Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Cincinnati Bengals May Have Violated Fair Labor Standards Act
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 7, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
Fair Labor Standards Act Violation
NFL teams employ cheerleaders to roam the sidelines during games for the purpose of entertaining fans and cheering on the players. It also appears that some teams may be taking advantage of these women with poor wages as the second complaint in a few months was recently filed against a team. These issues may, in fact, violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Previously, Oakland Raiderettes claimed they were underpaid, and now a Cincinnati Bengal’s cheerleader has lodged a similar complaint. According to Fox Sports, Alexa Brenneman said she is compensated at most – $90 per home game – despite attending mandatory practices, public appearances and calendar posing and promotions.
The Complaint
Brenneman’s complaint accuses the Bengals of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act, which created a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. She said she works more than 300 hours a year for the team, and her pay comes out to less than $2.85 per hour. If that is the case, the team is also in violation of the Ohio Minimum Fair Wage Standards Act, which states employees in Ohio must be paid at the wage rate of no less than $7.85 per hour, which is the current minimum wage in Ohio.
With the negative attention these cases have brought to the teams it will be interesting to see if the NFL changes its policies for using independent contractors – which cheerleaders are considered. Professional sports teams need to be sure that agreements with independent contractors meet federal and state labor laws or else risk facing legal action like the Oakland Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals.
Organizations that are unsure as to whether or not their agreements are in compliance with labor laws would be wise to seek the consultation of a sports attorney.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
Author: Dan Brecher
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
Author: Michael J. Willner
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Tip Income Tax Rules Employers & Workers Need to Know
Part 2 – Tips Excluded from Income Certain employees and independent contractors may be eligible to deduct tips from their income for tax years 2025 through 2028 under provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The deduction is capped at $25,000 per year and begins to phase out at $150,000 of modified adjusted gross […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.