Attorney General James Uthmeier is warning that he won’t stop pushing the NFL to suspend the “Rooney Rule.”
Uthmeier was asked about the standoff with the NFL during an unrelated event in Osceola County.
“The NFL’s had this rule where they require teams to interview minorities before they make a decision,” Uthmeier said. “It’s wrong. If they want to continue to break Florida law, we will enforce the civil rights law.”
While Uthmeier hasn’t detailed what steps he will take next, he said he will confront the NFL.
“I do not believe the NFL is racist, (but) I hope they scrap this rule,” Uthmeier said, adding that the league can take “the easy way or the hard way. If they want to take the hard way, we will.”
Uthmeier recently sent a letter demanding the suspension of the rule. He said the league has until May 1 to formally respond. Uthmeier said the league is violating the Florida Civil Rights Act enacted in 1992.
“The Rooney Rule violates Florida law, and it must stop,” Uthmeier said March 24 in a statement on X. “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.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this week said the league has no intention of changing the regulation that requires franchises to interview at least two minorities before finalizing hires for head coach and other executive positions. The rule was instituted in 2003 and has undergone several modifications.
NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo this week reported on Goodell’s response.
“One thing that doesn’t change is our values. … The Rooney Rule is not a hiring mandate,” Goodell said, according to Garafolo’s account.
Goodell added that the Rooney Rule helps “identify a diverse set of candidates” and clubs “hire the best talent. … That’s how we get better.”
Deborah Coffey says
I’m sorry but, all the MAGAs and Fascists must be completely exhausted from all the hatred they carry within themselves. Do they think by promoting all that hatred that everybody will join in their crusade of hate, disdain, and disrespect for others? Do they hope and believe we will all become exhausted, too, so that they can just grab complete control over us…they’re dead wrong. The biggest problem they keep handing millions of us as we try to live out our Christianity of “love thy neighbor as ourselves” is having to forgive them on an hourly basis. And, that IS tiring but, it IS also the winning strategy. Love always triumphs.
JANET SULLIVAN says
Deborah, I AM exhausted, as I know are you and our like-minded friends and acquaintances. But exhausted does not mean done. We are by no means done.
Rick G says
The Florida AG us showing us who he is…..
Laurel says
You know, the only people who they are fooling about merits are the mediocre and subpar. Look at Hegseth. He fires people of merit. I’ve known bosses like that, they intentionally promote people who are dumber than rocks, as those people are no threat.
Gina says
Trump said it himself , smart people don’t like him:
‘Smart People Don’t Like Me’ — Donald Trump’s Remark Deepens …
http://www.inquisitr.com/smart-people-dont-like-me...
Sep 15, 2025 · Donald Trump’s viral comment that “smart people don’t like me” has reignited debate over his stance on education, elites, and intellectualism. Critics accuse him of promoting anti-intellectualism, while allies say he’s speaking for everyday Americans.
Guy says
Can anyone imagine what would happen if all states were able to force national professional sports to obey their ridiculous, unconstitutional laws?
Old Rumrunner says
Would the NFL consider moving or decommissioning the three teams in Florida?