ESPN report: Dallas Cowboys reach settlement with cheerleaders for alleged voyeurism by exec

The Dallas Cowboys paid four cheerleaders a confidential settlement of $2.4 million after accusations of voyeurism against a senior team executive, according to a report by ESPN. The documents acquired describe a 2015 incident where the members undressed in their locker room at AT&T Stadium.

Senior vice president for public relations and communications Richard Dalrymple was identified as the man hiding behind a partial wall in the locker room with his iPhone pointed at the women. Sources told ESPN that he gained entry through the backdoor using his security key card.

According to the report, each woman received $399,523.27 after the incident.

Dalrymple also faced allegations of taking “upskirt” photos of Charlotte Jones Anderson, a senior vice president and the daughter of owner Jerry Jones. That incident reportedly occurred in the Cowboys war room during the 2015 NFL Draft and came to the team’s attention after a fan noticed on a live stream.

He received a formal written warning, despite the team finding no wrongdoing after their investigation. The long-time executive continued working for the Cowboys organization for another six years before retiring earlier this month. In a strange parting, the Dallas Morning News reported his departure with no mention from Jerry Jones or the team website.

Statements from Dallas Cowboys

A Dallas Cowboys representative told ESPN that the team investigated both incidents but found no wrongdoing by Dalrymple – despite the settlement – and could not find evidence he took any pictures or videos. The team issued a statement through a communications consultant.

“The organization took these allegations extremely seriously and moved immediately to thoroughly investigate this matter,” said Jim Wilkinson, a communications consultant for the team. “The investigation was handled consistent with best legal and HR practices and the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.”

While Dalrymple did not initially respond to an interview request from ESPN, a source said that he claimed not to know the women were there when he entered the locker room. He also claimed to leave right away. On Monday night, Dalrymple issued a statement which called both accusations false.

“People who know me, co-workers, the media and colleagues, know who I am and what I’m about,” Dalrymple said in his statement. “I understand the very serious nature of these claims and do not take them lightly. The accusations are, however, false. One was accidental and the other simply did not happen. Everything that was alleged was thoroughly investigated years ago, and I cooperated fully.”