One of the first women to officiate an NFL game is suing the league for gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, more than a year after her employment ended. Robin DeLorenzo filed a lawsuit last week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Allegations of Gender Discrimination

The lawsuit claims DeLorenzo was “subjected to gender-based scrutiny, humiliation, disparate training, unequal gear, and open hostility” while employed as an NFL official from April 2022 to February 2025. The complaint alleges she was denied the same support and development as male officials.

According to the lawsuit, DeLorenzo was graded within a system “built and controlled by men who had fixated on her gender from day one.” She was allegedly punished for reporting harassment and requesting respectful treatment. The suit further states the NFL “silenced complaints, rewarded the men who mistreated her, and ultimately terminated her using the very metrics corrupted by that discrimination.”

Specific Instances of Alleged Discrimination

The lawsuit details several specific instances of alleged discrimination. DeLorenzo was reportedly directed to style her hair in a way that highlighted her femininity, specifically a ponytail visible through her hat. She compromised by wearing a visible bun.

Additionally, DeLorenzo often had to purchase her own gear and add the NFL logo herself because the provided equipment was only available in men’s sizes that did not fit. During the 2024 offseason, she was allegedly “forced” to attend a college-level clinic with different rules and mechanics than the NFL.

NFL Response and Defendants

The NFL stated it is “committed to providing a fair and supportive environment for all of its game officials.” The league claims DeLorenzo was terminated due to “documented underperformance” and calls the allegations “baseless,” promising a vigorous defense in court.

Walt Anderson, the NFL’s former senior vice president of officiating, and Byron Boston, a former NFL official with a supervisory role over DeLorenzo, are named as co-defendants in the lawsuit. Anderson is not commenting on the matter, and attempts to reach Boston for comment were unsuccessful.

Grievance and Reimbursement

The NFL Referees Association filed a grievance regarding the college clinic, resulting in the league reimbursing DeLorenzo for her expenses and compensating her for her time. The NFLRA has not yet responded to requests for comment.

DeLorenzo’s Career and Request for Relief

DeLorenzo spent nearly two decades officiating at various levels before becoming one of the third women to officiate NFL games. She is seeking unspecified damages, reinstatement as an NFL official, and compensation for lost earnings. She also alleges her final season grades were intentionally lowered to justify her termination.