Super Bowl Cheerleading Controversy: Isolated Incident or Larger Issue?

The story of a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader who said she was disciplined for weight gain—and believes this is a reason she was left behind from the Super Bowl—has been making headlines across the country.

Cheerleader Courtney Lenz said she thinks her team didn't take her to the Super Bowl was because she gained 1.6 pounds.

Admittedly, her story has changed through the week: Yahoo Sports noted she first said the team was upset because she had chosen to retire at the end of the season. She later told Good Morning America she thought the decision was because of her weigh-in.

The alleged snub led to supporters starting an online petition to reinstate her, The Huffington Post reported. The team has said they picked cheerleaders for the Super Bowl based on seniority, performance and personal conduct.

What do you think of Lenz's claim? Should cheerleaders expect their appearance to affect their job, or should it not be an issue? Does it bring up larger issues of female athletes and body image? Tell us in the comments.