Latest news with #RamzeeRobinson
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Chiefs employee sues team for racial discrimination, wrongful termination
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former employee of the Kansas City Chiefs is suing the organization, claiming he was fired because he is Black. The lawsuit was filed by Ramzee Robinson in the Western District of Missouri on Sunday. Robinson served as the Chiefs' Director of Player Engagement until February. Second suspect charged in 2023 fentanyl death of mother, unborn baby Along with race discrimination, Robinson's lawsuit also makes claims of retaliation and tortious interference with business expectancy. The Chiefs referred FOX4 to a statement provided to Pro Football Talk on Wednesday. 'We can't comment because it's an active legal matter,' Brad Gee, Chiefs vice president of football communications, told Pro Football Talk via text message.'But to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.' The lawsuit says Robinson worked for the Chiefs from 2016 to 2025, most recently serving as the team's Director of Player Engagement. Robinson's suit says he made an annual salary of $125,000, nearly $47,000 less (on average) than others in similar roles, before his termination. Robinson claims his requests for salary increases were denied by Chiefs President Mark Donovan because they had 'previously given him raises.' 'As compared to other NFL franchises and/or teams, [Robinson] was paid the lowest salary,' the lawsuit says, 'KC Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.' Robinson cites an example of a Black woman who held a management position, making $50,000 per year. But when she asked the Chiefs for a raise and was denied, the lawsuit says she resigned and was replaced by a white woman, who the Chiefs paid $80,000 per year. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The lawsuit says Robinson reported to Vice President of Administration Kristen Krug. He says Krug 'consistently advised [Robinson] to 'stay out of the way' or 'less is more.'' On February 15, 2025, the lawsuit says Krug called Robinson into her office, claiming that he had engaged in 'conduct detrimental to the league.' Krug accused Robinson of attacking his white female coworker and claimed to have seen the incident on security cameras, but refused to show Robinson the video. Following Robinson's firing, the woman he was accused of attacking took over his former role. The lawsuit also claims the Chiefs denied Robinson a job opportunity with another team, the Houston Texans, which would have also been more pay. Months before he was fired, the lawsuit says Robinson was pressured into renewing his contract with the Chiefs. But after he agreed to sign a contract renewal, the Houston Texans asked Chiefs management to interview Robinson. The suit claims the Chiefs refused, saying an interview would 'violate his contract'. Robinson claims he discovered this information after someone from the Texans organization called him personally and asked about it. Robinson is seeking monetary relief and a jury trial in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Browns player files huge lawsuit against another NFL team
The Kansas City Chiefs are being sued by one of their former workers. Disgruntled ex-employees are nothing new, but this situation goes pretty deep. Ramzee Robinson was the Chiefs' Director of Player Engagement, a position responsible for supporting players' well-being and development both on and off the field. Robinson is a former NFL player himself having played cornerback for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and Denver Broncos. He then finished out his playing career for two seasons in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Advertisement In the 2007 NFL draft, Robinson was named Mr. Irrelevant as he was the final pick by the Lions. Robinson is suing the Chiefs for wrongful termination, filing this week in an 11-page complaint in the United States Court for the Western District of Missouri - Western Division. The core of the lawsuit claims racial discrimination. RELATED: COMPLETE COMPLAINT ROBINSON V CHIEFS According to Robinson's complaint, there are several issues. He was let go this past February, six days after the Super Bowl loss. For one, he is stating that black employees of the Chiefs are paid less than their white counterparts. Secondly, there is a videotape that accuses Robinson of acts against a female office worker, and the Chiefs fired him without allowing him to see the video evidence. Another claim is that another NFL team, the Houston Texans, wanted to interview him for an open position, but the Chiefs halted that process. CB Ramzee Robinson The lawsuit is seeking an unspecified number of damages, but the docket includes a demand for $5 million. In a nutshell, Robinson is suing for racial discrimination, team retaliation, and tortious interference with business expectancy in regards to the interference with the Texans' interview. Advertisement In regard to the claim that black employees are passed over or paid less, the suit gives an example of a black female employee who was paid $50,000 a year and was refused a promotion. After she resigned, a white female, Melissa Weinsz, who is a Ph.D., replaced her at a rate of $80,000 a year. When asked for a