Washington Redskins release statement regarding cheerleader allegations

Washington Redskins team president Bruce Allen has released a statement regarding the allegations surrounding their cheerleading program.

Less than twenty-four hours ago, a New York Times article aired, describing a number of troubling claims by former Washington Redskins cheerleaders, who remained anonymous. These claims stemmed from a 2013 trip to Costa Rica. Among other things, they involved an inappropriate photo shoot public to team sponsors and suite members, as well as reported escorting of team cheerleaders.

The claims made in the article display a horrendous and unforgivable disrespect displayed by the team, directed toward their cheerleaders. But already, we have conflicting information regarding the credibility of these claims.

In the same New York Times article, Washington Redskins choreographer Stephanie Jojokian contested some of the claims made by the nameless cheerleaders, and other former cheerleaders have spoken out, disputing the claims made in the article as well. Inevitably, the Washington Redskins also have released a statement regarding the allegations.

In the statement, Bruce Allen explains that the team is looking into the allegations brought to light in the New York Times article, and that if they find that staff members acted inappropriately in the described circumstances, then they will face “significant repercussions”.

At this point, it’s hard to find concrete credibility on any front. The cheerleaders included in the New York Times article remained anonymous, which, given their assumed situation, is understandable. And in this situation, the team would be expected to do no less than give a statement regarding the allegations, refuting any guaranteed claims that there was wrongdoing.

What must come of this is not an internal investigation by the team, but an investigation by the NFL itself. The allegations are serious enough that they warrant such an investigation, and an investigation headed by Bruce Allen and Dan Snyder cannot be trusted to recover unbiased evidence. The two have made a living out of trying to save their own reputations for years now. Notice how Allen himself relayed the statement, possibly attempting to insinuate that he is not at fault. A third-party investigation would be the most reliable source of information, at this point.

Next: Analyzing Redskins veteran defensive linemen

This appears to be just the beginning of another episode for a franchise that has been drowned in controversy for over a decade. This offseason seemed to be a refreshing change, but that has now changed. Stick with us here at Riggo’s Rag, as we’ll keep you updated and ensure that you have reliable information.