NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has finally weighed in on concerns raised by former Dolphins coach Brian Flores, who is suing the league for racial discrimination and unfair hiring practices affording preferential treatment to white candidates. In a memo sent to league executives Saturday morning, Goodell admits that while the NFL has taken measures to address its diversity issue, the results in recent years have been “unacceptable.”
“Racism and any form of discrimination is contrary to the NFL’s values,” the commissioner expressed. “Our goal is simple: make our efforts and those of the clubs more effective so that real and tangible results will be achieved.”
While others, including Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Broncos president of football operations John Elway (both named in Flores’ lawsuit), have gone on the defensive, Goodell, without going into specifics, acknowledges the league has fallen short in giving minority candidates a fair shake. “While the legal process moves forward, we will not wait to reassess and modify our strategies to ensure that they are consistent with our values and longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” the memo reads. “There is much work to do, and we will embrace this moment and seize the opportunity to become a stronger, more inclusive league.”
Throughout this process, Goodell plans to retain “outside experts” along with taking input from players and coaches. The league will also investigate Flores’ claim he was incentivized to tank, alleging Ross offered him $100,000 for each game the Dolphins lost in 2019. “We also take seriously any issue relating to the integrity of NFL games,” wrote Goodell. “These matters will be reviewed thoroughly and independently.”
Goodell is saying all the right things, but his words ring hollow without action. Now it’s up to the NFL to make good on its lofty promises of greater inclusion and “tangible” change.
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