comment on the suit by Pro Football Talk, Chiefs V.P. of football communications Brad Gee stated what is pretty much a standard response in these situations: 'We can't comment because it's an active legal matter. But to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.' Robinson entered the league in Round 7, after playing cornerback at Alabama with 50 games played. He graduated with a degree in business management. After his pro career ended, he earned a master's degree in professional counseling from Webster University. He is currently a doctoral candidate at The Chicago School in Applied Behavior Analysis. Cleveland Browns v Philadelphia Eagles After two seasons with Detroit, he signed a one-year deal with the Eagles but was released towards the end of the 2009 season after playing three games. The Browns claimed him off waivers. Robinson played in four contests and was inactive for another while with Cleveland. He had five total tackles, all on special teams. He then spent time with Washington, Denver, and Saskatchewan. Advertisement Robinson's complaint states that he was fired by Kansas City for 'conduct detrimental to the league.' He was employed for nine years with the Chiefs, which began at a salary of $35,000 and grew to $125,000 a year. But in the suit, it alleges that he was underpaid in his profession in comparison to other NFL clubs with the same job title, with salaries around $171,000. When asked for a review, Robinson states the team declined. Robinson's attorney, Katrina Y. Robertson, issued this statement to the press: 'My client dedicated years of professional service to the Chiefs organization and supported players through critical personal and professional challenges. This lawsuit seeks to hold the organization accountable for the systemic inequities and retaliation he faced for simply demanding fairness.' According to the Chiefs, the video is at the heart of this matter. Apparently, the security cameras picked up Robinson attacking Weinsz. This will ultimately become the key piece of evidence in the case. The Chiefs are claiming that Robinson is dangerous and has acted inappropriately around white female co-workers. Advertisement In the lawsuit, Robinson, age 41, is demanding a jury trial. The termination began when Robinson's supervisor, Kirsten Krug, accused him of attacking a 'white female coworker' after seeing the security footage. The woman was Weinsz. After the Super Bowl, Krug went into Robinson's office and accused him of the attack. When asked to review the video, Krug and the Chiefs refused. The Chief of Security was summoned, Robinson's employment was terminated, and Krug confiscated his laptop. Attorney Robertson stated: '(Robinson) unequivocally denies having been in an altercation with anyone.' The lawsuit goes on to say that Robinson's firing was a direct result of his race. When the Texans were asked about Robinson and his accusatory issues, the team declined to comment. Advertisement The relevant language in the complaint appears in paragraph 24: 'Some months before his termination, Mark Donovan pressured Plaintiff to renew his contract and claimed that the contract would offer him stability. After Plaintiff signed, the Houston Texans asked KC Chiefs' management to interview Plaintiff. The KC Chiefs refused. The KC Chiefs told the Texans that an interview would violate his contract. Plaintiff discovered this information when a representative from the Texans called him personally and asked him about this missed opportunity.' Regarding this portion of the complaint, the NFL's Anti-Tampering Policy covers this situation. 2025 NFL Draft - Previews The Chiefs had every right under the policy to refuse to allow Robinson to interview with Houston because they weren't offering him a high-level position, and it is considered to be a lateral move. In fact, the very essence of Robinson mentioning the Texans may work against him. The fact that he states the Texans 'called him personally and asked him about this missed opportunity' just may become a violation of the Anti-Tampering policy. Houston may also be in violation if this rings true. Teams cannot reach out to employees of other teams without permission or if those employees have expired contracts. In the end, the Texans just might become involved in a tampering investigation by the NFL. Advertisement More from
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Fired for being Black? Ex-Chiefs staffer Ramzee Robinson sues team, calls out racial bias and cover-up
Ramzee Robinson, former NFL player and Kansas City Chiefs staffer, is suing the team for wrongful termination and racial discrimination (USA Today Sports) F ormer NFL player and longtime Kansas City Chiefs staffer Ramzee Robinson has filed a lawsuit against the franchise, alleging wrongful termination and racial discrimination. The 41-year-old, who served as the Chiefs' Director of Player Engagement for nearly a decade, claims his firing earlier this year was both unjust and racially motivated. Ramzee Robinson denies any wrongdoing and says there is no evidence of the alleged incident According to the federal lawsuit filed on June 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Robinson was abruptly terminated in February after being accused by a superior of attacking a female co-worker. The accusation, Robinson