April 4, 2018--Cincinnati Ben-Gals

Sensing that their readers may need cheering (include me in that demographic), the (all the news that's fit to print) New York Times continues to stay on top of the NFL cheerleader story.

I previously took note of a Times story about a New Orleans Saints' cheerleader who was fired for posting a picture of herself in a modest swimsuit.

On Tuesday there were other less cheery things to report. For example, how Carolina Panthers TopCats must arrive at the stadium at least five hours before game time and when in uniform are required to remove or cover all tattoos and piercings. Water breaks are allowed only when the Panthers are on offense, and Cincinnati Ben-Gals are not allowed to change into their street clothes in the stadium. I suppose they do so in their cars.

The Times further reports that Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders need to be weighed before games to make sure they "maintain ideal body weight." And BenGals are warned that they cannot be more than three pounds heavier than their "ideal weight."

Here's where Donald Trump's personal physician, who claimed that Trump weighed only 239 pounds, could come in handy.

Many NFL cheerleaders must spend hundreds of their own dollars on uniforms though they are paid little more than minimum wage. They also are required to sell raffle tickets and calendars and appear at local charity events and golf tournaments. For this they receive none of the proceeds.

Cheerleader handbooks include tips on personal hygiene, including shaving techniques and the "proper" use of tampons.

I'm depressed.