{"id":3184,"date":"2022-04-11T20:07:27","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T00:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journals.law.harvard.edu\/jsel\/?p=3184"},"modified":"2023-07-25T11:40:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T15:40:15","slug":"racism-and-the-rooney-rule-how-american-and-english-football-are-looking-to-tackle-the-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journals.law.harvard.edu\/jsel\/2022\/04\/racism-and-the-rooney-rule-how-american-and-english-football-are-looking-to-tackle-the-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"Racism and The Rooney Rule: How American and English Football Are Looking To Tackle The Problem."},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Lincoln T. Lair[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite their differences, English Football (association football) and American Football share many similarities.\u00a0 They are both the most watched sport in their respective countries, fans revolve their weekends and lives around their team or club\u2019s schedule, and they both provide a sense of comradery and passion.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the comradery for fans in both sports can be blocked by biases and prejudices, and their passion for the game can switch to an unrelenting and irrational hatred in a matter of seconds.\u00a0 This breeds an unwanted similarity between the two sports: racism.<\/p>\n

Racial Abuse in English Football<\/u><\/p>\n

One instance in England that brought racism to light involved the racial abuse and unnecessary criticism directed towards three young Black players for the England National Team after the loss in the UEFA European Championship Final this past summer.[2]<\/a>\u00a0 Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jaden Sancho all \u201cwere subjected to racist abuse online\u201d following the loss.[3]<\/a>\u00a0 The game was level at the end of regulation at one-to-one, and with no goals scored in extra time the game was destined for penalties.[4]<\/a>\u00a0 In preparation for the penalty shoot-out to decide the winner, England\u2019s manager Gareth Southgate brought on Marcus Rashford and Jaden Sancho, while Saka was already on the pitch having played the entire match.[5]<\/a>\u00a0 Southgate chose these three players because of the abilities they showed in training while practicing penalties.[6]<\/a>\u00a0 Italy ended up winning the penalty shootout four-to-two with Marcus Rashford, Jaden Sancho, and Bukayo Saka being the three English players who failed to score their penalties.[7]<\/a>\u00a0 People were quick to point out that the three players who did not score were all Black, which sparked racial abuse towards the players.[8]<\/a>\u00a0 The English Football Association and London Metropolitan Police quickly denounced the racial animus and announced that an investigation would commence to find out who was involved.[9]<\/a>\u00a0 Even though countless individuals who abused the \u201cthree young lions\u201d will never be found and put to justice, the police did arrest one witless man who \u201clivestreamed himself on Facebook racially abusing three England football players.\u201d[10]<\/a>\u00a0 Troopz, a former Arsenal Fan TV personality and Black man born in England, who currently works for Barstool Sports, provided an interesting perspective on that incident.\u00a0 Troopz empathized with the Black footballers as he experienced that same hatred on some occasions himself, stating on his Podcast Back Again<\/em>: \u201c[T]hey pick and choose when they like us .\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0they pick us up and then when it\u2019s not going right they drop us.\u201d[11]<\/a>\u00a0 His statement rings true as all three of the players now compete for two of the largest clubs in England \u2013 Saka for Arsenal, and Rashford and Sancho for Manchester United (after Sancho moved from Germany\u2019s Borussia Dortmund this past Summer via the transfer window).\u00a0 Unfortunately, many of these fans who supported these players with their success in club football, as well as fans celebrating their success in England\u2019s run to the Euro Final, turned nasty as soon as things did not work out for their team.\u00a0 Marcus Rashford\u2019s abuse came as a complete surprise since he worked to help the poor in England during the Pandemic by using his influence to help keep free school lunches available to kids even as the economy deteriorated.[12]<\/a>\u00a0 The racial abuse on Rashford has seen new light recently with an English court sentencing a nineteen year old to prison for six weeks for his tweet that \u201ctargeted a footballer [Rashford] based on the color of his skin.\u201d[13]<\/a>\u00a0 Mark Johnson of the Crown Prosecution Service described the tweet as \u201cclearly racist and a hate crime.\u201d[14]<\/a>\u00a0 Johnson continued by saying, \u201c[t]hose who racially abuse footballers ruin the game for all. \u00a0I hope this case sends out the message that we will not tolerate racism and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.\u201d[15]<\/a>\u00a0 Only time will tell if this case is effective in deterring racism in football, but one thing is for sure, that England does not intend to mess around when it comes to punishing those who racially abuse.<\/p>\n

