The Washington Football Team announced Wednesday plans to replace their cheerleading program for the franchise’s first co-ed dance team. Additionally, the dance team will be headed by famed NBA entertainer Petra Pope.
Washington paused its cheerleaders program last month amid sexual harassment and misconduct allegations involving the program. The team settled with a group of former cheerleaders over lewd videos employees recorded without the cheerleaders knowledge during a pair of photo shoots in 2008 and 2010.
Washington and its owner Dan Snyder are also under an independent investigation following accusations of more than a dozen former female employees of sexual harassment and misconduct. Famed DC attorney Beth Wilkinson is directing the investigation.
Multiple team executives have either re-signed, retired or been fired as a result of the allegations, including longtime voice of the team Larry Michael. Wilkinson will report her findings to the NFL.
A team source told USA TODAY the re-brand to a dance team is not related to the NFL’s investigation.
