Latest news with #PlayerEngagement
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Chiefs employee sues team for racial discrimination, wrongful termination
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former employee of the Kansas City Chiefs is suing the organization, claiming he was fired because he is Black. The lawsuit was filed by Ramzee Robinson in the Western District of Missouri on Sunday. Robinson served as the Chiefs' Director of Player Engagement until February. Second suspect charged in 2023 fentanyl death of mother, unborn baby Along with race discrimination, Robinson's lawsuit also makes claims of retaliation and tortious interference with business expectancy. The Chiefs referred FOX4 to a statement provided to Pro Football Talk on Wednesday. 'We can't comment because it's an active legal matter,' Brad Gee, Chiefs vice president of football communications, told Pro Football Talk via text message.'But to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.' The lawsuit says Robinson worked for the Chiefs from 2016 to 2025, most recently serving as the team's Director of Player Engagement. Robinson's suit says he made an annual salary of $125,000, nearly $47,000 less (on average) than others in similar roles, before his termination. Robinson claims his requests for salary increases were denied by Chiefs President Mark Donovan because they had 'previously given him raises.' 'As compared to other NFL franchises and/or teams, [Robinson] was paid the lowest salary,' the lawsuit says, 'KC Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.' Robinson cites an example of a Black woman who held a management position, making $50,000 per year. But when she asked the Chiefs for a raise and was denied, the lawsuit says she resigned and was replaced by a white woman, who the Chiefs paid $80,000 per year. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The lawsuit says Robinson reported to Vice President of Administration Kristen Krug. He says Krug 'consistently advised [Robinson] to 'stay out of the way' or 'less is more.'' On February 15, 2025, the lawsuit says Krug called Robinson into her office, claiming that he had engaged in 'conduct detrimental to the league.' Krug accused Robinson of attacking his white female coworker and claimed to have seen the incident on security cameras, but refused to show Robinson the video. Following Robinson's firing, the woman he was accused of attacking took over his former role. The lawsuit also claims the Chiefs denied Robinson a job opportunity with another team, the Houston Texans, which would have also been more pay. Months before he was fired, the lawsuit says Robinson was pressured into renewing his contract with the Chiefs. But after he agreed to sign a contract renewal, the Houston Texans asked Chiefs management to interview Robinson. The suit claims the Chiefs refused, saying an interview would 'violate his contract'. Robinson claims he discovered this information after someone from the Texans organization called him personally and asked about it. Robinson is seeking monetary relief and a jury trial in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
23-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
NFL Player Engagement offers offseason training in a variety of careers
Since its implementation in the 1990s, the NFL's Player Engagement (NFLPE) program has continued to evolve and expand the number of ways it prepares players for on-field success, off-field success, and life and careers after they hang up their cleats. Their most recent rollout, the 2025 Offseason Programs, provide current and former NFL players with experiences that introduce them to careers in coaching, media, business, gaming, and more. The programs kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis with the NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy, which runs through Feb. 24. Participants are learning strategies to excel as intercollegiate coaches. From there, the NFL's development tour will continue across the country through July. Each event will give participants direct access to industry leaders, practical training, and networking opportunities. Whether it's learning the art of storytelling in Hollywood, gaining financial literacy in New York, or training for a career in sports broadcasting, these workshops are designed to ensure that players' success extends beyond the field. A Diverse Playbook for Career Growth One of the standout opportunities is the Broadcasting & Media Workshop (April 8-10) in Los Angeles. With many players transitioning into media careers, this program provides essential training in on-air presentation, production, and storytelling. Participants will work with top media professionals to sharpen their skills and gain a competitive edge in the industry. For those interested in other forms of media, the NFL x Hidden Empire x Skydance Career Tour (March 4-6) will allow players to step into the world of film production, creating and acting in short films alongside industry professionals. Meanwhile, the NFL x EA Sports Career Tour (March 11-12) offers a deep dive into the gaming industry, a field where many athletes have found second careers. For players looking to strengthen their financial future, the NFL Bizweek Workshop (March 26-28) will focus on personal finance and post-football career development. Similarly, the NFL partnered with Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy for the NFL x LVMH Career Tour (March 31-April 1) which will give participants an inside look at luxury brand management and marketing. The league's commitment to impact is also evident in the Social Justice Town Hall (April 22) at the NFL Draft in Green Bay, where players and thought leaders will collaborate on ways to enact change in their communities. Virtual webinars in May will further support players in philanthropy, venture capital, and technology. Finally, the Personal Branding & Social Media Workshop (July 12-13) in Inglewood will round out the offseason initiatives, equipping players with tools to build their brands and maximize their online presence. The NFL is strengthening its commitment to preparing players for opportunities beyond the game. Whether they are planning their next move, expanding their skill sets, or positioning themselves for life after football, these programs prove that the league is investing in its athletes' futures, not just their time on the field. For players looking to expand their careers, the offseason is now an opportunity—not just a break.
