Former Chiefs Staffer Files Lawsuit Over Wage Disparities
A former Kansas City Chiefs staff member, Ramzee Robinson, has initiated legal action against the NFL franchise, alleging significant pay discrimination based on race. The lawsuit, filed in the Western District of Missouri, claims that Black employees were compensated less than their white counterparts within the organization.
Robinson, a former NFL player, asserts that he concluded his tenure with the Chiefs in February with a salary of $125,000, which falls short of the average for comparable positions at $171,932. He reports that his request for a salary review was denied by Chiefs president Mark Donovan. The lawsuit highlights a specific case in which an African-American manager earned $50,000, while her successor, a white woman, was paid $80,000.
Additionally, Robinson alleges that his employment was terminated after claims of an altercation with a colleague, Melissa Weinsz, were made by Chiefs executive vice president of administration Kirsten Krug. He contends that Krug claimed to have seen footage of the incident but did not share the video with Robinson. Shortly after his termination, Weinsz was reportedly appointed as director of player engagement.
The Chiefs organization has not provided detailed comments on the lawsuit, citing the matter as "active." However, Brad Gee, the team’s vice president of football communications, emphasized the Chiefs’ stance against discrimination and expressed anticipation for the case’s details to emerge.
Robinson is seeking $5 million in damages, alongside declaratory and equitable relief. The legal action underscores ongoing concerns within the NFL about workplace equality and fair treatment. Robinson, who was the final pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, has had a varied career in professional football and administration.
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