We have been studying racism, and where it is seen in our society today. In the sports world, racism is still prevalent. One report mentions the following:
“African-American head coaches make a million dollars less than their white counterparts. In college they make 400,000 less. While there are some black head coaches, the percentage is significantly smaller… blacks are significantly under represented.”
Evidently, whites are more represented in the head coaching spots, specifically regarding the NFL. Briefly in class someone mentioned the Rooney Rule, an NFL rule created by Dan Rooney in 2003, that states that “any team with a head coaching vacancy must interview at least one minority candidate in good faith or face commissioner sanctions.” Thus, this rule was intended to promote diversity among the head coaches in the National Football League. Later, the rule was changed to cover general managers’ spots as well.
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| Dan Rooney-- Steelers owner and founder of the Rooney Rule |
While some claim this is an example of affirmative action, it is not exactly the case. One article says that, “ Diversity did not increase because teams were required to hire a person of color; after all, the Rooney Rule requires only a meaningful interview, nothing more. Diversity increased because team decision-makers who took the rule seriously opened their minds to candidates who had previously been overlooked, and with open minds, they saw talent that had theretofore gone unrecognized.”
Clearly it is not exactly affirmative action because the teams is not “required to hire”, just simply to “interview”. A few years after the rule was implemented, diversity increased amongst the coaching staff.
There have definitely been steps toward eliminating the apparent racism in the coaching world. In fact, take a look at the five most recent Super Bowls. “Seven out of the ten teams in those games had either a head coach or general manager of color.”
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| Mike Tomlin-- Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, has lead his team to 2 Super Bowls, and one victory. |
Brooks,
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! I think that the Rooney Rule has made strides in sports, as you said, but could do more. It would be nearly impossible to justify why one coach makes a certain amount of money as opposed to a different amount; there is not a rubric for coaching. If team decided how much a coach's salary would be BEFORE anyone is hired, then it could not be specific to one person and thus influenced by prejudice. Thanks, again, this is really thought provoking!
Glenna, I agree with you in that people should set a salary before hiring a new head coach, but I disagree with the Rooney rule, because I feel it just breezes past racism. I think it helps with racism, but does not end it. It merely makes it look like the NFL is less racist.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you, but would like to ask whether this rule to interview candidates is simply an indirect way of requiring the NFL to hire more diverse coaches. I'm curious as to whether there was any incentive given to hiring an african american coach, or how coaches/managers of different race are addressed by reporters.
ReplyDelete@Carolyn: Well, I think *of course* this is an indirect way to accomplish that goal. The more important question might be WHY this is necessary in this day and age and apparently, it is.
ReplyDelete@Brooks. A very generative post. A little long so think about how to focus it tighter.