Dallas Cowboys Settle $2.4 Million Lawsuit with Cheerleaders over Alleged Misconduct

Dallas Cowboys Settle $2.4 Million Lawsuit with Cheerleaders over Alleged Misconduct

In 2022, the Dallas Cowboys faced a significant legal challenge as the organization settled a $2.4 million lawsuit with four of its cheerleaders. The settlement arose from allegations of misconduct involving Richard Dalrymple, a former senior vice president of public relations and communications for the team. The cheerleaders accused Dalrymple of inappropriate behavior, claiming he had used his security key card to access their locker room during an event at AT&T Stadium in September 2015. According to the allegations, he stood behind a partial wall and used his iPhone to record them while they were changing clothes.

Dalrymple, who had been with the Cowboys since 1990, denied the allegations and retired in February 2022, shortly before the settlement was announced. Despite his denial, the team conducted an internal investigation following the cheerleaders’ complaints, which were initially brought to light in 2015. The investigation concluded there was no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing by Dalrymple, yet the Cowboys chose to settle to avoid further legal battles and negative publicity.

The cheerleaders, who remained anonymous, each received $399,523.27 after legal fees from the settlement. They were represented by prominent attorney Gloria Allred, known for handling high-profile cases involving sexual misconduct and discrimination. Allred emphasized the importance of holding organizations accountable for creating a safe and respectful environment for all employees.

The settlement drew significant media attention and sparked discussions about the treatment of women in professional sports organizations. Critics argued that the settlement, while substantial, highlighted the broader issues of workplace misconduct and the need for stronger safeguards and accountability measures within the industry. The Cowboys organization stated that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its employees, emphasizing the steps taken to improve workplace policies and procedures following the incident.

As one of the most valuable sports franchises globally, the Dallas Cowboys’ handling of this lawsuit serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities sports organizations face in maintaining ethical standards and protecting their employees’ rights.