The NFL’s Rooney Rule, which was instituted to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in coaching staffs and front offices across the league, has come under fire recently, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier seeking to abolish it.
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who currently serves as the head coach at Norfolk State University, was recently asked during an appearance on NewsNation Live with Connell McShane about his feelings toward the rule.
“It’s all about putting the right people in a place, man. The most credible people, you know, not seeing color and appreciate what people bring to the table. That’s what it all boils down to,” Vick responded.
Even Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II acknowledged that the political climate has changed, appearing ready for a world in which the rule is phased out of the league.
“There’s no question that the environment has changed in recent years,” Rooney told ESPN earlier this week after Uthmeier’s move against the rule. “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.”
However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is reaffirming the league’s commitment to promoting diversity.
“Roger Goodell says the Rooney Rule is not going anywhere, despite the recent political maneuvering,” reported NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
It’s great that the league is taking diversity seriously, but questions continue to linger about the rule’s effectiveness.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.