Florida AG probes NFL's Rooney Rule with subpoena over hiring practices
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into the NFL’s Rooney Rule. A subpoena was issued on Wednesday, demanding documents and answers from the league. The rule, designed to promote diversity in hiring, has faced legal scrutiny in recent months. The Rooney Rule requires NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager, and coordinator roles. For the quarterbacks coach position, at least one minority candidate must be considered. The policy aims to expand opportunities and strengthen the league’s leadership pipeline.
In March, Uthmeier sent a warning letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, calling the rule 'blatant race and sex discrimination.' The league later updated the wording on its website, describing the rule as a set of best practices for broadening opportunity. Uthmeier acknowledged the change but argued it raised further questions.
Goodell previously stated that, despite shifting political views on diversity initiatives, he saw no legal issues with the policy. On Wednesday, the attorney general’s office sent a subpoena to Ted Ullyot, the NFL’s executive vice president and attorney. The league did not respond to requests for comment by the end of the day.
Uthmeier has now called for the NFL’s full cooperation with the investigation. The subpoena marks an escalation in the legal challenge against the Rooney Rule. Florida’s attorney general continues to press for clarity on the policy’s compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The NFL has yet to provide an official response to the latest developments.
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