Former Chiefs Employee Sues Team for Wrongful Termination, Racial Discrimination
A former NFL player who spent nine years working for the Kansas City Chiefs has filed a lawsuit against the franchise, alleging wrongful termination and racial discrimination. Ramzee Robinson, who served as the team’s director of player engagement from 2016 to 2025, claims he was underpaid compared to white employees in similar roles and was unfairly fired.
Allegations of Racial Pay Disparity
Robinson, a former NFL defensive back, says he started with a $35,000 salary in 2016 and ended at $125,000 in 2025. However, he claims the average salary for his position across the league was $171,932. In his lawsuit, Robinson alleges that the Chiefs “paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.”
He also states that when he requested a raise from team president Mark Donovan, his request was denied because the team had “previously given him raises.” Robinson further claims Donovan blocked him from interviewing with the Houston Texans, pressuring him to stay with the Chiefs.
Disputed Termination
Robinson says he was later fired for “conduct detrimental to the league” after being accused of “attacking” a female coworker. According to the lawsuit, the Chiefs told him there was video evidence of the incident but refused to show it to him.
The Chiefs have denied these allegations. Vice president of football communications Brad Gee stated that the team “does not tolerate discrimination of any kind” but declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Broader Claims of Discrimination
Robinson’s lawsuit also highlights another case where an African-American female employee allegedly resigned after being denied a promotion and raise, only for the team to hire a white woman for the same role at a higher salary ($80,000 vs. $50,000).
Robinson is seeking compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees.
Robinson’s NFL Career
The 41-year-old was the last pick in the 2007 NFL Draft (nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant”) by the Detroit Lions. He played for multiple NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, and had a brief stint in the CFL before transitioning to a front-office role with the Chiefs.
Opinion: A Troubling Pattern in the NFL?
While the Chiefs deny wrongdoing, Robinson’s lawsuit raises serious concerns about racial pay disparities and workplace culture in the NFL. If true, these allegations suggest systemic issues that extend beyond one team. The league has made strides in diversity hiring, but cases like this highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability. Whether Robinson’s claims hold up in court remains to be seen, but the lawsuit underscores the importance of fair treatment for all employees, regardless of race or background.
