Ex-NFL Network Reporter Jim Trotter Sues League - but Why?

(Photo : Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images) MUNICH, GERMANY - The NFL logo is painted on the field prior to the NFL match between Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allianz Arena on November 13, 2022 in Munich, Germany.

Former NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter is filing a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the NFL and NFL Media Group on Tuesday, September 12, nearly six months after he was released by the league's namesake network at the end of last March.

Some personal news: This will be my final week with the NFL Media Group. I was informed over the weekend that my contract is not being renewed. I thank NFL Network and https://t.co/CrvPSHPLsn for the lessons learned and affirmed over the last five years.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) March 27, 2023

The longtime journalist alleged that the NFL Network relieved him from his duties because he publicly challenged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other executives about the league's "record of race discrimination and lack of diversity."

"The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. I tried to do so, and it cost me my job," Trotter mentioned in a statement.

Meanwhile, the league reasoned out that the firing of Trotter was not racially motivated but due to a challenging economy and a changing media environment.

Two NFL owners included in lawsuit

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula are also included in the lawsuit, wherein Trotter accused the two of making racially charged statements.

In August 2020, Trotter asked Jones about a lack of Black decision-makers on NFL teams.

The Cowboys owner said, "If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire."

On the other hand, Pegula said in a Zoom meeting about the players' social justice protests that "If the Black players don't like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is."