Fired for being Black? Ex-Chiefs staffer Ramzee Robinson sues team, calls out racial bias and cover-up

Former NFL player and longtime Kansas City Chiefs staffer Ramzee Robinson has filed a lawsuit against the franchise, alleging wrongful termination and racial discrimination. The 41-year-old, who served as the Chiefs’ Director of Player Engagement for nearly a decade, claims his firing earlier this year was both unjust and racially motivated.

Ramzee Robinson denies any wrongdoing and says there is no evidence of the alleged incident
According to the federal lawsuit filed on June 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Robinson was abruptly terminated in February after being accused by a superior of attacking a female co-worker. The accusation, Robinson says, was allegedly based on security footage that the team refused to show him.

🚨🚨BOMBSHELL LAWSUIT🚨🚨

THE #CHIEFS HAVE BEEN SUED FOR RACIAL BIAS AGAINST MULTIPLE BLACK EMPLOYEES.

Ramzee Robinson says the “Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.”

Robinson's supervisor, Kirsten Krug, called him into her office… pic.twitter.com/SQ1FjYgeZW

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 18, 2025

His attorney, Katrina Y. Robertson, stated to PEOPLE, “My client dedicated years of professional service to the Chiefs organization and supported players through critical personal and professional challenges. This lawsuit seeks to hold the organization accountable for the systemic inequities and retaliation he faced for simply demanding fairness.”

Robinson “unequivocally denies having been in an altercation with anyone,” and asserts that the team provided no proof of the alleged incident.

Claims of racial disparities in pay and treatment within the Chiefs organization
The lawsuit further alleges that Robinson’s race was a “motivating factor” in his termination and points to pay disparities within the organization. According to the filing, Robinson was paid $125,000 annually—well below the average salary of $171,932 for similar positions at other NFL teams.

He also claims that the team consistently underpaid African-American business employees compared to their white colleagues, adding to a pattern of discrimination.

Breakdown of Ex-NFL DB Ramzee Robinson's Wrongful Termination and Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Chiefs; Robinson Says He Has Proof The Chiefs Pay Their Black Employees Less Than White Employees in Similar Roles https://t.co/6JtRqnRyNX

— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) June 19, 2025

A respected player mentor seeks accountability and compensation
Robinson, who was the last pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and played for the Lions, Browns , and Eagles, transitioned into a mentoring role after earning a master’s degree in professional counseling. His responsibilities with the Chiefs included guiding players through personal and professional challenges, from off-field troubles to family emergencies and relocations.

Now, Robinson is seeking a jury trial and demanding compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees. The Chiefs, through spokesperson Brad Gee, declined to comment in detail but stated, “The Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

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As the case unfolds, it highlights broader concerns about racial equity and workplace fairness in the NFL’s front offices.