NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Said They Are Keeping the Rooney Rule Despite Florida AG Pressure

It’s a rule that has been in place for a couple of decades now. And it has allowed candidates the opportunity to apply for jobs (not necessarily secure them); but be interviewed for positions that were traditionally unavailable. Thanks to this non-discriminatory rule being instituted; there has been a steady hiring of head coaches of various ethnicities. And it has allowed others applying for jobs outside of coaching to get into positions that had previously been closed to them. However, recently the Attorney General of Florida has become dissatisfied with the Rooney rule and wants it to stop. However, today NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declares that the league is keeping the Rooney rule in place despite the Florida AG pressure.

According to the Florida AG the diversity policy of the NFL is discriminatory and illegal in Florida and demands that it be stopped. AG Uthmeier stated,

“The NFL’s use of the Rooney Rule violates Florida law by requiring race-based considerations in hiring,” Uthmeier said in a March 25 video posted on X. “Florida law is clear: Hiring decisions cannot be based on race. And the Rooney Rule mandates race-based interviews and incentivizes race-based decisions. That’s discrimination.”

According to the NFL, the Rooney Rule requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager and coordinator positions. At least one minority candidate must be interviewed for the quarterbacks coach position. Which means that the teams can freely interview as many  candidates as they would like; there is no restriction on that. While at the same time allowing others to demonstrate their abilities to do those same jobs.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Said They Are Keeping the Rooney Rule Despite Florida AG Pressure

On Wednesday, commissioner Goodell says he intends to keep the Rooney Rule in place. Goodell said regarding the AG’s claims: “One thing that doesn’t change is our values and we believe in diversity and its benefit to the National Football League,” Goodell said. “We are well aware of the laws and where the laws are changing and evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those and we certainly will engage with the Florida AG or anybody else as we have in the past to talk about our policies.”

Apparently, the NFL wishes to try to remain fair in their hiring practices. Giving everyone who is qualified a chance to vie for the positions. And as pointed out by Rachel Arnow-Richman, a University of Florida employment law professor: “What is absent from the attorney general’s assertion is the identification of any person who was discriminated against because of the policy,” she said. “Because, right now, he is simply telling the NFL to declare their practice unlawful.”

NFL Commissioner Is Not Changing the League’s Hiring Practices

So far, Uthemeier has not revealed if he plans to have future talks with the NFL since Goodell’s comments. However, his efforts could prove futile. Roger Goodell seems resolute in his position on this matter.

Nevertheless, Goodell is willing to engage with the Florida AG or anybody else as they have in the past to talk about their policies. Hopefully this concern is squashed so that all involved can return to addressing more important legal issues.

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