Despite the bitterness of this sad story, one upside can be found in the many people who backed the players after the penalty shootout and then again after finding out about the abuse the players encountered.\u00a0 Troopz himself created a shirt with Barstool to help show his support for the players.[16]<\/a>\u00a0 Arsenal placed positive and loving letters on a wall of its training center created by fans for its player Bukayo Saka once he returned to training with the club after the Euros.[17]<\/a>\u00a0 Jason Sudeikis, star of Ted Lasso,<\/em> brought this event to light in U.S. pop culture when he wore a \u201cJaden & Marcus & Bukayo\u201d shirt to an event at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.[18]<\/a><\/p>\n

Events from abroad also influenced the discussion in England.\u00a0 The killing of George Floyd sparked a conversation about racism in the Premier League just as it did in the United States.[19]<\/a>\u00a0 For nine match days following George Floyd\u2019s murder, Premier League players wore badges with the phrase \u201cBlack Lives Matter.\u201d[20]<\/a>\u00a0 The Premier League thereafter replaced the badges with its own initiative \u201cNo Room for Racism.\u201d[21]<\/a>\u00a0 This change occurred because certain policy ideologies that the Black Lives Matter organization held, including defunding the police, made the league uncomfortable.[22]<\/a>\u00a0 Chief Executive of the Premier League Richard Masters claimed \u201c[w]e\u2019re drawing a clear distinction between a moral cause and a political movement.\u201d Thus, while the Premier League is seeking to eliminate racism in football, it is not tying itself to the Black Lives Matter organization.[23]<\/a>\u00a0 Arsenal, the club of Bukayo Saka (one of the racially abused players following the Euro Final), created three principles that answer the question of \u201cwhat can I do?\u201d in regard to racism in England.[24]<\/a>\u00a0 The three principles are: (1) To Listen; (2) To Educate and; (3) To Act.[25]<\/a>\u00a0 This new initiative coincides with \u201cArsenal For Everyone,\u201d an initiative started in 2008 that seeks to highlight \u201cthe diversity of the Arsenal family.\u201d[26]<\/a>\u00a0 That initiative seeks to instill a sense of equality between all supporters of Arsenal no matter their race, religion, economic status, sexuality, or disability. \u00a0Defender Rob Holding exemplified this different and forward-way of thinking during a match between Arsenal and Leeds United when an unnamed Black player on the Arsenal bench suffered racial abuse during the match.[27]<\/a>\u00a0 Holding, a member of the Arsenal players leadership group who also happened to be on the bench during that match, approached the fourth official to report the racial abuse.[28]<\/a>\u00a0 The police eventually located and arrested the fan who was then permanently banned from Leeds United for any future home or away matches.[29]<\/a>\u00a0 Ian Wright, a Black man and legend for Arsenal, praised Rob Holding\u2019s actions,<\/p>\n

\u2018You have to applaud people like Rob Holding.\u00a0 When you are being racially abused it\u2019s very difficult to get up and do that as a Black person without people coming down and piling on and saying \u2018here he goes, here he goes.\u2019\u00a0 So for Rob Holding to get up and do that for his teammates is something for me, being in a dressing room and knowing what that\u2019s like wanting that kind of help, that is fantastic.\u2019[30]<\/a><\/p>\n

Racial Abuse in The NFL<\/u><\/p>\n

Here in America, National Football League players are also subject to racial abuse.\u00a0 Ryan Clark, a former safety who played for teams in New York, Washington, and Pittsburgh shed light on this topic when he shared a vulgar and rage-inducing message sent to him via Instagram by a racist Green Bay fan.[31]<\/a> \u00a0Ryan Clark responded with \u201cGod bless you and yours. \u00a0I pray you live forever.\u201d[32]<\/a>\u00a0 This response shows Clark\u2019s impressive and commendable levelheadedness, especially considering that racial abuse has happened not only to him but also his son as well.[33]<\/a><\/p>\n

