Roger Goodell says the NFL is cooperating with Florida AG's Rooney Rule investigation
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a subpoena on May 13. Goodell will appear in Tallahassee on June 12.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Monday that the league is cooperating with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's investigation into the Rooney Rule and the NFL's other employment practices. The subpoena was issued on May 13 and orders the league to appear in Tallahassee on June 12.
What's the actual investigation about?
Uthmeier's office is investigating whether the Rooney Rule and the NFL's hiring-related programs constitute civil rights violations under Florida and federal law. In a letter to Goodell, Uthmeier called the Rooney Rule 'blatant race and sex discrimination.' The investigation also covers the NFL Accelerator Program, launched in 2022 to expand coach and front-office candidate pools.
What did Goodell actually say?
'We've been clear about the programs we have,' Goodell told reporters at the conclusion of the spring league meeting in Orlando. 'We evaluate them on an ongoing basis to make sure they're consistent with the law. We're engaging with the Florida attorney general's office and we'll share everything we're doing with them.' Goodell declined to comment on whether the league would alter the Rooney Rule based on the investigation.
Why Florida?
Florida has three NFL teams (Dolphins, Jaguars, Buccaneers), which gives the state attorney general jurisdiction over NFL hiring practices affecting Florida-based employers. Uthmeier, a Republican appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025, has prioritized litigation against private-sector diversity programs throughout his first term in office. The NFL subpoena fits within that broader pattern.
Where does this connect to the Flores case?
It doesn't, formally. Brian Flores' federal discrimination lawsuit alleges the Rooney Rule has been ineffective and that hiring practices have remained discriminatory. The Florida AG's investigation alleges the opposite (that the Rooney Rule itself is discriminatory). Both cases will likely cite each other's evidence as discovery proceeds. The two lawsuits represent the political pincer the NFL now sits between on hiring policy.
What's the likely outcome?
Multiple possibilities. The Florida AG could file civil charges against the NFL, the league could agree to modify the Rooney Rule or Accelerator program, or the investigation could close without action after Goodell's June 12 appearance. Most legal observers expect a multi-month inquiry. The NFL has signaled it will defend the policies but is open to procedural adjustments.
Sources
- NFL.com: Goodell says NFL cooperating with Florida AG after receiving subpoena
- ESPN: Goodell: NFL cooperating with Florida AG after receiving subpoena
- Fox Sports: Goodell says NFL is cooperating with Florida AG
- Washington Post: NFL cooperating with Florida AG after subpoena
