A Former 49ers Cheerleader Lost Her Right To Use A Pseudonym

A former 49ers cheerleader who filed a class action lawsuit against the NFL for low wages was not allowed to continue using a pseudonym. The decision was made by the California federal court on Wednesday. 

On January 31, the lead plaintiff alleged that NFL executives and team owners have conspired to pay cheerleaders below market value. According to the lawsuit, NFL cheerleaders are getting paid around $100 per game and aren't paid at all for rehearsals and mandatory public appearances. 

Flavia Berys, attorney, and former NFL cheerleader cautions, "I disagree with the decision to prohibit the lead plaintiff from using a pseudonym. As a class action, her specific identity is not relevant to the overall case that affect hundreds of women. This lawsuit could likely cause many fans to be outraged and adversarial. For the plaintiff's own protection, and to prevent online or in-person bullying, her name should have remained protected with the focus being on the pro cheerleaders as a group, not her as an individual. Hopefully, this decision by the court will not endanger the plaintiff. It was an unfortunate decision."