Former NFL Referee Sues League for 'Gender Discrimination'

Some of the allegations in Robin DeLorenzo's lawsuit appear questionable, according to the league's response.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a football game or match, with sharp planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange colors, conveying the conceptual complexity of gender discrimination issues in professional sports officiating.A fragmented, abstract illustration captures the complex dynamics and competing perspectives surrounding allegations of gender discrimination in professional sports officiating.Today in Pittsburgh

Robin DeLorenzo, a former NFL referee, is suing the league, as well as two former senior officiating executives, over alleged 'discrimination, humiliation, and retaliation' during her three-year tenure as a game official. The league has fired back, citing DeLorenzo's 'underperformance' as a referee and stating the allegations are 'baseless'.

Why it matters

The lawsuit raises questions about the NFL's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the challenges female officials may face in a male-dominated sport. However, the league's response suggests the issues may be more complex, potentially involving job performance concerns rather than solely gender discrimination.

The details

According to the complaint, DeLorenzo alleges that former senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson repeatedly told her to wear her hair in a ponytail, and that she had to purchase and modify her own referee uniforms because the league did not provide her with properly fitting gear. There was also an alleged 'rookie hazing' incident at Steelers training camp where DeLorenzo was forced to sing for players and her crew, with Anderson allegedly recording part of the performance against her wishes. Additionally, DeLorenzo's former crew chief, John Hussey, allegedly told her, 'Who do you think you are? You are to listen to your boss. … Are you crazy?' after she raised concerns over the hair-in-ponytail policy.

  • DeLorenzo worked as an NFL referee for three years before being relegated to college conferences in 2024.
  • The lawsuit was filed in 2026.

The players

Robin DeLorenzo

A former female NFL referee who is suing the league, as well as two former senior officiating executives, over alleged 'discrimination, humiliation, and retaliation' during her three-year tenure as a game official.

Walt Anderson

A former senior vice president of officiating for the NFL who is named in DeLorenzo's lawsuit.

Byron Boston

A former officiating trainer and coach for the NFL who is named in DeLorenzo's lawsuit.

John Hussey

DeLorenzo's former crew chief during her first year as an NFL referee.

Mike Tomlin

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who was mentioned in relation to a 'rookie hazing' incident involving DeLorenzo.

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What they’re saying

“This idea of diversity, equity, and inclusion, you see it in the introductory paragraph [of the complaint], that the NFL holds itself out as being that, and Robin's case, I think, tells a different story.”

— DiMercurio, DeLorenzo's Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges female officials face in male-dominated professional sports leagues, as well as the complexities involved in determining whether issues stem from gender discrimination or job performance concerns. The outcome of the lawsuit could have broader implications for the NFL's diversity and inclusion efforts.