A discrimination lawsuit filed against the NFL has named Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula in it and he is accused of making racially charged comments toward Black players in the league.
Former NFL Media reporter Jim Trotter filed the lawsuit which stated Pegula said Black players should “go back to Africa and see how bad it is.” The Bills owner was said to have made the remark in a critical manner when discussing past and potentially future player protests conducted to shed light on racial and social injustices.
Trotter is claiming in his lawsuit that he was terminated from his position at NFL Media after speaking out on the need to improve diversity and inclusion within the league. He is now currently employed by The Athletic.
In response to being named in the allegation, Pegula released this statement via the Bills, denying it:
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 12, 2023
According to the Buffalo News, Trotter was citing comments Pegula made in September 2020 during a companywide Zoom call. The BN reports that Pegula’s comment was “thoroughly investigated” prior to the lawsuit naming Pegula.
The Buffalo News goes on to note:
The investigation took place shortly after the comment was brought to the league’s attention, and no one else from the dinner recalled the statement being made, according to this source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The NFL has denied Trotter’s claim regarding his firing, calling it a “business decision.”
This is a developing news story. Bills Wire will provide updates as information is made available.
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