The NFL in recent years has upped its game in attempting to combat racism in the sport. \u00a0In 2020 the NFL announced \u201cplans to pledge $250 million over 10 years to causes that work to end racial injustice.\u201d[34]<\/a>\u00a0 The initiative followed shortly after the murder of George Floyd and included Commissioner Roger Goodell stating, \u201c[w]e, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all players to speak out and peacefully protest.\u201d[35]<\/a>\u00a0 One initiative started in the following season was the \u201cSay their Stories\u201d initiative which gave players, officials, and coaches the chance to \u201cchoose either the name of [a social justice hero,] a victim [of police brutality,] or one of four pre-approved phrases from the NFL to display on their helmets or hats, including \u201cStop hate,\u201d \u201cIt takes all of us,\u201d \u201cEnd racism,\u201d or \u201cBlack Lives Matter.\u201d[36]<\/a>\u00a0 In total there were 87 names that could be chosen.[37]<\/a>\u00a0 As one example, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara chose to wear Ahmaud Arbery\u2019s name on the back of his helmet because he saw so many similarities between himself and Ahmaud; they both were from Georgia, they both loved football, and as kids both dreamed of playing in the NFL.[38]<\/a>\u00a0 Another initiative seen on an NFL field was the \u201cmoment of unity\u201d between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans.[39]<\/a>\u00a0 This one came from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and then-Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.[40]<\/a>\u00a0 The players from both teams met in the middle of the field and locked arms as a symbol of unity while seven phrases that the two quarterbacks developed with the other players were shown on the scoreboard which read \u201cWe support equality, We must end racism, We believe in justice for all, We must end police brutality, We choose unconditional love, We believe Black lives matter, and It takes all of us.\u201d[41]<\/a>\u00a0 While some fans booed during the moment, those boos were quickly drained out by the applause at the end of it.[42]<\/a>\u00a0 This response provides a symbolic representation of its own in that when the majority of people are silent, the racist few are given a platform; but when the majority who are against it speak up, the oppressors are drowned out with love and unity.\u00a0 I believe moments like this should happen more often because in the words of former NBA player Etan Thomas, \u201cthese messages do not denigrate the military.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. They do not tell people who to vote for. \u00a0They do not call for the flag to be burned. \u00a0They just call for simple goals, reasonable to any right-thinking person, no matter what their race or political persuasion.\u201d[43]<\/a>\u00a0 These moments provide something the whole nation can and should get behind. \u00a0They do not draw in political ties like so many other things in this country do.\u00a0 All it is are individuals coming together to help bring awareness to and help end racism in America.<\/p>\n

Hiring Practices in The NFL and the Rooney Rule<\/u><\/p>\n

Although the racism encountered in English football and American football are similar, the implementation of the Rooney Rule provides a stark contrast on how the sports respond to racism.[44]<\/a> \u00a0The Rooney Rule in the NFL requires organizations to interview minority candidates for coordinator, head coach, and senior level positions.[45]<\/a>\u00a0 While the requirements have changed throughout the years, as of 2021, the rule requires \u201cevery team to interview at least two external minority candidates for open head coaching positions and at least one external minority candidate for a coordinator job. \u00a0Additionally, at least one minority and\/or female candidate must be interviewed for senior level positions.\u201d[46]<\/a>\u00a0 Although this mandate does not require hiring of a minority candidate, it does require teams to interview minorities for leadership positions.\u00a0 The hiring of Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay has shed light on an additional aspect of the Rooney Rule which was unknown to most people.\u00a0 The Rooney Rule does not apply to hiring\u2019s after March 1st<\/sup>.[47]<\/a>\u00a0 The thought process behind this exception is that most coaching staffs are locked into place by March and other teams can, after March 1st<\/sup>, prevent coaches on their staff from interviewing for other positions.[48]<\/a>\u00a0 Tampa Bay wanted to hire internally and quickly because they wanted to keep their staff as similar to what they had when they won the Super Bowl and by hiring their defensive coordinator they accomplished that mission.[49]<\/a>\u00a0 This is not the first time Tampa Bay has hired an African-American head coach internally without conducting a full search.[50]<\/a>\u00a0 When they fired Jon Gruden they quickly installed Raheem Morris to fill the position.[51]<\/a>\u00a0 When that hiring occurred the Rooney rule only required that a team interview one minority candidate but now the requirement is two candidates and thus without the March 1st<\/sup> exception Tampa Bay would be violating the Rule even though they hired an African-American.\u00a0 Because Tampa Bay ended up hiring an African-American it is possible that the NFL will not work quickly to remove the March 1st<\/sup> exception however now that the exception is made more known there is a possibility that teams could take advantage of it and seek to hire post March 1st<\/sup> in order to not have to comply with the Rooney Rule.\u00a0 Hopefully, we will not see a time when a team purposely seeks to hire a coach after March 1st in order to avoid interviewing minority coaching candidates, but as the rule is currently, there is a possibility that that could happen.<\/p>\n

