KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The National Football League is holding its ground regarding the Rooney Rule, a key diversity initiative, despite warnings from Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier. Uthmeier has called for changes to the policy, threatening legal action if the NFL does not comply. Today, we spoke with him to discuss the potential next steps.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear that the league plans to maintain its commitment to the Rooney Rule. “The Rooney Rule has a long history with us,” Goodell stated. “We have evolved and modified it over time, and will continue to adapt as needed.”
Despite Attorney General Uthmeier’s recent demand to eliminate the policy within Florida, the NFL remains steadfast. Commissioner Goodell is prepared to defend the rule, emphasizing its importance to the league’s operations.
Uthmeier has indicated that Florida is ready to proceed with legal action should the NFL choose not to amend the policy. “If they persist in violating Florida’s laws, we will be compelled to initiate legal proceedings to uphold our civil rights,” he asserted.
Enacted in 2003, the Rooney Rule mandates that NFL teams interview minority candidates for high-profile positions, such as head coach and general manager, to promote diversity within the league.
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Goodell says the league believes the rule aligns with changing legal standards. “We are well aware of the laws, and where the laws are changing and evolving, we think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those.”
Last week, Uthmeier released a video calling on the NFL to drop the Rooney Rule, saying it violates state law.
News 6 spoke with Uthmeier at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office during a press conference Wednesday about the NFL’s response.
Uthmeier says he wants the league to back away from the policy and claims the state has set a deadline.
“I hope they scrap this rule. I hope they revisit it. We’ve given them until May 1st to provide their official response to our office—the easy way or the hard way. If we have to do it the hard way, we will.”
When asked what happens if the state has to do it “the hard way,” Uthmeier says Florida would sue. “The state would seek legal recourse in state court.”
And this isn’t his first fight with a major company. Just last December, Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, claiming illegal race-based hiring practices. And the month before that, he sent a letter to Microsoft, alleging discrimination against faith-based groups. We reached out again this week for updates but have yet to hear back.
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