So You Want To Be A Bengals Cheerleader? Think Again

Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders perform during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Have you ever pondered the though of being a Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader? Most of the people that read this site are guys so probably not but if your girlfriend wants to be one you may want to warn her. Former Bengals cheerleader Alexa Brenneman is suing the Cincinnati Bengals for violating federal employment laws. The case is pending but some interesting details about how the Ben-Gals program is run came out.

Brenneman is suing the Bengals for paying cheerleaders less than minimum wage, she claims she was paid $2.80 an hour, included in that are charity appearances and the $90 cheerleaders get for working a game. Ben-Gals are not paid for the first 12 voluntary appearances they make, they must do 12 in order to be considered for paid events. They are also not paid for practices which happen every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm-9:30/10pm.

Are you still interested in being a cheerleader? You want to do it for the experience maybe I mean it would be fun to meet players and wear the little cute uniform.

"“No fraternizing with with Bengals players or Bengals personnel. This includes any personal invitations.”"

Well there goes your shot at getting an inside track to meeting and possibly dating a Bengals player. But you still get to look good and be on the field right? Sure, if you meet your target weight.

"Scale weight is recorded twice per week. This data is collected to determine ideal weight.You are given a 3 lb leniency weight. (example- if your goal weight is 114, you are allowed to weigh in at 117 without being considered over)Weight is a constant evaluation process throughout the season your scale weight is taken into consideration along with overall body appearance to determine cheer eligibility.If you are over your 3 lb leniency weight, you will be required to stay 30 minutes after practice for extra conditioning. Additionally, at management’s discretion, you can/will be pulled from your position and possibly not considered for charity/paid events."

Do not and I repeat do not enjoy any stadium food, or anything other than fruit and granola. Good thing the team provides you with a discounted gym membership. And remember, never argue with a someone in a position of power.

According to to Forbes report cheerleading squads bring in an estimated $1M dollars to the team each year. Brenneman may have a case on her hands.