Sandra Douglass Morgan Becomes First Black Woman To Become NFL Team President
Sandra Douglass Morgan, a former Nevada Gaming Control Board chairwoman, has been named the new president of the Las Vegas Raiders, making her the first Black woman to assume such a role in the NFL.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the team announced the news Thursday (July 7) via a letter obtained by the newspaper. She was later introduced at a news conference at Allegiant Stadium.
“I am thrilled to join you as we embark on one of the most exciting times in the history of our organization,” Morgan said in the letter. “I look forward to meeting each of you in person over the coming weeks.”
Morgan was also the first African American to serve as Control Board chair from 2019-2021. She will begin her new role immediately, becoming the third woman and third Black president of an NFL team.
The Raiders president position has been vacant since early May when interim president Dan Ventrelle was fired by the team. The Review-Journal reports that Ventrelle claims his ousting stemmed from him alerting the NFL to a hostile work environment within the organization. It’s something Morgan acknowledged in the announcement letter.
“Let me be clear — I am not here to avoid or sidestep problems or concerns that need to be addressed,” Morgan said. “I’ve given long and thoughtful consideration to joining you, and I’ve done so because I believe in the promise of the Raiders. Most importantly, I believe in your core values of integrity, community, and commitment to excellence. I will expect you to embody those and to hold me accountable to doing the same.”
Some women within the Raiders organization have alleged a troubling pattern of harassment, forced demotions and unequal treatment.
