NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

due to the rooney rule stating minorities must interview for nfl job openings,the NFL has voided a stipulation in st louis ram's interim coach jim
hasslett's contract.they voided a stipulation that would have made him head coach if the rams would have won 6 games this season while he was interim head coach.if he wins 6 games,i think he deserves it.the rams have played better for him than they ever did their old coach.rules are rules though.
gotta believe if they keeep on getting better,he'll still be named head coach.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

I think this is a stupid rule. The rams are going to hire him at the end of the season, so why even waste some "minorities" time when they know who their going to hire. This is 2008, does the nfl still think that race is an issue??? Why can't a team hire who they want no matter what race,sex, religon they are.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

Waldskins -- while I don't agree with the rule in this case, the idea is that interviewing minorities helps minorities build a network and get interviewing experience. Both extremely important, especially in a field like the NFL.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

I agree that encouraging the hiring of minorities is important in the NFL.

This seems less about Haslett's job and more about contract language. That is, the Rams can still come to an oral agreement with Haslett, and then after the season they can interview a minority candidate before hiring Haslett again.

Also, don't forget that the contract stipulation is 6 wins. Although the Rams have looked much better under Haslett, the Rams won't sneak up on people so much any more, and it is possible that they will have trouble delivering 4 more wins.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

i think that giving everybody a shot to talk with a team is fair,but i think that the league did this more to keep activists like jesse jackson and al sharpton off their asses.
the last thing the league wants is for somebody to come out and say that the league is'nt living up to its word during the interviews to fill head coaching vacancies.
i see this as the league stopping a headache in bad publicity before it starts.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

The real question, is how come the Seattle Seahawks haven't been told they need to interview a minority coach? What about in indy where the next coach, whenever Dungy leaves, is in place -- but is an African American. Do they have to talk to other candidates? I'm fine with the rule, but stay consistent.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

I believe it was Dan Rooney who called the NFL about the Hasslet hiring. Didn't even get to Jesse Jacskon or Al Sharpton. Saw it on ESPN last week or so I think, Rooney's a white male right ? I mean seriously, the rule has gotten out of hand in a way but it's because a lot of Black coaches weren't given a fair shake years before. So do you feel that it is okay to do away with it now because everything is "okay" ? I think it is a good thing to have, especially when during coaching searches the Black interviewee is always referred to as the guy to comply with the Rooney Rule on t.v. Or maybe I shouldnt say always, but sometimes, a lot of times they are. Just my opinion. I think Hasslett should've been allowed the job. I mean he already works for the team. Now if a team is going outside the organization, or it is during the offseason then yeah bring in at least 1 minority and pick your coach. That's what I would do. Goodell fucked up here, not the potential mass protests by Jesse or Al.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

goodell screwed up,but i still think they stopped this before it became a distraction.
the league is in this business to make money,i'm sure this economy has hurt their pocketbooks too.they do'nt want to lose any more $$$$ than they have to lose.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

Damn the NFL. Always trying to keep the white man down.

But in all honesty this is a little ridiculous. I think theres two conditions that override the Rooney Rule. Either the coach your looking to bring in is a legend (a la Gibbs, Parcels, or Cowher) or you secretly hired a coach to be not only a coordinator, but a just in case head coach. Still though I think the Rams have every right to at least give Haslet a little more incentive and motivation. Though I would set the contract up where he definately gets the job if the team finishes with 9 wins. Maybe with 7 or 8.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

The best coach should get the job hands down. Color shouldnt even matter.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=WaldSkins;493550]I think this is a stupid rule. The rams are going to hire him at the end of the season, so why even waste some "minorities" time when they know who their going to hire. This is 2008, does the nfl still think that race is an issue??? Why can't a team hire who they want no matter what race,sex, religon they are.[/quote]

how about hiring none at all.....or even just drop the rooney rule and keep all minorities from getting any oppourtunites? only reason you feel that way cause race is involved!!! this is typical thinking?

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=WaldSkins;494293]The best coach should get the job hands down. Color shouldnt even matter.[/quote]


who is the best coach, how do you determine that, by who he worked for, what he's done in his past....that means, no-one knew who Dungy was until Tampa took him.....who you think the best guy is?????? thats determine on what?

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

This rule is Reverse Racism.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

I think an exception should be long term team assistants. if you have a guy on your staff you know you want, then you ought to be able to hire him straight up.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

There's nothing wrong with the rule. The league wants diversity. Let's not forget that the team owners run the league, and make the rules.

