‘A woke franchise’: Washington Soccer Group axes NFL’s oldest cheerleading squad for ‘extra inclusive’ leisure that includes males

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NFL outfit the Washington Soccer Group, which has confronted allegations of sexual harassment together with reported claims from former staff dancers, has copped a muddled response after axing cheerleaders for the primary time in 50 seasons.

Petra Pope, the staff’s new senior adviser, has revealed that the staff will introduce a mixed-gender dance squad for gameday leisure any further, with the intention of “honing in” on a “skillset of being tremendous athletic”.

The previous long-term supervisor of fashionable Los Angeles Knicks squad the “Lakers Ladies” additionally stated that racey calendar shoots can be dropped.

The staff confronted allegations final yr that membership workers had created movies of outtakes from calendar shoots when the ladies concerned weren’t totally addressed, though the franchise denied the existence of movies which the Washington Publish stated it had seen, and a staff legal professional and proprietor Daniel Snyder stated the matter “has been resolved.”

“We need to be extra inclusive so we’re going to invite a coed entity [to audition],” Pope informed USA Immediately Sports activities.

“We’re capable of do extra issues with the power of a male and lifts, in order that’s modified an incredible deal. The inclusivity, power and curiosity of choreography has modified.”

The information has not been fully nicely met on-line. Whereas a couple of backed the thought as progressive and a bigger contingent voiced their indifference, the bulk appeared bewildered by the transfer.

“We’re so mushy,” stated one, whereas one other added: “‘Inclusivity’ gone incorrect.

“It’s so onerous to be a fan of this staff. Ten years in the past that may have been loopy for me to say that.”

Critics labeled the staff, which modified its identify from the Washington Redskins over cultural sensitivities final yr, a “woke franchise” and a “coed circus”.

Some observers additionally felt that eradicating the present cheerleaders, who will be capable of re-audition, was a curious strategy to react to considerations some former dancers had raised, though the staff emphasised that the transfer had nothing to do with any allegations or incidents.

USA Immediately Sports activities stated that it had been informed by a supply that the staff reached a settlement with former cheerleaders final yr, talking on situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t licensed to publicly disclose confidential phrases of the settlement.

Talking in regards to the calendar, Pope stated: “At this level, as we reimagine what this seems to be like, that’s not within the plans.

“We’re going to maneuver ahead to a extra trendy entity, and that greater than doubtless won’t be part of it.

“Proper now we’re considering trendy, trendy franchise. A calendar shouldn’t be part of that course of.”

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