Ravens Cheerleader Speaks Out Amid Weight Gain Controversy

Courtney Lenz says she wasn't invited to the Super Bowl with her Ravens cheerleading squad and is now speaking publicly about the shocking disappointment. INSIDE EDITION reports from the Superdome.

The Baltimore Ravens cheerleader who says she's been barred from the Super Bowl is speaking out for the first time ever to INSIDE EDITION.

Cheerleader Courtney Lenz says she says was benched for gaining a mere two pounds.

"I'm still in shock. I just can't believe they would do this," she said.

When asked what was said to her at her weigh-in, she said, "At that time, I was consistent at 124lbs and I went up to about 125.6lbs, so 1.6 pounds I got benched in October for."

The Ravens said they can only take half the cheerleaders on the 60-member squad to the big game.

The Baltimore Ravens released a statement, saying, "Our selection process was based upon three criteria: seniority, performance ability, and personal conduct throughout the season."

But Lenz said she had more seniority than some of the women going. At the age of 23, she was a veteran who had been cheering five years for the team. She even appeared in their calendar.

Amidst the outrage, Lenz is receiving a lot of support, even from CBS This Morning's co-host, Norah O'Donnell.

"I think if she wants to come back, that's great. They should let her come back. I'm all for as much participation as possible," O’Donnell said.

Thousands of Ravens fans are going online to express their outrage.

"Shame on the Ravens' management for not allowing her to be at the super bowl!!!" one fan wrote.

Our special Super Bowl correspondent, America's "It" girl, Katherine Webb, is following the controversy in New Orleans.

Watch Katherine Webb Talk To Ravens Players About The Controversy

Players are reacting to the controversy, saying, "Let her cheer."

Lenz still has hope, but she said time is running out, and her long cheerleading career may end with her Super Bowl dreams being dashed.

 "I understand you have to keep a certain physique — it's the business. But, a couple of pounds, and then to take away something like the Super Bowl from someone that's given this much hard work and dedication, it just blows my mind that they could do that."