Podcast Summary: The Daily - “The Sunday Read: ‘How Cheerleading Became So Acrobatic, Dangerous and Popular’”

Introduction In this episode of The Daily, hosted by Kirsten Potter and produced by The New York Times, the transformation of American cheerleading into an acrobatic, high-stakes sport dominated by a single company, Varsity Spirit, is thoroughly examined. The episode delves into the sport's explosive growth, the associated dangers, the monopolistic control of Varsity Spirit, and the ensuing scandals that have rocked the cheerleading community.

1. The Rise of Competitive Cheerleading

David Gavi Herbert introduces the topic by highlighting the dual nature of cheerleading: the traditional sideline routines and the increasingly competitive, televised performances seen in media like Bring It On and the Netflix series Cheer (00:27). He emphasizes how cheerleading has become a cultural phenomenon fueled by athleticism, female empowerment, and American nostalgia.

David Gavi Herbert [00:45]: "The athleticism, female empowerment, American nostalgia and glitzy pageantry have all combined to create a cultural phenomenon."

2. Dominance of Varsity Spirit

Varsity Spirit, a Memphis-based company founded by former cheerleader Jeff Webb, is portrayed as the monopolistic force in the cheerleading industry. Herbert describes Varsity's acquisition by private equity firms, notably KKR, for nearly $5 billion (04:45), underscoring the company's vast control over the sport.

Herbert [04:45]: "It turns out that the sprawling and lucrative business of cheerleading is largely controlled by a Memphis based company called Varsity Spirit."

3. The Story of Nikki Jennings

The narrative shifts to Nikki Jennings, a former competitive cheerleader whose harrowing experiences shed light on the sport's darker side. Starting cheerleading at age four, Jennings faced severe physical and emotional abuse from coaches, leading to multiple concussions and chronic injuries (32:00).

Jennings [32:00]: "After making mistakes on the field, according to Jennings, her coach insulted his athletes when the team performed poorly."

Her story exemplifies the high physical risks and the immense pressure exerted by coaches and organizations like Varsity Spirit.

4. Jeff Webb and the Expansion of Varsity Spirit

Jeff Webb's journey from a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) instructor to the founder of Universal Cheerleaders Association and eventually Varsity Spirit is detailed. His aggressive business strategies, including exclusive contracts and aggressive acquisitions, solidified Varsity's dominance (47:34).

Webb [47:34]: "I had enough to say grace over, to be honest with you."

Webb's ambition not only expanded the business but also entrenched Varsity Spirit's influence, often at the expense of smaller competitors.

5. Safety Concerns and Injury Epidemic

The episode highlights the alarming statistics of injuries in competitive cheerleading. From 1980 to 2001, emergency room visits for cheerleaders increased by nearly 500%, with cheerleading now responsible for more catastrophic injuries among female athletes than all other high school and college sports combined (32:00).

Dr. Robert Cantu [32:00]: "The flyer was the riskiest person in all of women's sport."

These safety concerns are often downplayed by Varsity Spirit and its governing bodies, contributing to a culture of neglect and endangerment.

6. Governing Bodies and Monopolistic Practices

Varsity Spirit's creation of governing bodies like the United States All Star Federation (USASF) and USA Cheer is scrutinized for their close ties to the company. These organizations are accused of prioritizing Varsity's market dominance over athlete safety and fairness (32:00).

Jamie Parrish [32:00]: "We need to find ways to avoid being viewed as a monopoly as it continued its buying binge."

Such alliances have stifed competition and hindered the establishment of independent safety standards.

7. Sexual Abuse Scandals and Organizational Failures

A major focus is the sexual abuse scandals within the cheerleading community, paralleling the USA Gymnastics scandal. Coaches and executives associated with Varsity Spirit and affiliated organizations have been accused of sexual misconduct, which was often ignored or inadequately addressed by governing bodies (32:00).

Les Stella [32:00]: "We wanted to control the All Star market."

The failure to protect young athletes has led to legal actions and widespread outrage, revealing deep-seated issues within the sport's administration.

8. Private Equity Influence and Future Prospects

The role of private equity firms, such as Bain Capital and KKR, in acquiring and influencing Varsity Spirit is examined. These firms have leveraged Varsity's monopolistic position to generate substantial profits, often disregarding the negative impacts on athletes and families (32:00).

Adrian Hurst [72:35]: "Bain Capital was going to get their money one way or another, he said. They don't care what the industry looks like after they're done with it."

The episode questions the sustainability of cheerleading's current trajectory under such financial stewardship, suggesting potential further exploitation and neglect.

9. Interviews and Personal Perspectives

The podcast features interviews with affected individuals like Nikki Jennings and Marlene Cotta, a former Varsity Spirit employee, providing personal insights into the systemic issues within cheerleading. Their testimonies highlight the emotional and physical toll on athletes and employees alike.

Jennings [72:35]: "But then I kind of just push on."

10. Conclusion and Ongoing Challenges

The episode concludes by reflecting on the ongoing challenges within the cheerleading industry. Despite legal settlements and public outcry, Varsity Spirit's dominance persists, and the future of cheerleading remains uncertain amidst calls for greater regulation and transparency.

Herbert [72:35]: "It remains an outlier. None of the National Federation of State High school association's other 17 member sports have this patchwork state by state designation."

The summary underscores the need for systemic change to ensure athlete safety and fair competition within cheerleading.

Notable Quotes:

• David Gavi Herbert [00:45]: "The athleticism, female empowerment, American nostalgia and glitzy pageantry have all combined to create a cultural phenomenon."

• Jennings [32:00]: "After making mistakes on the field, according to Jennings, her coach insulted his athletes when the team performed poorly."

• Jeff Webb [47:34]: "I had enough to say grace over, to be honest with you."

• Dr. Robert Cantu [32:00]: "The flyer was the riskiest person in all of women's sport."

• Jamie Parrish [32:00]: "We need to find ways to avoid being viewed as a monopoly as it continued its buying binge."

• Les Stella [32:00]: "We wanted to control the All Star market."

• Adrian Hurst [72:35]: "Bain Capital was going to get their money one way or another, he said. They don't care what the industry looks like after they're done with it."

• Jennings [72:35]: "But then I kind of just push on."

Conclusion This episode of The Daily offers a comprehensive exploration of the complexities surrounding competitive cheerleading in America. It unveils the intricate web of business monopolization, safety neglect, and abuse scandals that have transformed a once-popular sideline activity into a high-stakes, controversial sport. The insights provided by interviews and investigative reporting call for urgent reforms to protect young athletes and ensure the integrity of the sport.