Ex-Fins Cheerleader Says She Was Discriminated Against For Being A Virgin

A former Miami Dolphins cheerleader says she was discriminated against by the team organization because of her religion and gender.

In a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, Kristan Ann Ware says she was subjected to a hostile work environment.

Ware, who ended her career with the Fins in 2017, says she was held to different standards than football players regarding: 

  • Social media
  • Outward expression of faith
  • References to Christianity 
  • Religious beliefs

Ware says she posted a picture of her baptism on social media in 2016. She was allegedly confronted by the team's cheerleading officials, who also asked her about her decision to forgo sex before marriage. The officials asked her to stop discussing her virginity, according to the complaint.

"Basically you're a dirty virgin," Ware's attorney, Sara Blackwell, told ESPN. "Her whole cheerleading experience went from a positive one to a completely emotionally, physically debilitating experience,”

"The NFL and all NFL member clubs support fair employment practices," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to media outlets. "Everyone who works in the NFL, including cheerleaders, has the right to work in a positive and respectful environment that is free from any and all forms of harassment and discrimination and fully complies with state and federal laws."

In a statement, the Dolphins said: "We are seriously committed to providing a positive work environment for everyone associated with the organization. We hold every member of our organization to the same standards and do not discriminate as it relates to gender, race and religious beliefs."

In Ware's third year with the team, she held something called "Wisdom Wednesdays" to motivate the team, but the former cheerleader said it eventually became a church service.

"So then, when they asked her to tone it back she was so upset," an unidentified teammate said, according to a report by Local 10. 

"But the truth is she made more than half the team feel uncomfortable because she took advantage of the leadership they gave her and tried to force God down our throats."


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