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Cincinnati Bengals Tentatively Settle Cheerleaders' Lawsuit Over Pay

The Cincinnati Bengals have reached a tentative settlement of a federal lawsuit alleging the team's cheerleaders were paid less than minimum wage.
Image: San Diego Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals
Members of the Cincinnati Bengals cheerleading squad dance on the sidelines during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on Sept. 20 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Lyons / Getty Images
By Associated Press

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals have reached a tentative settlement of a federal lawsuit over pay for their cheerleaders.

Documents filed in U.S. District Court show the Bengals agreed to pay Ben-Gal cheerleaders $255,000 to settle claims that their time commitments for games, practices and promotional events netted them payment that was below minimum wage.

Image: San Diego Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals
Members of the Cincinnati Bengals cheerleading squad dance on the sidelines during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on Sept. 20 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Lyons / Getty Images

The 2014 lawsuit was one of several such claims against NFL teams.

Those covered by the settlement cheered in the 2011-13 seasons and could receive at least $2,500 each, per season.

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Court documents state that the Bengals added to cheerleader compensation starting with the 2014 season and that the Bengals deny wrongdoing but decided to settle the lawsuit to avoid lengthy, expensive litigation.

The settlement is subject to a Dec. 3 fairness hearing.

The team declined to comment Wednesday.

Associated Press

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