Spurs scrap cheerleaders for ‘family fun’

The San Antonio Spurs have disbanded their allfemale cheerleading squad, choosing instead to create a coed “hype team” that focuses on more “family-friendly” entertainment.

The move to end its longtime cheerleader team comes amid news of several controversies and lawsuits regarding other cheerleader teams.

The NFL’s Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals have all been hit with litigation in which former performers have lodged complaints over sexual harassment, sexism and unfair pay practices.

The Spurs gave no reasons for disbanding the squad and did not respond to media inquiries.

The team released a statement last week announcing the new official 35-member entertainment team, but did not specify how that affected the Silver Dancers — a staple at Spurs home games since 1992.

ESPN San Antonio radio host Jason Mannix tweeted that the dancers “are no more” because of “lack of fan interest”.

Fans have not wholeheartedly endorsed the change, as #bringbackthechaps began circulating on social media.

One former Silver Dancer, Michelle Vogel insinuated the team cracked in the face of the #MeToo movement.

“Does ‘lack of interest’ really mean ‘We don’t want to deal with it?” she replied to Mannix’s tweet.