Robin DeLorenzo, a trailblazing NFL official, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the league of gender discrimination and retaliation. DeLorenzo, who joined the NFL as one of its first female officials in 2022, claims she was subjected to humiliating treatment and unequal standards throughout her three seasons.
DeLorenzo alleges that she was provided ill-fitting uniforms and mocked for her gender, including being asked to display her ponytail to visibly identify as a woman on the field. She further claims a crew chief ordered her to perform a humiliating song in front of players and officials, recording it despite promising not to.
In 2024, she was reportedly compelled to attend a training session meant for entry-level college officials-an assignment no male counterpart had received. The lawsuit states this was a deliberate effort to undermine her credibility and career progression.
The NFL responded by stating DeLorenzo was terminated due to “documented underperformance” and vowed to fight the allegations in court.
DeLorenzo’s suit seeks reinstatement and unspecified damages, claiming the league failed to support its few female officials and instead enabled a culture of harassment and inequity.