Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, stated that the results of its diversity efforts in coaching are unacceptable. He sent a memo to all clubs Saturday morning.
This memo is titled “Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” and was published four days after Brian Flores sued the NFL for discrimination in the hiring process.
Flores, prepared by the Miami DolphinsJan. 10, despite back-toback winning seasons. According to his lawsuit, he hopes to “shine the light on the racism that takes place within the NFL.”
Pittsburgh SteelersMike Tomlin is currently the league’s Black head coach.
Goodell stated, “Racism is not acceptable and any form discrimination is against the NFL’s core values.” “We have made substantial efforts to promote diversity, and have adopted many policies and programs that have produced positive changes in many areas. However, we must admit that the results were unacceptable especially with regard to head coaches. We will review and revaluate all policies, guidelines, initiatives, and programs relating to diversity and equity.
The memo stressed that Flores and other participants had “our thoughts and concerns.”
Flores is suing the NFL for unspecified damages. The lawsuit also seeks to increase the influence of Black people in the hiring process, objectivity in hiring for prominent positions, and transparency in pay. Flores is sueing the NFL. Denver Broncos New York GiantsFlores filed a complaint alleging discrimination during interview process. He also sued the Dolphins for firing him last month and Stephen Ross’ attempts to undermine Flores’ job. Flores claimed that Ross attempted to encourage Flores losing games by offering $100,000 bonuses for each loss in 2019. John Elway, a Broncos executive, appeared hungover at a job interview in 2019. The Giants also decided to hire Brian Daboll as their head coach before Flores was interviewed. Flores’ claims have been denied by all three teams.
Flores’ lawyers released a statement Saturday that suggested they “suspect” this is more of a PR stunt than a genuine commitment to change.
“The Commissioner’s statement today is, on the surface a positive first move, but we suspect this is more of an public relations ploy rather than a real commitment to change,” Flores attorneys Douglas H. Wigdor, and John Elefterakis stated in a statement. “For too long, the NFL has hidden behind foundations that were supposed protect Black coaches and players, while allowing systemic racial bias to fester in its top offices. This lawsuit was filed because the NFL is re-emulating its playbook. Although we would love to have a conversation with the Commissioner about real changes, he hasn’t reached out to us. The NFL has not even reached out to us. We believe that the NFL can no longer be policed by itself without a constructive discussion and concrete changes.
While the NFL tried to strengthen the Rooney Rule (which requires teams to interview minorities candidates and offers draft picks in an effort to encourage minority hiring), the numbers are trending down. New York JetsRobert Saleh, the head coach of the minority team, is the only one to be hired in the two previous cycles. He was the head coach for seven teams last year and five this year. This total does not include Black coaches.
General managers candidates fare better with two Black hires Chicago BearsRyan Poles Minnesota VikingsKwasi Adofo Mensah — chosen from the four hires made during this cycle.
Goodell stated, “While the legal proceedings (with Flores), move forward, but we will not hesitate to reassess, modify and amend our strategies to ensure they are consistent with values and our longstanding dedication to diversity, equality and inclusion.” “We recognize the importance of understanding the lived experiences of all members of the NFL family in order to ensure everyone has equal opportunity and is treated with dignity and respect.”
The league expects full cooperation and will review the issue of game integrity. Goodell stated that there is still much to be done and that the league will embrace this opportunity to build a stronger and more inclusive league.