Some calling for end to pro teams' cheerleaders

Houston Texans cheerleaders

In light of the #MeToo movement, some want to ban NFL cheerleaders, NBA dance squads and NHL ice girls because, they claim, the women are objectified.

Miss Texas USA Logan Lester, who was formerly a competitive cheerleader, doesn't believe cheerleading should be banned.

“To discredit the girls because they wear a tiny outfit, or whatever it is that you may be upset about that they do because they represent the NFL is a little silly, because there’s a lot of hard work that goes behind it,” said Lester.

Twenty-six of the 32 NFL teams have cheerleaders.

“It’s physical, it’s mental, it’s your reputation, it’s what kind of person you are. So, it’s not just, ‘hey, let’s show up on Sunday with our pom poms and do a little dance’. It’s hard work every single day,” said Lester.

There seems to be a double standard with wanting to get rid of female NFL cheerleaders, but pride in adding men to the squad.

The Los Angeles Rams just announced they will have men, for the first time, as part of its official spirit squad.

 It’s reported NFL cheerleaders make less than $5,000 each season.

No place in the NFL for cheerleaders in 2018?

That’s the contention of USA Today Sports Columnist Nancy Armour, who goes on to say, “The underlying premise of NFL cheerleaders is degrading, presenting women as nothing more than objects to be leered at. With skimpy, suggestive outfits as their “uniform,” their only purpose is to titillate.”

She adds, “It’s always been an appalling message to send and, in this #MeToo era, there’s no longer any place for it. NFL cheerleaders need to go. NBA dance squads and NHL ice girls while we’re at it, too.

There seems to be a double standard with wanting to get rid of female NFL cheerleaders, but it’s OK for guys. The Los Angeles Rams just announced they will have men, for the first time, as part of its official spirit squad.

 We talk to Victory Vipers’ Jamie-Lauren Sherman. She has also participated for years in competitive cheer – both as a team member and a coach, and cheered for the University of Houston a couple of years ago.

USA Today Sports Columnist Nancy Armour

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