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Episode details

World Service,04 Feb 2021,9 mins

The NFL's Rooney Rule

Sporting Witness

Available for over a year

In 2003, the NFL introduced a landmark diversity policy requiring American football teams to interview ethnic minority candidates for positions as head coaches or general managers. Known as the “Rooney Rule”, the policy was the result of organised pressure from black coaches and former players, led by former NFL champion, John Wooten. Initially seen as a success, the Rooney Rule has been influential not just in sport, but in the corporate world. John Wooten talks to Farhana Haider. PHOTO: John Wooten in his playing days in the 1960s (Getty Images)

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