Since its creation in 2003, teams have hired eighteen African American or other minority candidates as head coaches.[52]<\/a>\u00a0 While that may seem like a large number, the actual benefits of the Rooney Rule and its effectiveness remain in question.\u00a0 For example, as of late March 2022, the NFL consists of only six minority head coaches; Mike Tomlin, Robert Saleh, Ron Rivera, Mike McDaniel, Lovie Smith, and Todd Bowles.[53]<\/a>\u00a0 McDaniel, Smith, and Bowles were all recently added to this number, having been hired in this recent cycle.[54]<\/a>\u00a0 Recent legal news put the NFL\u2019s hiring practices under a spotlight with former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores suing the NFL and three teams for, among other things, discrimination regarding the interview process.[55]<\/a>\u00a0 The lawsuit accuses these teams of giving \u201csham\u201d interviews to Flores and other minorities in order to fulfill the requirement of the Rooney Rule but not actually considering them for the coaching job.[56]<\/a>\u00a0 The lawsuit goes even further to allege that the Dolphins owner offered to pay Flores $100,000 per loss he got the team last season to secure a more favorable position in the upcoming draft, violating NFL anti-tampering laws.[57]<\/a>\u00a0 It remains to be determined if the lawsuit will receive its day in court due to the likelihood of an arbitration clause in Flores\u2019s contract.[58]<\/a>\u00a0 Civil rights cases have been arbitrated in the past, but it is possible for a court to allow a claim of \u201cintentional wrongdoing\u201d and \u201csystematic racism\u201d to be heard.[59]<\/a>\u00a0 If this case is tried rather than arbitrated, that allows the case to be in the \u201cpublic sunshine\u201d and will prevent the league from sweeping anything under the rug they would potentially want to keep hidden.[60]<\/a>\u00a0 This lawsuit undoubtedly played a factor in the hiring of minority coaches in the most recent cycle, especially given its revelations on the disproportionality of the racial makeup of NFL coaches.\u00a0 The recent addition of three minority coaches is seen by many as insufficient, given the fact that ten NFL teams were looking to hire head coaches this cycle. \u00a0As such, people of color made up only thirty percent representation in the current cycle and a little over eighteen percent in representation throughout all NFL head coaches.\u00a0 These numbers are shockingly low given the fact that roughly seventy percent of NFL players are Black.[61]<\/a>\u00a0 Out of the NFL head coaching positions, before this current cycle, eleven of them are held by someone who is related to a former or current NFL head coach either by blood or through marriage.[62]<\/a> With this group making up a little over thirty-four percent of NFL head coaches, this means that someone possesses a greater chance of becoming a head coach in the NFL as an in-law to a current or former head coach than as a person of color.\u00a0 While many other factors are certainly considered when a team is selecting its new head coach, the data above certainly shows that far too often qualified minority coaches are pushed aside.<\/p>\n

Hiring Practices in the Premier League and Other Leagues in England<\/u><\/p>\n

In England, the Premier League refuses to implement the Rooney Rule or create its own implementation for requiring clubs to interview minority candidates.[63]<\/a>\u00a0 Despite a push for its inclusion by Gordon Taylor, chief executive officer of the Professional Footballers\u2019 Association, who stated that there is a \u201chidden resistance\u201d leading to Black and minority coaches not being hired in England, the Premier League continues to refuse mandating interviews.[64]<\/a>\u00a0 When Gordon Taylor made that claim in 2014, only two teams out of the 92 clubs in the entire English league system employed Black managers .[65]<\/a>\u00a0 These two coaches later spoke out against<\/em> the implementation of the Rooney Rule in England stating that they did not want \u201cto be interviewed because it\u2019s filling a quota.\u201d[66]<\/a>\u00a0 Despite the Premier League\u2019s refusal to implement the Rooney Rule, the English Football League, which consists of the three lower leagues in England\u2019s league system below the Premier League, adopted the rule in 2019.[67]<\/a>\u00a0 While the numbers of Black managers rose ever so slightly for the lower leagues after the Rooney Rule was adopted,[68]<\/a> the Premier League stayed disappointingly consistent, with Crystal Palace Manager Patrick Viera, being the only black manager in the Premier League.[69]<\/a>\u00a0 Another metric demonstrations issues in representational hiring is the dramatically disproportional percentage between Black players and Black managers.[70]<\/a>\u00a0 Manchester City star Raheem Sterling spoke out on this matter stating, \u201c[t]here\u2019s something like 500 players in the Premier League and a third of them are Black and we have no representation of us in the hierarchy, no representation of us in the coaching staffs.\u201d[71]<\/a>\u00a0 With so many managers being former players, England should seek to have at least a close to proportional number of Black managers compared to Black players instead of feeling satisfied with three of the four leagues mandatorily interviewing minority candidates (known as BAME, or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic, in England).\u00a0 But in order for that to occur, the \u201chidden resistance\u201d must be eliminated. \u00a0This is why the efforts of No Room for Racism at an organizational level and Arsenal for Everyone and its counterparts at the club level will be pivotal in England\u2019s battle against racism.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/u><\/p>\n

