Robin DeLorenzo, a pioneering female referee and one of the first three women to officiate an NFL game, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the league after being fired last year. She joined the league in 2022.
In the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, DeLorenzo alleged that she endured three years of “gender-based scrutiny, insults and hostility.” Needless to say, she claims she was a victim of harassment.
The objectionable behaviors allegedly included being issued ill-fitting clothing for men by the league, being forced to expose her ponytail to make it clear that she was a woman, and being subjected to derogatory comments and retaliatory behavior by the crew chief.
DeLorenzo claims the league denied her the same resources and opportunities given to male officials, manipulated her training and evaluations, and ultimately ended her career based on the tainted evaluations of those who discriminated against her.
Fired female referee files discrimination lawsuit against NFL https://t.co/pwxMRtCocC pic.twitter.com/icln1kDEvv
– New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) 31 March 2026
Discrimination lawsuit puts NFL over Robin DeLorenzo in the spotlight
“[DeLorenzo] “She worked her way up for two decades – breaking barriers, making history and exceeding expectations at every level – but as soon as she stepped into a league that claims to champion opportunities for women, she faced hostility, retaliation and systemic inequality,” the lawsuit reads.
“Instead of supporting one of the only women on its officiating staff, the NFL subjected her to unchecked harassment, denied her resources given to men, manipulated her training and grading opportunities, and ultimately ended her career based on tainted evaluations created by people who discriminated against her.”
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DeLorenzo is seeking reinstatement and unspecified damages, arguing that the NFL has failed to support one of its few female executives despite publicly advocating for opportunities for women. The league has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
The NFL stated from the beginning that DeLorenzo was fired due to poor performance over three seasons as a line judge.
According to the league, her evaluation revealed that she did not meet the standards required for retention, a decision that also affected two male executives who were demoted to the college ranks in the offseason as part of a broader effort for accountability in officiating.
All three officials accepted the NFL’s offer to move to college conference play, a move that bypassed the union’s grievance process. It is unclear whether accepting the offer would affect the status of the lawsuit.
The case is now headed to federal court, where DeLorenzo will try to get back into the game. Meanwhile, the NFL must prove that his termination was based on a league-wide effort to raise officiating standards.
Get your popcorn ready for this, friends.
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