x
Breaking News
More () »

Former NFL quarterback Warren Moon accused of sexual harassment

Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks released a statement saying they had granted Moon's request for a leave of absence from their radio show, where Moon has served as an analyst.
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Former quarterback Warren Moon on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL quarterback Warren Moon is being sued for sexual harassment.

Wendy Haskell, who was hired as an executive assistant to Moon in the summer, made several allegations, according to a lawsuit filed in Orange County, Calif., on Monday and obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

She traveled with Moon on weekly speaking engagements, charity events and personal appearances.

Haskell claims that Moon wanted her to wear thong underwear and share his bed during business trips. The suit also claims that she was demoted when she complained to the company Sports 1 Marketing, owned by Moon, about his sexual advances.

The news first was reported by The Washington Post.

According to the lawsuit:

"Soon after she began her employment, Moon demanded Ms. Haskell submit to a variety of unnerving sexual and perverse controlling arrangements, including sleeping in the same bed with him on all business trips, providing him unfettered access to the bathroom every time she showered, wearing skimpy lingerie while in the obligatory single room, obtaining prior approval for her wardrobe, and being subjected to continuous unwanted and unsolicited sexual advances.

Whenever Ms. Haskell expressed reservations about these outrageous “job duties”, Moon insisted this was “just the way it is”, and threatened Ms. Haskell that unless she was “comfortable” with him, he’d “find someone else who was”. Moon insisted these “requirements” were part of the job, and made clear that Ms. Haskell’s employment depended on her acceptance and compliance with Moon’s lascivious behavior, demands and orders."

Haskell, 32, has asked for a jury trial.

Moon, 61, played in the NFL for 17 seasons, mostly for the Houston Oilers. Before that, he played six seasons in the Canadian Football League. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Moon has had several public scandals with women and was sued by a Minnesota Vikings cheerleader for sexual harassment in 1995.

Later Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks released a statement saying they had granted Moon's request for a leave of absence from their radio show, where Moon has served as an analyst. It reads in part:

"We have accepted Warren Moon's request for a leave of absence as the club's radio analyst. Brock Huard and Dave Wyman will assume the role of radio analyst indefinitely. ... "

Before You Leave, Check This Out