In conclusion, racism persists in sports in both the United States and also England, but as long as clubs, leagues, and football associations continue to indoctrinate their own internal measurements to combat racism, we could see an improvement in both how everyone is treated and proper representation in managerial positions.\u00a0 Although there is still such a long way to go, many organizations are taking the right steps towards improving themselves and the world around them. \u00a0Arsenal put out a fitting statement, putting forth some of the important questions everyone in sports should ask themselves:<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s important we continue to ask ourselves, how can we do better? \u00a0We must listen and be prepared to learn, and we must ensure we take meaningful action. \u00a0We know our work is far from over, but we move forward focused and undeterred in our fight against all forms of discrimination.”[72]<\/a><\/p>\n

Some people may never change, but if every generation seeks to continue to push closer together and farther from racial biases of the past, progress will be made.<\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> Student at St. Mary\u2019s University School of Law.\u00a0 The author would like to thank his Sports Law Professor David\u00a0A.\u00a0Grenardo for providing insight and feedback throughout the writing process.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Racist Abuse Targets 3 English Players Who Missed Penalties<\/em>, Associated Press (June\u00a011, 2021), https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/europe-sports-soccer-international-soccer-world-cup-d5f2aa978ad8bd8d74994bcd2528edfa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> Tyler Lauletta, England’s Hopes at Euro 2020 Were Crushed After 2 Subs Brought on Specifically For Penalty Kicks Failed At Their Only Job<\/em>, Insider (July\u00a012, 2021, 2:40\u00a0PM), https:\/\/www.insider.com\/england-penalty-kicks-marcus-rashford-jadon-sancho-2021-7<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> Steven Chicken, Gareth Southgate Reveals Why Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford Got England Penalty Shootout Nod<\/em>, Manchester Evening News (July\u00a012, 202, 8:50\u00a0AM), https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/southgate-sancho-rashford-penalty-england-21027893<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Racist Abuse Targets 3 English Players Who Missed Penalties<\/em>, Associated Press (June\u00a011, 2021), https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/europe-sports-soccer-international-soccer-world-cup-d5f2aa978ad8bd8d74994bcd2528edfa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> PA Media, Man Jailed For Racially Abusing Rashford, Sancho and Saka After Euro 2020 Final<\/em>, Guardian (Nov.\u00a03, 2021), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2021\/nov\/03\/football-fan-jailed-for-racially-abusing-rashford-sancho-and-saka-after-final-euro-2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> Back Again with Troopz, Euro Rap Up, Transfer News & Arsenal Lose to Hibs<\/em>, Barstool Sports, at\u00a06:46 (July\u00a018, 2021) (downloaded using iTunes).<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a> Patrick Butler, Rashford Demands A ‘Meal A Day’ For All School Pupils in Need, Guardian (Jan.\u00a020, 2021), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/education\/2021\/jan\/20\/rashford-demands-a-meal-a-day-for-all-school-pupils-in-need<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[13]<\/a> Teenager Jailed For 6 Weeks For Racially Abusing Rashford<\/em>, New Haven Register (Mar.\u00a030, 2022, 11:12\u00a0AM), https:\/\/www.nhregister.com\/sports\/article\/Teenager-jailed-for-6-weeks-for-racially-abusing-17038996.php<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[14]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[15]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[16]<\/a> Young Kings Tee, <\/em>Barstool Store, https:\/\/store.barstoolsports.com\/products\/young-kings-tee?variant=39452359327841&gclid=CjwKCAiAo4OQBhBBEiwA5KWu_95ORVtprNweNVhXChRVNyq3i1LLwJ567qt_VywwLfCtHyHtHWwpbRoCWDkQAvD_BwE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[17]<\/a> James Walker-Roberts, Bukayo Saka Welcomed Back to Arsenal With Wall of Letters Following EURO 2020 Racist Abuse With England<\/em>, EuroSport (Aug.\u00a04, 2021), https:\/\/www.eurosport.com\/football\/premier-league\/2021-2022\/bukayo-saka-welcomed-back-to-arsenal-with-wall-of-letters-following-euro-2020-racist-abuse-with-engl_sto8472920\/story.shtml<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[18]<\/a> Abid Rahman, Jason Sudeikis Shows Support for England\u2019s Black Soccer Players at \u2018Ted Lasso\u2019 Premiere<\/em>, Hollywood Rep. (July\u00a015, 2021), https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-news\/jason-sudeikis-jadon-marcus-bukayo-top-1234983244\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[19]<\/a> Mark Ogden, Premier League to Display No Room For Racism Instead of Black Lives Matter Badges on Kits<\/em>, ESPN (Sept.\u00a010, 2020), https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/english-premier-league\/story\/4178139\/premier-league-display-no-room-for-racism-instead-of-black-lives-matter-on-kits<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[20]<\/a> Paul MacInnes, Premier League Drops Black Lives Matter Badge From Shirts for Own Campaign<\/em>, Guardian (Sept.\u00a010, 2020), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2020\/sep\/10\/premier-league-drop-black-lives-matter-badge-from-shirts-for-own-campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[21]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[22]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[23]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[24]<\/a> Arsenal Media, There is No Room For Racism Anywhere<\/em>, Arsenal (Oct.\u00a015, 2021), https:\/\/www.arsenal.com\/news\/there-no-room-racism-anywhere<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[25]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a>; See <\/em>David A. Grenardo, It\u2019s Worth a Shot: Can Sports Combat Racism in the United States?<\/em>, 12\u00a0Harv. J, Sports & Ent. L. 237, 295 (These principles line up with the \u201cthree E\u2019s\u201d discussed in the article It\u2019s Worth a Shot: Can Sports Combat Racism in the United States?<\/em>. \u00a0<\/em>Those three E\u2019s being, (1) education (2) experiences (3) early.\u00a0 Arsenal are following step 1 in their principle to educate, they are both learning from different experiences as well as having their own positive experiences through theirs to listen and to act with principles, and finally they are fulfilling the early E by instilling these values in the children of their community and academy. \u00a0This explains the significant role sports can play in combatting racism in society and uncovers a similarity between the United States and England in their use of sport to help combat racism throughout their societies.).<\/p>\n

