FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- One of the issues NFL owners discussed before wrapping up their meetings this morning was expanding the so-called "Rooney Rule" to the hiring of general managers as well as coaches. The rule, established in 2003, currently requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for vacant head coaching positions or face a fine. The change would apply the same rule to vacant GM positions.Commissioner Roger Goodell said the change could be implemented "almost immediately," though he first needs to speak with Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the father of the rule and the chair of the league's diversity committee. Rooney did not attend these meetings because he is currently undergoing the training required of him to become U.S. ambassador to Ireland per an appointment by President Barack Obama.
The Rooney Rule is generally credited in improving the NFL's record of minority hiring in its coaching ranks, and the hope is that it would have the same effect if applied to front-office positions.
Other topics addressed in this morning's session:
-Owners reviewed a report on the possible expansion of the regular season from 16 games to 17 or 18 but did not vote on it. Goodell has said he will present the plans to the players' union next month for their input, and it's possible this could be voted on when the owners meet again in Boston in the fall.
-There was discussion (but again no vote) on the idea of altering the league's tampering rules to allow teams to talk to free agents before the free agency period begins. But Goodell indicated that there was some resistance to a rule change.
"Quite honestly, there was some sentiment in the room that we have a rule and let's follow the rule," Goodell said.
-The NFL is in discussions with NBC about extending its current broadcast rights deal with that network. Tuesday they announced two-year extensions of their current deals with Fox and CBS.
-The league has decided to allow the use of its logos on state lottery scratch-off games, with the stipulation that they not be used in conjunction with any betting on the outcomes of its games. Goodell called that distinction "critical," especially in light of Delaware's recent decision to allow sports betting.
