NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the league’s diversity programmes, stating they will continue despite President Donald Trump’s recent executive order ending such initiatives in federal government.
Speaking at a pre-Super Bowl LIX press conference in New Orleans on Monday, Goodell emphasised that the NFL’s diversity efforts were implemented because “it was the right thing for the National Football League”.
“We’re not in this because it’s a trend to get in or a trend to get out of it,” Goodell told reporters.
The NFL commissioner highlighted how diversity initiatives have proven beneficial for the league’s development.
Roger Goodell has hit out at Donald Trump after repealing DEI laws
PA/Reuters
“We’ve not only convinced ourselves, we’ve proven ourselves, that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said.
He emphasised that these efforts were fundamental in attracting top talent both on and off the field.
“Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice. There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL,” he explained.
The commissioner said the approach focuses on considering candidates who reflect NFL communities.
President Trump’s executive order last month directed federal agencies to terminate diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.
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Roger Goodell insisted DEI policies in the NFL are going nowhere
PA
Several major companies, including Walmart, McDonald’s, Amazon, Ford and Lowe’s, have since rolled back their DEI initiatives.
When asked about potential tensions with corporate sponsors over diversity policies, Goodell maintained the NFL’s independence.
“We don’t make policies for our sponsors or any of the corporations or networks or partners that we deal with,” he said.
Donald Trump has wasted no time bringing in several executive orders since taking office in the White House
Reuters
Several NFL owners have connections to Trump’s campaign, including New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, who served as U.S. ambassador to the UK during the previous Trump administration.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly made a substantial donation to Trump’s inaugural committee, whilst New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross have also been linked to Trump.
Despite these ties, Goodell affirmed the owners’ support for the league’s diversity efforts, stating: “Our owners participate in everything that we do.”
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