[26]<\/a> Arsenal For Everyone<\/em>, Arsenal, https:\/\/www.arsenal.com\/community\/arsenal-for-everyone<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[27]<\/a> See <\/em>PA Staff, Rob Holding Praised For \u2018Taking Stand\u2019 by Flagging Alleged Racist Abuse at Leeds<\/em>, Four Four Two (Dec.\u00a019, 2021), https:\/\/www.fourfourtwo.com\/us\/news\/rob-holding-praised-for-taking-stand-by-flagging-alleged-racist-abuse-at-leeds-1639927412000<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[28]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[29]<\/a> Bobby Vincent, Leeds United fan arrested after alleged racist abuse of Arsenal players<\/em>, Football London (Dec.\u00a018, 2021), https:\/\/www.football.london\/arsenal-fc\/news\/leeds-united-fan-arsenal-breaking-22509095<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[30]<\/a> James Goldman, Ian Wright Praises Rob Holding for Reporting Racist Abuse of Arsenal Teammate<\/em>, Metro UK (Dec.\u00a019, 2021), https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2021\/12\/19\/ian-wright-praises-rob-holding-for-reporting-racist-abuse-of-arsenal-teammate-15793477\/<\/a> (quoting Ian Wright).<\/p>\n

[31]<\/a> Tyler Conway, ESPN NFL Analyst Ryan Clark Reveals Racist, Anti-Gay Message He Received on Instagram<\/em>, Bleacher Report (Nov.\u00a023, 2021), https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/10018951-espn-nfl-analyst-ryan-clark-reveals-racist-anti-gay-message-he-received-on-instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[32]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[33]<\/a> See <\/em>Id<\/em><\/a> (providing the information that Ryan Clark\u2019s son and teammates were racially abused by a customer while at a restaurant).<\/p>\n

