Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Cut Beloved Veteran Member Karley Swindel Ahead of Her Fifth Year

NEED TO KNOW

• A beloved, veteran member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders was cut during tryouts

• After reports began circulating on a popular DCC fan account that Karley Swindel had been cut from the squad, the cheerleader reposted an Instagram post bearing the hashtag #JusticeForKarley on her Instagram Stories

• Swindel was set to enter her fifth year with the team, and the internet quickly took up arms in outrage

Beloved member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad Karley Swindel was cut from the team ahead of her fifth year with the organization.

After reports began circulating on a popular DCC fan account that the cheerleader had been cut from the NFL cheerleading squad, the cheerleader took to her account seemingly confirming the news, reposting a video bearing the hashtag #JusticeForKarley on her Instagram Stories.

In a screenshot of a post shared by the @dcc_updates on Instagram that was later reposted to Reddit, moderators for the account wrote on their Instagram stories: “Veterans were reportedly not allowed to got to Karley in the stands after the announcements. They had to stay on the field and were told to pull it together for photos.”

However, the account later shared a response from a current team member, Marissa Lescheber via DM, which read: “This is not true! Many of us immediately went to be with Karley and our staff members were very respectful and understanding of the gravity of the situation while still trying to show support for the new rookie candidates.”

PEOPLE has reached out to Swindel and representatives for the Dallas Cowboys organization for comment.

On a post pinned to the @dcc_updates account, featuring a picture of Karley and bearing large white words that read “Justice for Karley,” supporters weighed in on the decision.

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“Justice for an amazing dancer, person, and one of the best the organization has ever had the privilege of having. We love you, Karley,” wrote former DCC Marissa Garrison.

“My heart is breaking for her! It’s absurd what has happened! Karley is a hometown favorite!! And truly one of a kind!! Praying for justice for her!! @karley_swindel 🙏🏻🙏🏻,” another wrote.

“I pray for the organization because these girls truly deserve better. Justice for Karley,” wrote one more user.

The audition process for the DCC squad has become the topic of much discussion over the last few years, especially as a result of the Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which follows rookies and veterans of the squad as they audition for the team and make their way throughout the season.

According to the organization’s website, in order for one to try out for the team, individuals must be at least 18 years old by the time preliminary auditions begin. However, there is no age limit for those trying out for the team. Non-mandatory audition prep classes are taught by current and former cheerleaders and are said to help hopefuls come audition time.

In order to apply, dancers must submit a headshot, full-length photo, 20-second intro video and dance video. During auditions, judges focus on dance technique, high kicks, splits, showmanship, personal appearance, energy, enthusiasm, poise, figure and personality, per the DCC’s website. All cheerleaders must be flexible and able to perform the splits by the start of the season. There’s also a written test that evaluates dancers’ knowledge of the Cowboys and football in general.

Season 3 of America’s Sweethearts is set to premiere on June 16.

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