Quote:
Originally Posted by Paintrain
I don't take that position (which he clarified) as a negative towards African Americans, I take offense to that attitude of 'tokenism' being the reason the rule is in place. The rule is intended to increase exposure to other candidates that owners may not have considered otherwise. I am sure Norm Chow and Ron Rivera wish the Rooney Rule was in place 10-12 years ago when they were coming up in the coaching ranks and neither of them is African American.
The Rooney Rule says nothing about HIRING (which is where the claim of 'tokenism' would be applicable) but simply interviewing. If there were 8 openings this offseason and 8 different minority candidates were interviewed and 8 white guys were hired, there would be no complaints from the Fritz Pollard Alliance because the Rooney Rule would have been followed and all teams would be in compliance with it.
The best application of the rule is in our case. We know that Shanny is going to be the coach, but we interviewed Jerry Gray. Now let's say the Texans make the decision to fire Kubiak. Snyder may call Bob McNair and say, 'hey we interviewed Jerry Gray for our HC position. He's got some great ideas on the 3-4 defense like you guys run, came in with a dynamite plan and presentation and I know you are looking for a defensive minded coach. He wasn't a fit for us because we wanted an offensive guy but maybe you should give him a call.' That is how the Rooney Rule is supposed to work, it has nothing to do with tokenism, hiring percentages or quotas.
My issues have nothing to do with skin color, only speaking half cocked on things without knowing the facts.
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But Pain you say your issues have nothing to do with skin color, but at the end of the day, my friend, the Rooney Rule is all about skin color. That reality can't be escaped and can't be separate from this argument. And on the contrary, if someone had a hang-up with Rivera or Chow ten years ago because of skin color or ethnicity, it wouldn't amount to a hill of beans in the eyes of the interviewer if Rivera or Chow interviewed for that same job today.
I like and agree how you feel that the Rooney Rule is intended to increase exposure to candidates who wouldn't be otherwise considered for promotion. But getting hired is the prize, not simply getting interviewed. Your point is well taken though.