[34]<\/a> Matt Vautour, Black Lives Matter: NFL Pledges $250 Million To \u2018Combat Systemic Racism\u2019<\/em>, Mass Live (June\u00a011, 2020), https:\/\/www.masslive.com\/patriots\/2020\/06\/black-lives-matter-nfl-to-pledge-250-million-to-combat-systemic-racism-report.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[35]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[36]<\/a> The NFL Will Say Their Stories<\/em>, Fox Sports (Sept.\u00a010, 2020), https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/stories\/nfl\/nfl-social-justice-initiatives<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[37]<\/a> Inspire Change: Say Their Stories<\/em>, NFL, https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/photos\/inspire-change-say-their-stories#1cc8ad40-352e-41a7-a4cd-22744f9d1b4e<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[38]<\/a> Say Their Stories: Ahmaud Arbery as told by Alvin Kamara<\/em>, NFL, https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/videos\/say-their-stories-ahmaud-arbery-as-told-by-alvin-kamara<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[39]<\/a> How Watson, Mahomes Worked on NFL Moment of Unity<\/em>, NBC Sports, https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/video\/kansas-city-chiefs-houston-texans-join-together-moment-unity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[40]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[41]<\/a> Etan Thomas, The Boos at The NFL Opener Show What Many in White America Think of Equality<\/em>, Gaurdian (Sept.\u00a011, 2020, 11:53\u00a0AM), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2020\/sep\/11\/kansas-city-chiefs-boos-moment-of-unity-nfl-football<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[42]<\/a> How Watson, Mahomes Worked on NFL Moment of Unity<\/em>, NBC Sports, https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/video\/kansas-city-chiefs-houston-texans-join-together-moment-unity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[43]<\/a> Etan Thomas, The Boos at The NFL Opener Show What Many in White America Think of Equality<\/em>, Guardian (Sept.\u00a011, 2020, 11:53\u00a0AM), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2020\/sep\/11\/kansas-city-chiefs-boos-moment-of-unity-nfl-football<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[44]<\/a> See The Rooney Rule, <\/em>NFL Operations, https:\/\/operations.nfl.com\/inside-football-ops\/diversity-inclusion\/the-rooney-rule\/<\/a> (explaining the Rooney Rule).<\/p>\n

[45]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[46]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[47]<\/a> Mike Florio, The Hiring of Todd Bowles Exposes a Previously Unknown Rooney Rule Loophole<\/em>, NBC Sports (Mar.\u00a031, 2022, 10:15\u00a0AM), https:\/\/profootballtalk.nbcsports.com\/2022\/03\/31\/the-hiring-of-todd-bowles-exposes-a-previously-unknown-rooney-rule-loophole\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[48]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[49]<\/a> Jenna Laine, Todd Bowles To Take Over As Head Coach of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, With Bruce Arians Stepping Into Front-Office Role<\/em>, ESPN (Mar.\u00a030, 2022, 7:29\u00a0PM), https:\/\/www.espn.com.sg\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/33632978\/bruce-arians-retiring-coach-tampa-bay-buccaneers-move-front-office-role<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[50]<\/a> Mike Florio, The Hiring of Todd Bowles Exposes a Previously Unknown Rooney Rule Loophole<\/em>, NBC Sports (Mar.\u00a031, 2022, 10:15\u00a0AM), https:\/\/profootballtalk.nbcsports.com\/2022\/03\/31\/the-hiring-of-todd-bowles-exposes-a-previously-unknown-rooney-rule-loophole\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[51]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[52]<\/a> Zac Al-Khateeb, What is The Rooney Rule? Explaining NFL Mandate to Interview Minority Candidates, Its Effectiveness and Criticisms<\/em>, Sporting News (Feb\u00a02, 2022), https:\/\/www.sportingnews.com\/us\/nfl\/news\/what-is-rooney-rule-nfl-minority-candidates-effectiveness-criticisms\/1k4m7oilxr8nv1xjs9f9bw2k7d<\/a> (The article does not included the recent hires.\u00a0 Eighteen is the current number).<\/p>\n

[53]<\/a> See <\/em>Judy Battista, 2022 NFL Head Coach Hires: Exploring The Results of Another Cycle Marred By Diversity Issues<\/em>, NFL (Feb\u00a06, 2022, 8:57\u00a0AM), https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/news\/nfl-coach-hires-exploring-results-of-another-cycle-marred-by-diversity-issues<\/a> (Bowles was hired after this article was published).<\/p>\n

