Tag: Terry Pegula

Feb 8, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter at press conference at Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter Jim Trotter sues NFL, claims he was retaliated against

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Longtime NFL journalist Jim Trotter filed a lawsuit against the league Tuesday, alleging his departure from NFL Media was retaliatory and racially motivated.

Trotter, who is Black, claimed his employment at NFL Media ended earlier this year after he “challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell … regarding the NFL’s record of race discrimination and lack of diversity” at Goodell’s pre-Super Bowl press conference. NFL Media is owned and operated by the league.

NFL Network also is named as a defendant in the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The league has claimed Trotter’s contract was not renewed due to economic decisions.

“We share Jim Trotter’s passion for quality journalism created in and supported by a diverse and inclusive environment,” the league said in a statement. “We take his concerns seriously, but strongly dispute his specific allegations, particularly those made against his dedicated colleagues at NFL Media.”

While not named as a defendant, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula is alleged in the lawsuit to have made racist comments about Black NFL players.

Trotter relayed a conversation with a fellow NFL Media reporter, who was not identified. That reporter was speaking with Pegula in 2020 about the Black Lives Matter movement and the NFL’s social justice programs, and Pegula said, “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

Pegula denied making the comment in a statement Tuesday.

“The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter’s complaint is absolutely false,” Pegula said. “I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint.”

Trotter’s lawsuit said that he took a complaint to NFL Media executives, who told him that the league office was investigating it.

Trotter also alleged that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told him in 2020 that, “If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire.” Neither Jones nor the Cowboys have commented.

Trotter, who now works for The Athletic, is seeking unspecified damages as well as an investigation into “discriminatory and/or retaliatory animus of all persons in position of power within the NFL,” per the lawsuit.

“The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. I tried to do so and it cost me my job,” Trotter wrote on social media Tuesday. “I’m filing this lawsuit because I can’t complain about things that are wrong if I’m unwilling to fight for what is right.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Bills defeated the Rams 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bills owner Terry Pegula now team president amid reorganization

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Buffalo Bills co-owner and CEO Terry Pegula is assuming the role of team president after the organization parted ways Wednesday with COO and executive vice president Ron Raccuia.

Pegula’s wife, Kim Pegula, was team president before stepping aside last year because of ongoing serious health issues.

“We would like to thank Ron for his many years hard work and dedication with the Bills and (Pegula Sports and Entertainment),” Terry Pegula said. “We wish he and his family the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

The Bills said Terry Pegula will work with an operating committee of John Roth, executive vice president/chief operating officer; Kathryn D’Angelo, general counsel and senior vice president of business administration; and Josh Dziurlikowski, senior vice president of finance and business administration.

“After taking time over the past several months to evaluate the business side of our operation, we wanted to revamp and improve our structure,” Terry Pegula, 72, said. “We have a tremendous amount of confidence in this management committee we have constructed. I have had a high level of trust and strong working relationships with John, Kathryn and Josh over the years and expect them each to successfully continue to lead our business operations in the years to come.”

Roth also is the COO of the Buffalo Sabres and the Pegula group.

Kim and Terry Pegula bought the Sabres in 2011 for $189 million and the Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion. Pegula Sports and Entertainment is the umbrella organization for the Bills, Sabres, the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, and the Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League.

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills owner Kim Pegula poses for pictured with fan before the AFC Wild Card NFL Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bills, Sabres co-owner Kim Pegula treated for medical issue

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kim Pegula, the co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres is undergoing treatment for an unspecified medical issue.

The Pegula family released a statement Tuesday morning acknowledging her health concerns.

“Kim Pegula is receiving medical care as a result of some unexpected health issues. We are very grateful for the progress she has made over the past few days. She has an exceptional team of medical experts at her side.

“We ask that you keep Kim and our family in your prayers and ask that you respect our need for privacy.”

The Buffalo News reported that employees of Pegula Sports and Entertainment were told of the situation on Tuesday morning.

The Bills and Sabres sent her well wishes on Twitter following the release of the news, their sentiments followed by hearts in team colors.

“All of Bills Mafia is sending our love and prayers to you, Kim,” the Bills tweeted. “We are with you and the entire Pegula family.”

Said the Sabres: “The Sabres family sends thoughts, prayers and love to Kim and the entire Pegula family.”

Kim Pegula, 53, and husband Terry bought the Sabres in 2011 for $189 million and the Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion. She is president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the umbrella organization for the Bills, Sabres, the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, and the Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League.

She is the mother of three children and stepmother to two more. The Pegulas’ daughter, Jessica, is the No. 8-ranked women’s tennis player in the world. Earlier this week, Jessica Pegula withdrew from the Eastbourne International tournament in the United Kingdom, which is set to begin on Saturday and is the final tune-up for Wimbledon.

–Field Level Media