Redskins say cheerleaders' stories don't match

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[May 04, 2018]    Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen said Thursday that conversations with current and former team cheerleaders contradict allegations of impropriety during a trip to Costa Rica five years ago.

 

"We want to express how serious we take these allegations," Allen said a statement released by the team. "Based on the dialogue we've had with a number of current and former cheerleaders over the past 48 hours, we've heard very different first-hand accounts that directly contradict many of the details of the May 2 article. I can promise that once we have completed looking into this matter, if it is revealed that any of our employees acted inappropriately, those employees will face significant repercussions."

Allegations in the New York Times story about the 2013 trip included cheerleaders being asked to go topless and wear body paint during a calendar shoot in front of Redskins sponsors and FedEx Field suite owners. The report also detailed a trip to a night club, where cheerleaders were asked to accompany some of the men.

The cheerleaders reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements at the time of their hire.

The NFL released a statement saying "everyone who works in the NFL, including cheerleaders, has the right to work in a positive and respectful environment that is free from any and all forms of harassment and discrimination and fully complies with state and federal laws."

Allen called the cheerleaders "exemplary members" of the Redskins organization.

"We are proud of these women and support them during this time," he said. "We will continue to take all necessary measures to create a safe and respectful work environment."

--Field Level Media

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