News - July 25th, 2003
Statement of Kellen Winslow,
Executive Director of
The Fritz Pollard Alliance
With today's announcement, the Rooney Rule (the agreement that the NFL teams will interview at least one minority candidate prior to selecting a head coach) has finally arrived. When the Rooney Rule was first announced in December, our attorneys, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. and Cyrus Mehri, applauded the NFL's intent, but stated that the key was the implementation and enforceability of the Rule (statement attached).
Now, on behalf of FPA's members, I am happy to applaud the League for making the Rooney Rule enforceable, which is a major step in leveling the playing field in the NFL. We are pleased that the Rule now has teeth and hope today's announcement sends a strong message to owners to embrace inclusive hiring practices going forward. Ultimately, we hope that the Rooney Rule will be expanded to all coaching, scouting and front office positions.
Established in March of 2003, the FPA is an affinity group of NFL minority coaches, scouts and front office personnel. Fritz Pollard was the first black coach in NFL history, coaching from 1921 through 1926, when NFL owners banned black players and coaches.
Black Coaches in the National Football League: Superior Performance, Inferior Opportunities by Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. and Cyrus Mehri can be found at www.FindJustice.com.