2002. Tim Boyle/Getty Image Why It Matters The case comes amid a wider cultural debate about inclusion and diversity practices. Trump has been highly critical of DEI policies. Since his return to office earlier this year, federal agencies have rolled back the initiatives across military and government platforms and attempted to scrap them in schools and universities. Claims that DEI in general is discriminatory have been subject to pushback in the spheres of education, politics, and business. Most U.S. business leaders think dropping DEI is a bad idea, according to a national survey, whose findings were reported by Forbes earlier this month. Some 77 percent of executives believe that DEI initiatives are positively correlated with improved financial performance, while 81 percent said that DEI policies have bolstered customer loyalty. What To Know America First Legal describes itself on its website as a "nonprofit law firm founded to unapologetically and boldly defend the rights of everyday Americans." The organization, which has been described as pro-Trump by the press and whose name pays homage to the "America First" movement, stated: "We are at the forefront of the battle for our nation." In a press release issued by AFL law firm on Monday, AFL Senior Counsel Nicholas Barry called Cracker Barrel "almost as American as apple pie," but said it may also be "discriminating against its employees," which, they say, must not go unchallenged under civil rights laws. The dining chain, founded in Tennessee in 1969, has nearly 660 restaurants across 44 states, serving around 230 million guests each year, according to Cracker Barrel's website. The press release said the law firm "has formally requested that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti investigate Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Cracker Barrel) for potential violations of federal and state civil rights laws stemming from its discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies." The law group claims the restaurant "rebranded its dedicated DEI website last year from 'Diversity and Inclusion' to 'Culture and Inclusion,' yet continues to promote the company's apparently unlawful commitments to provide unique employment benefits to certain races and sexes." It says that Cracker Barrel "promises to 'attract, select, develop, and retain high-performing talent with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.'" Specifically, AFL referenced the chain's Business Resource Groups (BRG), claiming its Be Bold BRG aims to "cultivate and develop Black Leaders," while its HOLA BRG is designed to "promote Hispanic and Latino culture through hiring, developing, and retaining talent." Its LGBTQ+ Alliance BRG aims to foster awareness and support within that community, and its Women's Connect BRG is focused on "empowering, educating and engaging" female members of staff to help them "grow their careers." "Even if any employee may technically join a BRG, certain associated benefits appear to be restricted to specific identity groups," AFL alleges. What People Are Saying America First Legal Senior Counsel Nicholas Barry, in a press release: "Cracker Barrel is almost as American as apple pie. Their store is full of classic Americana items, and it brands itself as a bastion of southern hospitality. If Cracker Barrel is discriminating against its employees and trying to hide it, it is failing to live up to its own brand and internal standards. The government should vigorously enforce its civil rights laws and ensure any such discrimination is rooted out and destroyed." America First Legal Counsel Will Scolinos, in a press release: "Americans are fed up with major American corporations serving up DEI as if it is entirely okay. Treating people differently because of the color of their skin or their sex is not only wrong, it is illegal. AFL has fought DEI since the Biden Administration spent four years celebrating and encouraging its wholesale implementation across the country. Now, companies are retreating from the term 'DEI' but retaining their discriminatory policies. Cracker Barrel and other American corporations must take discrimination by any name off the menu once and for all." Elise Smith, the CEO and co-founder of the tech startup Praxis Labs, told Time magazine in February: "Regardless of what you think about the term DEI, this work will continue, because fundamentally it does drive better business outcomes. Fortune 500 companies are trying to figure out: How do we serve our clients and customers, knowing that there's a ton of diversity within them? How do we bring our teams together to do their best work?" Jennifer McCollum, president and CEO of nonprofit gender-equity organization Catalyst, told Forbes this month: "Inclusion has never been a liability — it's a competitive advantage and a business imperative." She added that "organizations committed to the principles of opportunity and fairness behind DEI will be the ones that outperform their peers, retain talent, and build lasting trust." What Happens Next The legal process is now underway after America First Legal filed its complaints with the Tennessee attorney general and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Monday. Cracker Barrel has yet to respond publicly as the case shapes up to be another battle in the wider war against DEI.
