The Washington football team is phasing out its longtime cheerleading team months after former football team employees made inappropriate videos from a calendar shoot.
According to reports, the organization will replace its cheerleading squad established in 1962.
The move is part of a rebranding process and is said to have nothing to do with unknown settlements recently reached with former members. According to the Associated Press.
The cheerleading program was put on hold a month ago, as new senior adviser Petra Pope tried to create a new image for the franchise, in addition to facing multiple sexual harassment claims last year, with racist undertones to her name removed.
“Inclusion, diversity and diversity come to my mind as an inclusive, athleticism,” Pope told ESPN
. “I want to build a team that is inclusive, diverse, coed, athletic – all to set the gold standard in the NFL. We are looking for that super athlete who can dance, do tricks and stunts and whoever manipulates the props will make a really great show. ”
Pope said cheerleaders formerly appointed by Washington would be able to try out for the coed dance team. He plans to have at least 36 dancers.
“Change can be extremely difficult,” Pope said. “I appreciate the passion that women have and can relate to that passion as I have been a mentor to thousands of dancers throughout my career. As we progress into a Renaissance era, choreography is much more athletic. Hoagie. We welcome dancers from the past to audition, and if they have that skill set, they are welcome to join us. “
The Washington band has also been halted, but ESPN reported that it would rebound in one form or another.
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