The Dark Reality Of NFL Cheerleading | Shady | Refinery29

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The NFL rejected an interview. That says A LOT.

Being a professional cheerleader is still a profession. They train all their lives (like an Olympian) but they are treated with gross disrespect.

A person’s sex life, or lack thereof, should never be up for public discussion or debate. It really is no one else’s business but yours, unless you are a predator who is breaking the law. I personally admire her for doing her own thing, even though I don’t fault someone else for not doing the same. “To each their own.”

They did this in the airlines also back in the late seventies. I was fired for gaining 2 pounds. I went from 110 to 112. It was shocking. They started suing the airlines in the 80s.

$100.00 per game?? Wow. When some of the players make millions per game? So wrong.

$100 A GAME?! Insane. Just walk away ladies, walk away.

Waiting for marriage is a personal decision, these are illegal questions... When men are in power (topless photography) this is what happens...

This is why businesses love hiring the super young. They don’t yet know that they’re not supposed to be treated like that, that there are laws in place to protect them, and they should stand up for themselves, regardless of the “cost” in the long run. In other words, young people don’t yet know their worth.

What's wrong with a cheerleader being a virgin?

$3 an hour?!?!?! 😱 that’s just criminal!

The coach really said remember to not to be ugly, people already suffer with self esteem especially women. That’s a real morale killer.

I dated a Niner Gold Rush Cheerleader for over 2 years. She was obsessed with her appearance not enjoying going out to dinner; spending every waking moment worrying about the competition, celebrating birthdays as age was a liability; and everything that would hinder her position. She was obsessed with maintaining her position on the squad and never enjoying even the simple things in life. This carried over into all aspects of her life including our relationship. I thought things would change, only realizing that one day would come when she would not make the squad. Eventually, I walked out, regretting that this beautiful human being was most definitely being used for commercial gain. I pray she is happy and doing well. I will always love you, Dawn.

"Less than the players..." I mean valid "Less than the mascots..." Um.. "Less than the concession stand workers." NOW HOLD ON.. ONE SECOND WHAT THE-

They should all quit the NFL and become Instagram models, bet they'd get waaaay better pay

"it took a piece of me" that's so real. That's what happens when someone really hits on your self respect. She said it from her heart

Damn not even the NFL see cheerleading as a sport. It’s more like a sex appeal then a sport.

The players are literally allowed to stalk them, but if the cheerleaders even pick up a phone call, the cheerleaders get in trouble? Dang that is wrong.

If she wants to wait for marriage she can. Period.

The fact these women are expected to train as pro-athletes and look like supermodels only to be treated like the lowest of the low is beyond disgusting. The sheer humiliation mixed with the fact they don't even earn a minimum wage. That in itself is a scandal. On a random note, Kristen's hair is absolutely gorgeous and I hope she's doing well in life.