Florida AG James Uthmeier challenges NFL’s Rooney Rule, calling it ‘race-based discrimination’

NFL defends Rooney Rule amid Florida AG challenge

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he has no intention of ending the Rooney Rule regarding hiring practices. FOX 13's Heather Healy brings the latest updates.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeyer is making waves in the sports world this week with the NFL’s Rooney Rule, claiming it violates Florida’s employment laws banning discrimination.

What we know:

The rule, named after the late Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, has been put in place league-wide since 2003.  It requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager and coordinator positions. At least one minority candidate must be interviewed for the quarterbacks coach position.

What they're saying:

Uthmeier wrote a letter to NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, saying the Rooney Rule is discriminatory. Goodell addressed this at the conclusion of NFL league meetings on Tuesday in Phoenix.

"The Rooney Rule has been around a long time. We've evolved it, we've changed it. We'll continue to do that as circumstances warrant," Goodell said.

Uthmeier argues this rule amounts to blatant race and sex discrimination.

"The NFL’s use of the Rooney Rule violates Florida law by requiring race-based considerations in hiring. Florida law is clear. Hiring decisions cannot be based on race," said Attorney General Uthmeier.

The other side:

His Democrat counterparts say otherwise.

"It’s very much still needed. It’s a constant fight and a constant battle to make sure individuals are represented," said State Representative Daryl Campbell.

"The AG has forgotten what his role entails. By continuing to play this attack on diversity, equity and inclusion, what we are seeing is a continued push to try to keep that issue in the media as much as possible," Campbell added.

The rule has expanded since its inception, when it was applied to Black candidates for coaching jobs, to now cover all ethnic minorities and all senior football operations positions within a franchise. With this recent current offseason coaching carousel, there were 10 head coach openings, and none were filled by an African American.

 Currently, there are three Black NFL head coaches, one being with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Todd Bowles. On that list includes DeMeco Ryans with the Houston Texans and Aaron Glenn with the New York Jets.