LOUISIANA RECORD

GRETNA – A homeless woman has filed a lawsuit against the New Orleans Saints and the National Football League claiming she suffers from effects of abuse she received when she was formerly employed by them.

Loretta Hillware filed suit against New Orleans Saints, National Football League, Tom Benson (in his official capacity as the New Orleans Saints Football Club Owner), Vicky Neumeyer (in her official capacity as the New Orleans Saints general counsel), Michael Stanfield (in his official capacity as New Orleans Saints vice president), Derek Henderson (in his official capacity as New Orleans Saints corporate executive), Roger Goodell (in his official capacity as National Football League Commissioner) and Jay Bauman (in his official capacity as a National Football League counsel), in the 24th Judicial District Court.

Hillware claims that she was employed in ticket sales by the New Orleans Saints for five years during which time she suffered from abuse including insults, humiliation, intimidation and isolation. The plaintiff alleges that she was forced to take a leave of absence form work nine years ago due to a domestic abuse situation and that when she attempted to get her job back she was turned away. Hillware contends the emotional abuse on behalf of the defendants has resulted in her daughter, who she claims has suffered from the abuse as well, to become estranged from her and that she was unable to provide a proper upbringing for her children due to her loss of employment.

In addition, the plaintiff asserts that the defendants treated her “like she had a handicap” and as a “if she were a leper” thus continuing the pattern of abuse established in her personal life. Hillware alleges that the defendants’ actions resulted in her experiencing extreme poverty, homelessness and humiliation.

The defendant is accused of emotionally abusing the plaintiff.

Damages in the amount of $4.5 million are sought by the plaintiff for loss of career, loss of enjoyment of life, fear, degradation, feelings of helplessness, frustration, hopelessness, inconvenience and humiliation.

Hillware is representing herself pro se in the case.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 744-205.