James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General, reportedly issued an investigative subpoena to the league regarding the “Rooney Role”. Earlier, the attorney general had sent a letter to the league commissioner Roger Goodell in March, 2026. This week, the matter was officially promoted to a subpoena.
Rooney Rule Triggers Discrimination Violating Florida Employment Laws
According to the league statement, the “Rooney Rule” brings diversity which makes it mandatory for the franchises to interview two or more minority candidates hiring head coaches and senior football operators.
The NFL adopted the policies of the “Rooney Rule” in 2003. The warning letter that was sent in March 2026, NFL had removed and updated the language regarding “inclusive hiring” but the attorney still says it violates Florida’s trade practicing laws.
NFL logo on a football at the goal line
Jan 27, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; A view of the NFL logo on a football at the goal line during the second half between the East and the West at the Ford Center at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
According to Uthmeier, the “Rooney Rule” uses races and gender in the hiring process which is a form of discrimination. Such policy goes against Florida’s employment law. Florida employment law imposes partiality and equality regardless of race and gender which is violated due to the policies of the “Rooney Rule”.
“Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who in March threatened potential civil action against the NFL over the Rooney Rule, said Wednesday that he has issued an investigative subpoena to the league,” NFL insider Adam Schefterreported on X.
The “Rooney Rule” isn’t the only thing that is questioned. The NFL imposes Diversity Accelerator Program, Resolution JC-2A, and Offensive Assistant Mandate policies that awards teams with extra draft picks for hiring executives and coaches.
Even though the NFL have made changes in its language regarding this issue, league commissioner Roger Goodell stands firm with these policies saying they firmly believe these policies reflect their own value and it doesn’t break the law.
Regardless of the conflict, if the NFL commissioner fails to sort this out with the Florida attorney general, particular teams from Florida are going to face serious consequences.
Florida NFL Teams Including Dolphins, Buccaneers and Jaguars in Double-Trouble
If the conflict isn’t solved, the Florida based franchises are going to be in a tight spot. The Florida based franchises including the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be breaking the Florida employment laws if they follow NFL imposed “Rooney Rule” and other questioned policies.
On the other hand, if they don’t go with the “Rooney Rule” the NFL is likely to fine them. The situation now is rather complicated as the NFL commissioner stands firm with their policies.
“One thing that doesn’t change is our values,” said Goodell at the NFL Annual League Meeting in March. “We are well aware of the laws and that laws are changing or evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those, and we certainly will engage with the Florida AG, or anybody else, as we have in the past, to talk about our policies and what they are.”
Regardless of what the NFL authority believes, it’s ultimately up to them to come to a compromised resolution. Until then the Dolphins, Buccaneers and Jaguars stay hanging as the NFL authorities are to face the attorney general of Florida triggered by the subpoena.