NFL's Rooney Rule Stands Firm, Diversity Remains Priority

On April 1st, NFL Commissioner Rodger Gadel made a crystal clear at the league meetings in Phoenix, the Rooney Rule and Go-A-N-O-Ware.

Florida's Attorney General called it illegal and threatened lawsuits, claiming it forces hires based on race.

But Gadel shut that down quick, saying it's just a tool to interview diverse candidates for top jobs like head coach and general manager.

The rule kicked off back in 2003, named after Pittsburgh Steelers owner, Dan Rooney, to boost consideration of people of color in.

Leadership, it's evolved over time, now including women and outside coordinators too.

Gadel's stressed, it's not a mandate team still pick who they won, but it widens the talent pool.

Gadel faced questions head on and said no plans to scrap it, just tweaks if needed.

Steelers owner, Art Rooney the second, backed that up, noting they review policies yearly but expect no big shifts.

It's all about getting the best talent through broader searches.

Meanwhile, talks with referees stalled, so the leads prepping replacement crews with extra replay help from New York for obvious misses.

On expanding to an 18th game or more international games, Gadel said they'll wait for the new NFL players association director, JC Treter, too.

Settle in before negotiating.

Diversity stays front and center as the NFL eyes flag football in the Olympics, proving they're committed to evolving without backing down from core.

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