[54]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[55]<\/a> Marcel Louis-Jacques, Brian Flores Sues NFL, Three Teams as Former Miami Dolphins Coach Alleges Racism in Hiring Practices,<\/em> ESPN (Feb.\u00a01, 2022), https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/33194862\/brian-flores-sues-nfl-others-former-miami-dolphins-coach-alleges-racism-hiring-practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[56]<\/a> Rachel Reed, Brian Flores vs. the NFL<\/em>, Harvard L. Today (Feb.\u00a09, 2022), https:\/\/today.law.harvard.edu\/brian-flores-vs-the-nfl\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[57]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[58]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[59]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[60]<\/a> Id<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

[61]<\/a> Shaun Harper, \u2018Number One Is Black Ownership.\u2019 Brian Flores on How to Fix the NFL\u2019s Diversity Problem<\/em>, Rolling Stone (Feb\u00a013, 2022, 10:23 AM), https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/culture\/culture-features\/brian-flores-nfl-super-bowl-racism-hiring-coaches-1299131\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[62]<\/a> Dante Chinni, Data Show How Bad The NFL’s Racial Equality Problem is Among Coaches<\/em>, NBC News (Feb.\u00a06, 2022, 7:22\u00a0AM), https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/meet-the-press\/data-shows-how-bad-nfl-s-racial-equality-problem-among-n1288709<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[63]<\/a> Nick Ames & Jacob Steinberg, Premier League Won’t Introduce Rooney Rule for BAME Candidates<\/em>, Guardian (June\u00a09, 2020), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2020\/jun\/09\/premier-league-wont-introduce-rooney-rule-for-bame-candidates<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[64]<\/a> Richard Conway, Gordon Taylor: ‘Hidden Resistance’ to Hiring Black Managers<\/em>, BBC Sport (Sept.\u00a023, 2014), https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport\/football\/29333826<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[65]<\/a> Id.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[66]<\/a> Kieron Dyer & Titus Bramble do not want ‘Rooney Rule’<\/em>, BBC Sport (Nov.\u00a012, 2014), https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport\/football\/30017857<\/a> (quoting one of the Black coaches, Kieron Dyer).<\/p>\n

[67]<\/a> Reuters, EFL to Use NFL’s ‘Rooney Rule’ in English Football<\/em>, ESPN (June\u00a07, 2019), https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/english-league-championship\/story\/3870342\/efl-to-use-nfls-rooney-rule-in-english-football<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[68]<\/a> See <\/em>Andy Ward, ‘It’s Not Right’: Colchester United’s Hayden Mullins on Being One of England’s Only Black Managers<\/em>, ITV (July\u00a020, 2021, 6:57\u00a0PM), https:\/\/www.itv.com\/news\/anglia\/2021-07-20\/what-its-like-to-be-one-of-englands-only-black-managers<\/a> (indicating that as of July 2021 there were eight black coaches in the top four leagues which is while an improvement not a large enough improvement to indicate success).<\/p>\n

[69]<\/a> Nick Ames & Jacob Steinberg, Premier League Won’t Introduce Rooney Rule for BAME Candidates<\/em>, Guardian (June\u00a09, 2020), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2020\/jun\/09\/premier-league-wont-introduce-rooney-rule-for-bame-candidates<\/a>; Rahman Osman, Crystal Palace Boss Patrick Vieira Says He Is \u2018Disturbed\u2019 By The Lack of Black Managers in The Premier League<\/em>, London World (Nov.\u00a015, 2021), https:\/\/www.londonworld.com\/sport\/football\/crystal-palace\/crystal-palace-boss-patrick-vieira-says-he-is-disturbed-by-the-lack-of-black-managers-in-the-premier-league-3457358<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[70]<\/a> The Lack Of Black Managers In England<\/em>, Equal Group (June\u00a07, 2021), https:\/\/www.theequalgroup.com\/post\/the-lack-of-black-managers-in-england<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[71]<\/a> PA Media, Raheem Sterling Demands English Football Gives Black Managers a Chance<\/em>, Guardian (June\u00a08, 2020, 7:13\u00a0PM), https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2020\/jun\/09\/raheem-sterling-english-football-black-managers-campbell-cole<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[72]<\/a> Arsenal Media, There is No Room For Racism Anywhere<\/em>, Arsenal (Oct.\u00a015, 2021), https:\/\/www.arsenal.com\/news\/there-no-room-racism-anywhere<\/a> (quoting Arsenal\u2019s community development officer Samir Singh).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Image Credit: “American football in Tel-Aviv, Israel<\/a>”\u00a0by\u00a0RonAlmog<\/a>\u00a0is marked with\u00a0CC BY 2.0<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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