Goodell backs Rooney Rule amid litigation threat

PHOENIX -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the league's stance on the Rooney Rule clear after being challenged by Florida's attorney general: It is here to stay.

At the conclusion of the annual league meeting Tuesday, Goodell defended the NFL initiative, which aims to increase the diversity of hiring pools for key positions.

The Rooney Rule came under fire last week from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who sent a letter to Goodell threatening potential civil litigation if the rule was not eliminated.

"One thing that doesn't change is our values, and we believe that diversity has been a benefit to the National Football League," Goodell said. "We are well aware of the laws and where the laws are changing or evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those."

Established in 2003, the Rooney Rule initially required teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching vacancies. It has since expanded to include general manager and coordinator positions as well as the quarterback coach position. In 2020, league owners approved a change that stated if a team has a minority candidate who is hired as a general manager or a head coach of another team, the previous club is granted a compensatory third-round draft pick for two seasons.

In a video statement released March 25, Uthmeier contended that rule violated state law and is discriminatory.

"Florida law is clear -- hiring decisions cannot be based on race," Uthmeier said.

However, Goodell stressed Tuesday that the Rooney Rule is not a hiring mandate. He said the spirit of the initiative has proved to be successful, in football and even beyond.

"It's intended to try to help, and it's been used by industries far beyond football and far beyond the United States to help identify candidates, and a diverse set of candidates bring in better talent and give us an opportunity to hire the best talent, ultimately," Goodell said.

Despite the initiative, the Rooney Rule has not yielded more minority head coaches. Of the 10 openings across the NFL this offseason, Robert Saleh was the only minority candidate hired. Saleh, who was hired by the Tennessee Titans and previously was head coach of the New York Jets, is of Lebanese descent.

Goodell said the NFL is happy to engage with Uthmeier or any other legislators as the league continues to tweak and alter the rule over time.

"The clubs make those decisions individually," Goodell said. "And those are, I think, principles of how we try to get better -- bringing the best talent."

Among other notable issues Goodell discussed at his news conference:

• The NFL is moving forward in preparations for the upcoming season, with or without a new agreement with its officials.

Goodell once again acknowledged the lack of movement in negotiations between the league and the NFL Referees Association regarding a new collective bargaining agreement. The NFL is exploring the use of replacement officials while the situation remains unresolved.

"We will be prepared to play," Goodell said. "We are taking appropriate steps to be ready, but we're also keenly focused on negotiation. So we'd like to get a negotiated deal, and we certainly are focused on that."

This week in Phoenix, the NFL approved a rule that allows the league's officiating office in New York City to correct "clear and obvious mistakes" made by on-field officials. The rule will go into effect only if there is a work stoppage and will exist for the 2026 season only.

Goodell added that the NFL's "No. 1 objective" is improving officiating.

"We know that we can take officials who aren't performing at that level and either work with them to get better or find other officials who can do it," he said.

• The NFL underscored the sense of urgency for the Chicago Bears to resolve their stadium situation. The team is exploring a move to northwest Indiana after talks to secure public money from Illinois stalled.

Goodell highlighted the Bears' diligence in attempting to find a site for a new stadium. But the clock is ticking.

"I think it's really important that they come to a resolution on this relatively soon," Goodell said.

He highlighted the inferior conditions at Soldier Field, which last underwent major renovations before the 2003 season.

"They're still playing in Soldier Field, which has got a lot of great tradition," Goodell said. "But as far as advancements in technology and advancements in the quality of the stadium for the fan experience, I would say it's not at the top of the list there."

• Goodell did not have an update on New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch's standing following his inclusion in a batch of emails involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In exchanges that occurred around 2013, Tisch's name appeared 440 times in emails that were released in January. Goodell said the league will continue to "follow the facts" in the case. Tisch has not been charged or accused of any crimes.

"We have not found anything that's a violation at this stage," said Goodell, noting that Tisch and his siblings have transferred their ownership to their children's trusts.

• The NFL commissioner had a similar statement regarding Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, whose name has been linked to an assault and robbery case in Florida. Arnold also isn't currently facing charges, Goodell said.

"There are obligations of clubs to report areas where there's a potential for any personal conduct violations," Goodell said. "But we obviously will follow all of that and deal with it appropriately."