CBS News published Why Pro Cheerleading May Be One of America’s Worst Jobs.
While the cheerleaders may appear happy on television, their bank accounts may not be quite as jolly. A Raiderette is paid a fee of $125 for each home game in which she performs, but isn’t paid for rehearsals or charitable appearances. The lawsuit alleges the team’s contract pays $1250 for an entire season, or just $5 per hour once a cheerleader’s total hours — including rehearsals, games and charitable events — are added up.
In addition, Deadspin published NFL Cheerleading Is A Scam: A Former Ravens Cheerleader Tells All.
So why do people do it? Our tipster says that for all the stress, it’s still basically a hobby, which in its odd way makes the conditions more tolerable. And there are undeniable benefits, like the status that goes with being one of the elite few associated with a brand as big as an NFL team, as well as the camaraderie. “This is how I made most of the friends I still have today,” our tipster says.