BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills are seeking to be removed from a lawsuit filed by five former cheerleaders complaining of unfair working conditions.

The Bills argue they should not be included in the lawsuit because the team long ago relinquished the rights to employing and managing the Buffalo Jills’ cheerleading squad to private companies.

The motion to dismiss was filed in state Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Five former cheerleaders filed a civil action three weeks ago seeking unspecified back pay and legal fees. They complained of being subjected to groping and sexual comments and working hundreds of hours for free.

The Bills are one of three defendants named in the lawsuit. Also named are: Stejon Productions, which took over managing the squad in 2011; and former manager, Citadel Communications Co.

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