Ramzee Robinson Suing Chiefs For Wrongful Termination Says They Pay Black Employees Less Than White Ones

On June 18, 2025, former NFL defensive back Ramzee Robinson filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Chiefs, alleging wrongful termination and racial discrimination. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, claims the Chiefs discriminated against Robinson, who is Black, during his nine-year tenure as the team’s director of player engagement. This case raises serious questions about workplace equity in the NFL and adds to ongoing discussions about racial discrimination in professional sports.

Background of the Lawsuit

Ramzee Robinson, a 41-year-old former cornerback who played for teams like the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, joined the Chiefs in 2016 as a coordinator before rising to director of player engagement. His role involved locker room management, player mentorship, and facilitating communication between players and coaches. According to the lawsuit, Robinson was fired in February 2025 after being accused of attacking a female co-worker, an allegation he denies. The Chiefs reportedly refused to show him security footage of the alleged incident, which Robinson claims was used as a pretext for his termination.

The lawsuit further alleges that the Chiefs paid Robinson a salary of $125,000, significantly less than the $171,932 average for comparable NFL positions, based on Robinson’s research. It also claims the organization systematically paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts. For example, the suit highlights a case where an African-American female manager earned $50,000, but her white successor was paid $80,000 for the same role.

Key Allegations

The lawsuit outlines several critical claims:

1. Racial Discrimination in Pay: Robinson alleges that the Chiefs consistently underpaid Black employees compared to white employees in similar roles. His own salary, he argues, was well below the industry standard despite his experience and responsibilities.

2. Wrongful Termination: Robinson claims his firing was unjustified, stemming from an unproven accusation of misconduct. The refusal to share security footage, he argues, denied him the opportunity to defend himself.

3. Retaliation: The suit suggests Robinson faced retaliation after requesting a compensation review from Chiefs president Mark Donovan, who reportedly denied the request, citing prior raises. Additionally, the Chiefs allegedly blocked the Houston Texans from interviewing Robinson for a position, citing a contract violation, which the lawsuit describes as “tortious interference with business expectancy.”

4. Systemic Bias: Beyond Robinson’s personal experience, the lawsuit accuses the Chiefs of broader discriminatory practices, including paying African-American employees less and limiting their opportunities for advancement.

Robinson is seeking $5 million in damages, along with declaratory and equitable relief, to address the alleged discriminatory actions.

The Chiefs’ Response

The Kansas City Chiefs have declined to comment extensively due to the ongoing litigation but issued a statement through vice president of football communications Brad Gee: “To be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.” This response underscores the team’s intent to contest the allegations in court, though no specific rebuttals have been made public.

The post Ramzee Robinson Suing Chiefs For Wrongful Termination Says They Pay Black Employees Less Than White Ones appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.