says, was allegedly based on security footage that the team refused to show him. His attorney, Katrina Y. Robertson, stated to PEOPLE, 'My client dedicated years of professional service to the Chiefs organization and supported players through critical personal and professional challenges. This lawsuit seeks to hold the organization accountable for the systemic inequities and retaliation he faced for simply demanding fairness.' Robinson 'unequivocally denies having been in an altercation with anyone,' and asserts that the team provided no proof of the alleged incident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Claims of racial disparities in pay and treatment within the Chiefs organization The lawsuit further alleges that Robinson's race was a 'motivating factor' in his termination and points to pay disparities within the organization. According to the filing, Robinson was paid $125,000 annually—well below the average salary of $171,932 for similar positions at other NFL teams. He also claims that the team consistently underpaid African-American business employees compared to their white colleagues, adding to a pattern of discrimination. A respected player mentor seeks accountability and compensation Robinson, who was the last pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and played for the Lions, Browns, and Eagles, transitioned into a mentoring role after earning a master's degree in professional counseling. His responsibilities with the Chiefs included guiding players through personal and professional challenges, from off-field troubles to family emergencies and relocations. Now, Robinson is seeking a jury trial and demanding compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees. The Chiefs, through spokesperson Brad Gee, declined to comment in detail but stated, 'The Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.' Also Read: Tyreek Hill's intense training of son raises eyebrows amid history of domestic violence claims As the case unfolds, it highlights broader concerns about racial equity and workplace fairness in the NFL's front offices. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
National Post
20-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Ex-NFL player sues Chiefs for wrongful termination, racial discrimination
A former NFL defensive back is suing the Kansas City Chiefs for wrongful termination from his job as director of player engagement after accusing the franchise of discriminating against him because he is Black. Article content Ramzee Robinson, who spent nine years with the Chiefs, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri on Sunday. Article content Article content In the lawsuit, Robinson claims that he was called into a meeting in February and accused of attacking a female co-worker, and that Chiefs refused to show him security video of the encounter. Robinson ultimately was fired from his position, which involved locker room management, mentorship and other responsibilities within the team. Article content Article content The lawsuit claims that Robinson was paid a salary of $125,000 US by the Chiefs, but that his research found other NFL teams paid comparable positions an average salary of $171,932, not including other benefits. It also claims that 'the Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.' Article content Chiefs spokesman Brad Gee told The Associated Press on Wednesday that while he could not comment on pending legal matters, 'to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.' Article content
Toronto Sun
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Ex-NFL player sues Chiefs for wrongful termination, racial discrimination
Published Jun 20, 2025 • 1 minute read Former Detroit Lions cornerback Ramzee Robinson during a game in 2009. AP Photo A former NFL defensive back is suing the Kansas City Chiefs for wrongful termination from his job as director of player engagement after accusing the franchise of discriminating against him because he is Black. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Ramzee Robinson, who spent nine years with the Chiefs, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri on Sunday. In the lawsuit, Robinson claims that he was called into a meeting in February and accused of attacking a female co-worker, and that Chiefs refused to show him security video of the encounter. Robinson ultimately was fired from his position, which involved locker room management, mentorship and other responsibilities within the team. The lawsuit claims that Robinson was paid a salary of $125,000 US by the Chiefs, but that his research found other NFL teams paid comparable positions an average salary of $171,932, not including other benefits. It also claims that 'the Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.' Chiefs spokesman Brad Gee told The Associated Press on Wednesday that while he could not comment on pending legal matters, 'to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.' 'We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light,' Gee said. The 41-year-old Robinson was the final player chosen in the 2007 draft by Detroit. He played in 19 games over two seasons for the Lions, then appeared in three games for Philadelphia and four for Cleveland in 2009. He never played for the Chiefs. Toronto & GTA Columnists MMA World NHL
