Sports journalist Elika Sadeghi took a turn in the viral spotlight Wednesday after she tweeted out a portion of a contract she was asked to sign for Barstool Sports.
Beyond the usual legal jargon, the agreement asked Sadeghi to consent to not be offended by a number of unorthodox business practices.
“I acknowledge that I may be privy to conversations where offensive speech, (e.g. their work, scripts or roles that involve nudity, sexual scenarios, racial epithets, suggestive gestures, profanity and references to stereotypes) is utilized,” the contract read. “I understand and acknowledge that as part of my job I may be exposed to speech and conduct that is explicitly related to sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, religion, disability, and age.”
Sadeghi redacted the employers’ name, but of course, these things have a way of coming out and Barstool was swiftly identified.
They wanted me to sign this. I refused, for multiple reasons. I ultimately decided I didn’t want it, even if I was exempt from signing this. pic.twitter.com/3psAPIvKrQ
— Elika (@steakNstiffarms) October 11, 2017
In a lengthy Twitter thread, Sadeghi said that she immediately decided to refuse the position, even if the company agreed to remove the language.
I decided to walk, even if they removed it. How could I work for them, knowing it exists? But would I have walked, if I needed the money?
— Elika (@steakNstiffarms) October 11, 2017
Sadeghi did not immediately respond to request for comment from TheWrap.
Her offense at the non-offense clause was denounced by both Barstool founder Steve Portnoy and CEO Erika Nardini.
We have a zero tolerance harassment policy.
— Erika K Nardini (@EKANardini) October 12, 2017
Still, it was not enough for some online who responded with a hearty round of outrage.
Man I wonder why they’d have that clause in their contract pic.twitter.com/YTc5id0NhA
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) October 11, 2017
This is your reminder that Barstool is the damn worst https://t.co/JXaxulavXw
— Puig Fan Account (@JacobRude) October 11, 2017
So after all these women came out on Weinstein after being afraid to for years, Barstool says a woman revealed a contract for attention https://t.co/bx7ymLGF9Z
— Eric Lauzin (@Lauzin) October 11, 2017
I’m unfollowing everything barstool. That contract is disgusting and you trying to rationalize it is disgraceful.
— Brian Lenahan???????? (@BrianLenahan) October 12, 2017
I’m shocked that Barstool has a ridiculous unenforceable contract designed to intimidate employees. Unbelievable!
— Kyle Boddy (@drivelinebases) October 11, 2017
Opinion, however, was not unified and Barstool also had some defenders.
Sexual assault is not acceptable anywhere. Heck, most if not all of what Barstool does I find to be extremely distasteful.
But that contract doesn’t include anything of a physical nature. Only verbal. From what I see at least.
— Doug Moore (@DMooreNFL) October 11, 2017
All that being said, the employment contract issue is almost certainly the fault of shitty parent co. lawyers and not Barstool.
— raj (@internetraj) October 12, 2017
Bottom line: this is all drama over legal language. I have ZERO concerns bc everyone at Barstool always treats each other like fam.
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) October 11, 2017