NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was sent a message by a Florida Attorney General claiming that he is breaking the law. The video, which was shared across all social media platforms, has gone viral and led fans to believe that there is more to this story.
The accusations are in regard to the Rooney Rule. Here are the details.
Feb 13, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the Super Bowl 57 Winning Team Head Coach and MVP press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 13, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the Super Bowl 57 Winning Team Head Coach and MVP press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Florida Attorney General Accuses NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Of Breaking The Law
According to Attorney General James Uthmeier:
Professional sports are a visible example of a merit-based system, but through the Rooney Rule, the NFL requires its teams to use race-based hiring practices.
We are putting Commissioner Roger Goodell on notice: the Rooney Rule violates Florida law, and it must stop.
Here is the video:
Professional sports are a visible example of a merit-based system, but through the Rooney Rule, the NFL requires its teams to use race-based hiring practices.
We are putting Commissioner Roger Goodell on notice: the Rooney Rule violates Florida law, and it must stop. pic.twitter.com/g8La6TzUZw
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) March 25, 2026
What Is The Rooney Rule?
The Rooney Rule was originally established to allow diverse coaching opportunities in the NFL. The actual definition is as follows:
The Rooney Rule encourages hiring best practices to foster and provide opportunity to diverse leadership throughout the NFL.
The Rooney Rule is one part of the NFL’s effort to develop a deep, sustainable talent pool at all levels of the organization. The policy promotes diverse leadership among NFL clubs to ensure that promising candidates have the opportunity to prove they have the necessary skills and qualifications to excel.
Through hiring best practices, the Rooney Rule aims to increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager, and executive positions. This diversity enriches the game and creates a more effective, quality organization from top to bottom.
The NFL adopted the Rooney Rule in 2003 based on recommendations made by the league’s Workplace Diversity Committee, now known as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. It was named after then-chairman of the committee, Dan Rooney, the late owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Being that this is coming from a Florida Attorney General, a response from the league is almost guaranteed. This will be a developing story and is surely far from over. Stay tuned for any updates regarding this situation.
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