NFL Cooperates with Florida AG After Subpoena, Goodell Addresses Investigation

Commissioner Roger Goodell confirms league is complying with Florida Attorney General’s request for documents amid legal scrutiny over the Rooney Rule.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed on Tuesday that the league is cooperating with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier following a subpoena issued on May 13, 2026. The investigation centers on the league’s employment practices, including the controversial Rooney Rule, which mandates that NFL teams interview minority candidates for coaching and management positions.

The subpoena, sent to the NFL by Uthmeier’s office, requests extensive documentation, including diversity reports, coaching census data, and demographic surveys from 2017 to the present. The Florida AG’s office is examining whether the league’s policies violate civil rights laws, with Uthmeier previously accusing the Rooney Rule of “blatant race and sex discrimination.”

Goodell Defends League’s Policies

During a press conference in Orlando, Florida, Goodell emphasized the NFL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating, “We have been very clear about our programs, and we obviously evaluate them all the time, not just for how they get better, but also to make sure that they’re consistent with the law.” He added, “We’re engaging with the Florida attorney general and will continue to. We’ll share everything we’re doing with them. We think it’s certainly within the law, but also something very positive.”

The NFL’s response comes after Uthmeier threatened enforcement actions in March 2026 if the league did not suspend the Rooney Rule. The AG’s letter to Goodell argued that the rule “amounts to discrimination” by prioritizing race and gender in hiring decisions. The NFL has consistently defended the policy, citing its role in promoting underrepresented groups in coaching and executive roles.

Rooney Rule Under Legal Scrutiny

The Rooney Rule, named after Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, requires teams to interview at least two external minority candidates for head coach, general manager, and coordinator positions. At least one minority candidate must also be interviewed for the quarterbacks coach role. Critics, including Uthmeier, argue that the rule violates anti-discrimination laws by creating a quota-based system.

The NFL has faced similar legal challenges in the past. In 2020, a federal judge ruled that the league’s use of the Rooney Rule was lawful, stating that it “does not violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.” However, Uthmeier’s office has taken a different stance, asserting that the policy “exacerbates racial and gender disparities” by forcing teams to prioritize certain candidates over others.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The subpoena orders the NFL to appear at the Florida AG’s office in Tallahassee on June 12, 2026, to provide the requested materials. Uthmeier’s office has also called for the league to disclose all diversity reports and demographic data related to coaching staffs. The NFL has not yet commented on the specific scope of the documents to be produced.

Goodell’s statement did not address whether the league plans to challenge the subpoena in court. However, he reiterated the NFL’s position that its programs align with legal standards. “We think it’s certainly within the law, but also something very positive,” he said, highlighting the league’s efforts to foster inclusivity in football operations.

Broader Implications for the NFL

The investigation could have significant ramifications for the NFL’s labor policies and its reputation as a leader in diversity initiatives. The league has faced criticism in recent years for the slow pace of progress in hiring minority and female coaches. As of 2025, only 13% of NFL head coaches and 14% of coordinators were from underrepresented groups, according to the league’s annual Diversity Report.

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