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Florida Is Going After The NFL Over ‘Racist’ Rule

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

NFL logo.
NFL logo. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL might face a big problem soon if it doesn’t comply with the demands of Florida’s attorney general. James Uthmeier called for the league to suspend the Rooney Rule, one of the most controversial rules in the league.

Uthmeier sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday to express concern that the rule is “blatant race and sex discrimination,” exhorting the competition to make hires based only on merit.

“NFL fans in Florida don’t care what color their coach’s skin is,” Uthmeier wrote. “They care what colors their coach is wearing — and that those colors are winning on the football field.

“The Rooney Rule and its offshoots are illegal in Florida.”

The Rooney Rule requires teams to interview external minority candidates for specific positions, namely head coach, coordinator and general manager positions. Uthmeier also posted a video on social media on Wednesday to add more details.

Art Rooney II Reacts To Florida’s Attorney General Calling For The Rooney Rule Suspension

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II at press conference
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II speaks at a press conference at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On Friday, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, chair of the NFL’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, told ESPN the league will need to consider Uthmeier’s demands.

“There’s no question that the environment has changed in recent years,” Rooney told ESPN. “We do have an obligation to make sure that our policies comply with the laws, whatever the law is, and whatever the changes in law might be. We’ve got to look at that and make sure we’re in compliance. … That’s just the environment we’re existing in today.”

The rule was adopted in 2003, named after Art Rooney II’s father. In over two decades, fans and candidates haven’t been happy with the way the rule has been applied. A major change might be coming. If the NFL fails to meet Uthmeier’s demands, the situation could result in “a civil rights enforcement action.”

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