Former Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb accused of sexual misconduct
Daily Orange File Photo
After his SU career, McNabb enjoyed a successful NFL career.
A number of NFL Network employees — current and former — were accused of sexual harassment Monday. Former Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb is one of the accused in the lawsuit against the NFL. Bloomberg first reported the lawsuit.
McNabb, a former employee of the NFL Network, was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to Jami Cantor, a former NFL Network wardrobe stylist.
“We are aware of the allegations (against McNabb),” a Syracuse University spokesperson said in a statement. “We will follow this allegation closely. There is no place for sexual harassment in the Syracuse University community.”
Cantor’s claims in the lawsuit included charges against others besides McNabb. Former NFL players Marshall Faulk, Heath Evans, Warren Sapp, Ike Taylor and Eric Davis were also among the accused. Beyond the former NFL players included in the lawsuit are Eric Weinberger, the former executive producer of NFL Network, and the NFL’s talent coordinator, Marc Watts.
The claims have been made in civil court in Los Angeles county in California. The lawsuit’s full claims include age and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination.
The lawsuit states that the Plaintiff (Cantor) issued complaints to the network that went unanswered. Instead, her workload was increased while her hours were cut. Then she was unexpectedly terminated in October 2016. The then-51 year old Cantor was replaced by a 30-year old employee. Cantor said she has seen the NFL “age-out” other older employees.
Two years ago, McNabb pled guilty to his second DUI charge. That led to his resignation from Fox Sports, where he had moved from the NFL Network. He’s currently employed by ESPN Radio, but according to Richard Deitsch, will not work there during this investigation.
ESPN on Donovan McNabb and Eric Davis re: the NFL Network allegations:
"We are investigating and McNabb and Davis will not appear on our networks as that investigation proceeds."— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) December 12, 2017
McNabb currently sits as a “life member” on the Syracuse Board of Trustees. He has donated to multiple SU football projects. These include donations to team facilities like the weight room and locker room, per Syracuse.com.
For the specific allegations against McNabb, see subheading 23.f.
0002a First Amended Complaint (Signed) by Deadspin on Scribd
Published on December 13, 2017 at 9:43 pm
Contact Billy: wmheyen@syr.edu | @Wheyen3
