Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: The controversial rule changes that made 14 quit

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been obsessed with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders since watching the insane Netflix docu-series that’s dominated the top 10. Fans will definitely know just how tolling being a DCC can be, however, there was a time when it was arguably worse than ever, and the bonds of sisterhood had to come in clutch to stand against new sexist rules. There’s a hidden part of Dallas Cowboys history in 1989 where the fate of 14 cheerleaders hung uncertainly over football.

What happened to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 1989?

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In February 1989, Jerry Jones became the new owner of the Dallas Cowboys. He immediately fired Tom Landry, and director of the cheerleaders Suzanne Mitchell resigned after fifteen years of service. As if tensions weren’t high enough, June brought rumours about Jerry’s new plans to completely change up and rebrand the squad in a way that didn’t sit well with a vast number of the cheerleaders.

“We had no idea what he was about,” said Ezelle, former DCC in an interview with WFAA. “All we knew was that there was talk about us being in beer commercials and sponsorships, and that our uniform might get skimpier than it already was, and that we could fraternise with the players. That’s when we made a stance and decided that we were going to quit.”

After hearing these plans, 14 veterans of the squad quit. 23 of rookies were left with the weekend to decide their fate. The cheerleaders felt that those plans went directly against the team’s wholesome image, and news of their walkout became local headlines.

The sexist scandal that shook the group

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Via Netflix

Ezelle continued: “The uniform is symbolic of the finest, the best, lady spelled with a capital L.”

Another ex-DCC said: “The organisation has changed and it won’t ever be the same. That’s the way I feel about it.”

Jerry Jones, of course, denied all responsibility

On the other hand, Jerry Jones denied all of these claims. In an original news story from the Los Angeles Times, Jones said the rule remains in effect calling for cheerleaders not to fraternise with players or employees.

“Those policies are intact. They are a very valuable and time-tested procedure,” Jones reaffirmed. Although, I’m not sure how different these would have been if the girls hadn’t spoken up. New director Debbie Bond said: “He said, ‘You can either accept it or move on’. Mr. Jones does not believe in rules.” So who really knows what went down.

So, what happened next?

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In a he said/she said situation typical of the 80s, Jones never received any consequences for his actions, although he did lose the 14 squad members who quit in solidarity with their beliefs. But, since the high-profile resignation of Suzanne Mitchell, he was forced to deny, deny, deny, which meant his planned proposals did not go ahead.

What do the cheerleaders who quit think of the DCC now?

Via Netflix

Despite the current DCC uniform being “skimpier than ever”, Ezelle believes it’s “appropriate for this day and age.” She also praised Jones for recognising that “women who dreamed of making the team were willing to fight to protect what it stands for”, and “by listening then, he paved the way for the franchise’s success today.” I guess it all worked out in the end for the DCC brand, but my heart still breaks for the 14 cheerleaders who cut their dreams short to stand up for what they believed in.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders sexist scandal was put right by the girls themselves, and that’s a real sisterhood right there.

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• The 10 extreme rules Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders MUST follow, or you’re out