The NFL is cooperating with an investigation launched by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) into whether the league violated its own diversity hiring rule, known as the Rooney Rule, according to Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“I think we have been very clear about our programs, and we obviously evaluate them all the time, not just for how they get better, but also to make sure that they’re consistent with the law,” Goodell said Tuesday. He added, “We’re engaging with the Florida attorney general and will continue to. We’ll share everything we’re doing with them. We think it’s certainly within the law, but also something very positive.”
Uthmeier earlier this year sent subpoenas to NFL offices as part of his investigation. He has also called for eliminating the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for vacant head coach, general manager, and coordinator positions.
“NFL teams and their fans don’t care about the race of the coaching staff; they want a merit-based system that gives their team the best chance to win,” Uthmeier said at the time.
Goodell defended the rule, noting that “a lot of candidates” who are diverse should be given the opportunity to improve themselves and earn exposure. “So, the people that are up there are the best of the best and they are a very diverse group, but they are the best of the best. And what we’re trying to do here is to make them even better and to give them opportunities,” he said. “And that’s what I heard is that one, they appreciate the opportunity; two, it was helpful in that.”
The NFL, the most popular sports league in the U.S., is facing increasing pressure from sponsors, fans, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill over its global ambitions and media rights. The Trump administration is reportedly investigating the league over its deals with major legacy media companies and streamers on antitrust grounds. Meanwhile, the NFL is facing ongoing litigation from former coach Brian Flores, who is black and has accused the league and its teams of discriminating against him.
This investigation by the Florida AG adds to the league’s legal and political challenges, as it navigates scrutiny over its hiring practices while also dealing with federal antitrust probes and discrimination lawsuits. The outcome could have implications for how the NFL manages its diversity initiatives and media partnerships moving forward.
