Oakland Raiders sued by their own cheerleaders, the Raiderettes

You know things are getting bad when your own cheerleaders turn against you.

The Oakland Raiders are being sued by their cheerleaders, the Raiderettes, who claim the team withholds their pay until after the season is completed, does not pay for all hours worked and forces the cheerleaders to pay many of their own business expenses.

“It’s as if the Raiders’ owners believe that the laws that protect all workers in California just don’t apply to them,” attorney Sharon Vinick told the San Jose Mercury News.

“The club controls our hairstyle and makeup, and we have to foot the bill,” said the lead plaintiff, Lacy T., identified that way in the suit for security reasons. “We also have to pay the costs for traveling to all kinds of events, including photo shoots. ... I love the Raiders and I love being a Raiderette, but someone has to stand up for all of the women of the NFL who work so hard for the fans and the teams.”

The suit alleges that the Raiderettes are paid only $1,250 a year.

“I have never seen an employment contract with so many illegal provisions,” Vinick said.

The Raiders have not yet commented on the suit.

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