Former NFL linebacker Junior Galette is reportedly suing the league suggesting he was blackballed.
According to a report from Pro Football Talk, Galette is suing several NFL teams, the league, the players association and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
“In a 21-page lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Galette sued the league, the NFL Players Association, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and several teams — the Seahawks, Rams, Raiders, Browns, Chiefs, Panthers, and Commanders,” Pro Football Talk said. “Galette, who spent eight years in the NFL, represents himself.”
The complaint specifically contends that Galette has been blackballed “just like Colin Kaepernick and put on the blacklist BY THE NFL OWNERS” for speaking out about alleged racial discrimination committed against him by the Commanders. Galette’ allegation of discrimination focuses on the disparity in the contract given to Trent Murphy and the deal offered to Galette in 2018. Galette alleges that, based on the offer he received, he posted on Snapchat: “I swear to god I’m not playing for no slave deals I’ll die before I play for more slave deals.”
Galette alleges that, after making his statement on social media, he was unable to land an acceptable job with another NFL. He contends, for example, that he visited with the Raiders, where coach Jon Gruden allegedly told Galette that he is “one of the best pass rushers I have ever seen but all we have or you is veteran’s minimum 660k.”
Galette was signed by the New Orleans Saints in 2010 as an undrafted rookie free agent, he spent four seasons with the Saints before signing with the Washington Commanders where he spent three seasons. In his career, Galette tallied 144 tackles, 34.5 sacks while also forcing 6 fumbles and recovering two.
