Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Will An Openly Gay NFL Player Be Protected in the Locker Room?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: February 19, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
NFL Player Comes out as Openly Gay
With the news that former Missouri defensive end and current NFL draft prospect, Michael Sam is gay, this upcoming season will see a first – an openly gay NFL player in the locker room. Many coaches and players have come out in support of Sam in recent days, saying that having him in the locker room would be a non-issue and only his performance on the field and as a teammate matters.
However, other anonymous officials have come out and said having Sam in the locker room will be an issue – as it is commonplace for players to use offensive slurs. This could be a major problem if Sam is in the locker room, so is there policy in place that can protect him in such an event?
Workplace Behavior Policy
There is some protection in place, as the NFL has a clear workplace behavior policy, which includes objectives such as:
- Providing a clear definition of sexual harassment and detailed examples of illegal and inappropriate behavior
- Ensuring each member of the NFL fully understands that sexual harassment and discrimination are against the law
- Building awareness of the NFL’s policies on sexual harassment and discrimination
- Providing clear and acceptable workplace-behavior guidelines for all employees
With these policies in place, Sam should have the right to a safe workplace. This is the same issue that came up with the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito bullying case as well.
Should Sam feel as though his teammates are making the locker room an abusive workplace, he could seek legal action. However, we are far away from that being reality, as he first needs to be drafted and make a roster. Sam is currently projected to go between the third and fifth rounds of the NFL Draft.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business
The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D
In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]
Author: Kenneth C. Oh
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda
On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
What Are FIRPTA Withholding Requirements?
If you purchase real property from a foreign person or entity, you may be required to withhold taxes from your payment to the seller under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). The federal tax law is designed to ensure that foreign sellers pay any applicable capital gains tax on profits realized from […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.