Haslett's agent should have known this. They should have made the clause similar to G. Williams' when he was here. If Haslett wins 6 games, and doesn't become the head coach next season, then the Rams owe him $$.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

I think the rule is dumb and insulting. How many times has a minority candidate been interviewed simply as satisfaction for the rule? Probably 75% of the time. To me that is awful. I wouldn't participate in such crap sharade if I were a minority. I think it is awesomely wonderful that the league is promoting this and being so proactive I just think this specific rule is terrible.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=Buster;494615]This rule is Reverse Racism.[/quote]

"Reverse" racism certainly exists, but the Rooney rule is not reverse racism. The rule does not require that the teams hire anyone. Nor does the rule in any way prejudice white candidates. The rule simply requires that teams at least talk to a minority coaching candidate.

It's funny that the people who blast guys like Jesse Jackson for crying wolf are usually the same people who scream and yell from the rooftops about "reverse" racism.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=DarkKnight;494313]how about hiring none at all.....or even just drop the rooney rule and keep all minorities from getting any oppourtunites? only reason you feel that way cause race is involved!!! this is typical thinking?[/quote]
Hmmm, have you looked at the make up of people in the NFL. They don't have any rules stating you have to draft minorties.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=FRPLG;494683]I think the rule is dumb and insulting. How many times has a minority candidate been interviewed simply as satisfaction for the rule? Probably 75% of the time. To me that is awful. I wouldn't participate in such crap sharade if I were a minority. I think it is awesomely wonderful that the league is promoting this and being so proactive I just think this specific rule is terrible.[/quote]

I was going to post a comment until I read yours. Well said. My thoughts exactly.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=DarkKnight;494318]who is the best coach, how do you determine that, by who he worked for, what he's done in his past....that means, no-one knew who Dungy was until Tampa took him.....who you think the best guy is?????? thats determine on what?[/quote]
This is such a laughably ignorant statement. Dungy was well known in the league for his work as an assistant coach. He worked his way up, just like most coaches do.

For the record - I have no problem with the Rooney Rule (to the extent I understand its requirements).

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=firstdown;494695]Hmmm, have you looked at the make up of people in the NFL. They don't have any rules stating you have to draft minorties.[/quote]

did you know more than 80 pct. of the league is made up of minorities! what do you propose, they shot the minority candidates for wanting better job's and life styles.....maybe you right, maybe they should stop drafting minority players, and they get there own league? :stop:

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=DarkKnight;494817]did you know more than 80 pct. of the league is made up of minorities! what do you propose, they shot the minority candidates for wanting better job's and life styles.....maybe you right, maybe they should stop drafting minority players, and they get there own league? :stop:[/quote]
This sounds like someone familiar...

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

Yeah the rule is fine, but more importantly it is wasting the time of the minority candidate interviewed. Obviously if haslett does a good job then he will be the coach and interviews will just be a formality.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

As someone mentioned, one of the goals of the Rooney Rule was to provide qualified minority coaches the chance to have interview and networking experience. The overall goal of the league is to diversify the coaching ranks, and this rule gives an opportunity for coaches, who traditionally would not even be interviewed, exposed to the head coach hiring process. St. Louis can eventually hire Haslett if they want to, I don't think this rule is not going to prevent the Rams from doing that, and the media shouldn't be blowing this out of proportion. I do think the NFL should give teams a break if they want to groom an assistant from their ranks, but Haslett doesn't fit this scenario though.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=hooskins;494827]Yeah the rule is fine, but more importantly it is wasting the time of the minority candidate interviewed. Obviously if haslett does a good job then he will be the coach and interviews will just be a formality.[/quote]

Might be a formality for the Rams job, but not for another job down the line perhaps. For example, suppose Stump Mitchell interviews but doesn't get the job because the owner (suppose the Rams have an owner in this instance) is set on Haslett. But then next year the Rams GM takes over in let's say Jacksonville and he's looking for a new head coach. And he says "Hey, you know I was really impressed with Stump Mitchell when he interviewed last year. I never really got the chance to know him or sit down and listen to his ideas until I interviewed him last year. I like this guy, he's who I want as my head coach"

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=DarkKnight;494817]did you know more than 80 pct. of the league is made up of minorities! what do you propose, they shot the minority candidates for wanting better job's and life styles.....maybe you right, maybe they should stop drafting minority players, and they get there own league? :stop:[/quote]

Teams should be allowed to interview and choose who ever they think is the best candidate, regardless of race. They also should not be forced to interview a minority candidate, especially if they don't have any minority candidates on their radar to be the head coach.

