Being an NFL cheerleader sounds like a miserable job -- if you cheer for the Oakland Raiders, at least.
The Raiders are currently being sued by a former cheerleader for breaking numerous labor laws, and if her claims are true, it's hard to believe anyone chooses to do this job. Not only are the women paid peanuts (according to the LA Times' Robin Abcarian, "$1,250 for a 10-game season, plus three practices per week, plus at least 10 public appearances, plus participation in the Raiderettes calendar photo shoot"), but they also also have to follow an absurd set of rules.
Abcarian allegedly got her hands on the Oakland Raiders cheerleaders' secret handbook -- and some of the guidelines are truly mind-boggling.
Here are six of the most condescending and outright ridiculous points:
- How to eat food in front of other people is, apparently, “one of the most intimidating areas of etiquette.” But don't worry, there's a solution for everything. “If you don’t like your meal, try a little of everything and strategically move the rest around your plate.”
[We] have also had situations where, quite frankly, the Raider organization and the Raiderettes narrowly escaped ruined reputations. One such example concerns a player who gave Halloween parties every year and many of the Raiderettes attended. This same player was suspended from the team for drug use but also arrested for date rape. For you on the squad who have attended those parties, just think how narrowly you missed having your photo in all the local papers and/or being assaulted.
In review: have perfect manners, look flawless, avoid being assaulted, stay humble, and get paid nothing. What a fantastic deal!
Head over to the LA Times to read more about the Raiderettes' handbook.