Terry Pegula Lawsuit, What Happened in Jim Trotter’s NFL Discrimination Case (Settled October 2024)
Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula was named in a high-profile employment discrimination lawsuit filed by former NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter in September 2023. The lawsuit alleged Pegula made racist comments about Black NFL players, though Pegula vehemently denied the allegations. The case was settled in October 2024 with confidential terms.
What Is the Terry Pegula Lawsuit About?
The Terry Pegula lawsuit refers to allegations made against the Buffalo Bills and Sabres owner within Jim Trotter’s broader discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and NFL Media. Trotter, a Black sports journalist who worked for NFL Network from 2018 to 2023, sued the league for retaliation after his contract wasn’t renewed in March 2023.
Trotter’s lawsuit claimed he was fired because he challenged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the league’s lack of diversity in coaching positions, front offices, and the NFL Media newsroom. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on September 12, 2023.
The Allegations Against Terry Pegula
According to the lawsuit, during a September 2020 Zoom call with approximately 40 NFL Media employees, an unnamed reporter recounted a conversation with Pegula about player protests against racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement. The lawsuit alleged Pegula stated that Black players who were unhappy should leave the country.
The complaint further alleged that when Trotter raised concerns about these comments to NFL Media executives, he was “repeatedly brushed off” and told the league office was investigating. Trotter claimed no disciplinary action was ever taken against Pegula.
The lawsuit also referenced comments Pegula allegedly made at an October 2017 meeting of NFL owners, players, and league executives regarding Colin Kaepernick’s protests. According to the complaint, Pegula called the situation a “media problem” and suggested the NFL hire a Black spokesperson to improve its public image.
Terry Pegula’s Response to the Lawsuit
Pegula immediately and forcefully denied the allegations. On September 12, 2023, he released a statement through the Bills and Sabres saying the comment attributed to him was “absolutely false.”
Pegula stated he was “horrified” anyone would connect him to such an allegation and said racism has no place in society. He expressed personal disgust that his name was associated with the complaint.
According to reports from The Buffalo News, the NFL conducted an investigation into the alleged 2020 comment shortly after it was brought to the league’s attention. The investigation included interviews with Terry Pegula, his wife and co-owner Kim Pegula, and everyone present at the dinner where the conversation allegedly occurred. No one else from the dinner recalled the statement being made, according to league sources.
The Broader Context of Jim Trotter’s Case
While Pegula wasn’t named as a defendant, his alleged comments were cited as evidence supporting Trotter’s claims about the NFL’s failure to address institutional discrimination. The lawsuit also mentioned Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and included allegations about other NFL executives and practices.
Trotter’s legal claims centered on retaliation under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts and employment. Section 1981 is a federal law that protects individuals from race-based discrimination and retaliation in the workplace, particularly when they oppose discriminatory practices.
In February 2023, Trotter questioned Goodell at a Super Bowl press conference about when NFL Media’s newsroom would have Black representation in senior management. The lawsuit alleged that shortly after this public challenge, Trotter stopped receiving assignments and his contract wasn’t renewed.
How the Lawsuit Was Resolved
On May 29, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff denied the NFL’s motion to dismiss Trotter’s retaliation claim, allowing the case to proceed. The judge found that Trotter’s questions to Goodell constituted protected activity under employment discrimination laws.
On October 9, 2024, Trotter announced the lawsuit had been settled. While the financial terms remain confidential, the settlement required the NFL to make a donation to Trotter’s newly created Work, Plan, Pray Foundation, which provides scholarships for journalism students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Trotter’s attorney, David Gottlieb of Wigdor LLP, praised Trotter’s courage and confirmed his firm would also contribute to the foundation. The law firm Wigdor LLP also represents former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores in his separate discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.
What This Means for Employment Discrimination Law
The Pegula allegations within Trotter’s case highlight important workplace protections. Federal law protects employees who speak out against discrimination, even when their employer is a powerful organization like the NFL. Retaliation for raising concerns about racial discrimination violates multiple federal statutes.
Employment retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in protected activity, such as reporting discrimination or participating in discrimination investigations. Protected activities include filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), testifying in discrimination proceedings, or opposing discriminatory practices.
The case also demonstrates the challenges faced by journalists employed by the organizations they cover. Unlike independent reporters, league-employed journalists face unique conflicts when reporting on their employer’s practices.
Where to Find Reliable Information
Court documents from the case are public record through the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case: Trotter v. The National Football League et al). Major sports news outlets including ESPN, NBC Sports, and The Athletic covered the lawsuit extensively.
If you’re facing workplace discrimination or retaliation, document everything in writing and consult with an employment discrimination attorney who specializes in civil rights law. The EEOC provides free resources and accepts discrimination complaints at eeoc.gov. Understanding how to document workplace harassment is essential, as seen in the Campbell Soup VP caught on secret recording case where proper documentation proved crucial.
For cases involving systematic discrimination in corporate settings, the H1B visa lawsuit developments demonstrate how federal courts are increasingly willing to hold companies accountable for discriminatory practices affecting both foreign workers and American citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Terry Pegula lawsuit about?
The Terry Pegula lawsuit refers to allegations made against the Buffalo Bills owner within Jim Trotter’s discrimination case against the NFL. Trotter alleged Pegula made racist comments about Black NFL players during a 2020 Zoom call, though Pegula denied the allegations. The broader case involved Trotter’s claims that the NFL retaliated against him for challenging the league about diversity issues.
Did Terry Pegula actually say what he was accused of?
Pegula strongly denied making the alleged comment, calling it “absolutely false.” An NFL investigation found that no one else present at the dinner where the conversation allegedly took place could recall the statement being made. The allegations were never proven in court, and the settlement included no admission of wrongdoing by any party.
Was Terry Pegula sued directly in this case?
No, Pegula was not named as a defendant. The lawsuit was filed against the NFL and NFL Media as the primary defendants. Pegula’s alleged comments were cited in the complaint as examples supporting Trotter’s broader claims about institutional discrimination within the league.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit settled in October 2024 with confidential financial terms. As part of the settlement, the NFL agreed to donate to Trotter’s Work, Plan, Pray Foundation, which provides scholarships for journalism students at HBCUs. The settlement did not include any admission of wrongdoing by the NFL or any individuals mentioned in the lawsuit.
How does this case relate to workplace discrimination laws?
The case demonstrates federal protections against employment retaliation under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act. Employees who oppose discriminatory practices or raise concerns about workplace discrimination are protected from retaliatory actions like termination or contract non-renewal. Judge Rakoff’s decision to allow the retaliation claim to proceed reinforced these protections.
Can employees sue for discrimination if they work for the company they’re criticizing?
Yes, employment law protects workers who oppose discriminatory practices, even when they’re employed by the organization they’re criticizing. This protection applies whether you’re reporting discrimination internally, filing EEOC complaints, or publicly challenging workplace practices. However, the specific circumstances and available protections vary based on your employment contract and applicable laws.
What should I do if I face retaliation for reporting discrimination?
Document all incidents with dates, witnesses, and written evidence. File a complaint with the EEOC within 180 days of the discriminatory act (300 days in some states). Consult with an employment discrimination attorney who can evaluate your specific situation. Many civil rights attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
Last Updated: January 19, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Terry Pegula lawsuit allegations and should not be considered legal advice. For specific legal guidance about employment discrimination or retaliation, consult with a qualified attorney.
Need Legal Help? If you’re facing workplace discrimination or retaliation, document everything and speak with an experienced employment law attorney who can protect your rights.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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