The NFL employs huge numbers of minorities; as players, assistants, head coaches, and officials, most of whom have done a fantastic job, both on the field and on the sideline. Has the Rooney Rule really done anything significant except appease those who would demand such a rule? It's overkill in my opinion. On the Redskins alone I think 7 or 8 coaches on staff are minorities.

I don't condone discrimination in any way, shape, or form. But given the state of the NFL as far as staff is concerned, I don't think the Rooney Rule is necessary or effective.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=SmootSmack;494851]Might be a formality for the Rams job, but not for another job down the line perhaps. For example, suppose Stump Mitchell interviews but doesn't get the job because the owner (suppose the Rams have an owner in this instance) is set on Haslett. But then next year the Rams GM takes over in let's say Jacksonville and he's looking for a new head coach. And he says "Hey, you know I was really impressed with Stump Mitchell when he interviewed last year. I never really got the chance to know him or sit down and listen to his ideas until I interviewed him last year. I like this guy, he's who I want as my head coach"[/quote]

I agree that those kind of scenarios are at least plausible, if not likely. But in my opinion that situation is also irrelevant as far as race is concerned. Hypothetically the Rams could miss out on Stump Mitchell by not interviewing him just as much as they could miss out on a non-minority candidate.

When deciding who to interview, teams should simply do their due diligence based on the candidate's past experience and reputation. And I believe they do. Skin color doesn't need to factor into it, and assuming it does is sort of a slap in the face to anyone who hires coaches.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=SmootSmack;494851]Might be a formality for the Rams job, but not for another job down the line perhaps. For example, suppose Stump Mitchell interviews but doesn't get the job because the owner (suppose the Rams have an owner in this instance) is set on Haslett. But then next year the Rams GM takes over in let's say Jacksonville and he's looking for a new head coach. And he says "Hey, you know I was really impressed with Stump Mitchell when he interviewed last year. I never really got the chance to know him or sit down and listen to his ideas until I interviewed him last year. I like this guy, he's who I want as my head coach"[/quote] On the flip side how does the token interview go? Maybe it goes like a normal interview and maybe it is a 10 minute drive-by interview. Like I said I appreciate the goal. I think having more minority head coaches was inevitable so I don't see much need for a rule which seems awfully insulting to me. I think there have to be other less overt but still infact effective ways to achieve the noble goals. The road hell is paved with...
Maybe I am just cynical.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=DarkKnight;494817]did you know more than 80 pct. of the league is made up of minorities! what do you propose, they shot the minority candidates for wanting better job's and life styles.....maybe you right, maybe they should stop drafting minority players, and they get there own league? :stop:[/quote]
My point was that they don't have rules about drafting minority players and look how they have done as players. Very well. I just feel they put this rule in place to be politicaly correct but in the end the teams still hire who they want. I really don't have a problem with the rule I just don't think it makes a difference when teams are hiring a coach.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

i agree...i think 90 percent of the time the owner kows who he wants

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=firstdown;494887][B]My point was that they don't have rules about drafting minority players and look how they have done as players[/B]. Very well. I just feel they put this rule in place to be politicaly correct but in the end the teams still hire who they want. I really don't have a problem with the rule I just don't think it makes a difference when teams are hiring a coach.[/quote]

Maybe because 90% of the players are black to begin with? Comparing players to coaches just doesn't make much sense.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=Mattyk72;494914]Maybe because 90% of the players are black to begin with? Comparing players to coaches just doesn't make much sense.[/quote] I tend to agree but an argument that I have heard is that since so many of the players are minorities then the coaching ranks should logically follow and haven't. So there must be some kind of institutional racism. So we can either compare players and coaches in this regard or not but we can't do it on one hand and not on the other.

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

[quote=DarkKnight;494318]who is the best coach, how do you determine that, by who he worked for, what he's done in his past....that means, no-one knew who Dungy was until Tampa took him.....who you think the best guy is?????? thats determine on what?[/quote]
EXACTLY the same way it is in.......any interviewing process.........anywhere.......

Re: NFL voids stipulation in hasslett's contract
 

Hmmm ... it seems there is some conflicting information.

In JLC's blog he provides a quote from the NFL briefing regarding the Rooney Rule:

"On the December 19-20 conference calls, the owners strongly agreed on the principle that any club seeking to hire a head coach will interview one or more minority applicants for the position. The one exception occurs when a club has made a prior contractual commitment to promote a member of its own staff and no additional interviewing takes place (e.g. Mike Martz and the St. Louis Rams in 2000)."

[url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/01/the_rooney_rule.html]The Rooney Rule - Redskins Insider[/url]