May 6 (Bloomberg) -- The New York Jets became the latest National Football League franchise to face litigation over cheerleader pay when a former member of the team’s squad sued to recover unpaid wages and work-related expenses.

A Connecticut woman identified only as Krystal C. filed the lawsuit today in New Jersey Superior Court in Bergen County, saying that the Jets have “historically and currently” paid their cheerleaders, known by the team as the “Flight Crew,” less than minimum wage, according to a copy of the complaint provided by her lawyers.

The Jets require the women to work off the clock at their homes and to attend rehearsals and charity events without pay, according to the suit. Members of the Flight Crew are allegedly forced to spend their own money on travel, uniform maintenance, cosmetics and hairstyling.

The case follows similar lawsuits against the Buffalo Bills, the Cincinnatti Bengals and the Oakland Raiders earlier this year in which women accuse the teams of underpaying their cheerleading squads.

Bruce Speight, a spokseman for the Jets, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment on the suit. Brian McCarthy, a spokesman for the NFL, said the league doesn’t comment on team litigation.

The complaint couldn’t be immediately verified in court records.

The case is Krystal C. v. New York Jets LLC, Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County.

Instant Insights /

N.Y. Jets accused of underpaying cheerleaders

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