ROGER GOODELL

Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing concluded Thursday with the NFL adamant about an indefinite suspension of at least one year and the quarterback’s legal team arguing there’s no basis for that punishment, two people with knowledge of the case told The Associated Press.

The NFL and Deshaun Watson’s legal team presented their arguments before a disciplinary officer for a second day with both sides holding firm as the hearing is scheduled to continue in Delaware on Thursday.

Watson, who was later traded to the Cleveland Browns, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the hearing have not been disclosed publicly. Watson’s side, led by renowned attorney Jeffrey Kessler, is arguing there’s no basis for a long suspension. This is the first hearing for Robinson, who was the first woman Chief Judge for the District of Delaware. It's unknown how long it will take Robinson to make a decision, but the Cleveland Browns should know Watson's availability before training camp.

Browns Watson Football FILE - Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. Watson, who was later traded to the Cleveland Browns, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) (Mark J. Terrill)Deshaun Watson’s legal team takes on the NFL on Tuesday in front of a retired judge to determine his immediate future with the Cleveland Browns. Watson’s side, led by renowned attorney Jeffrey Kessler, will try to argue there’s no basis for a long suspension. It's unknown how long it will take Robinson to make a decision, but the Browns should know Watson's availability before training camp.

The NFL insisted on an indefinite suspension while Deshaun Watson’s legal team argued there’s no basis for that punishment as both sides presented their cases in front of a retired judge in Delaware on Tuesday, two people in attendance told The Associated Press.

Three people familiar with the meeting tell AP that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will have a hearing with NFL disciplinary officer Sue L.

A decision regarding discipline for Deshaun Watson is still expected before training camp, though the league has yet to conclude its investigation and turn it over to a disciplinary officer, according to two people with knowledge of the case.

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform found that Daniel Snyder conducted a "shadow investigation" to detract from another internal probe into the football organization.

Flores Lawsuit Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Jan. 9, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The NFL and six of its teams have formally moved in a New York court to force a lawsuit alleging that they engaged in racial discrimination into arbitration where NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be the arbitrator. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)NEW YORK — (AP) — The NFL and six of its teams have filed for arbitration in the lawsuit that alleges they engaged in racial discrimination. The NFL said employment agreements with teams signed by Flores and other coaches contain provisions that require the arbitration of all disputes. In its papers, the NFL argued that the discrimination lawsuit's claims were not properly before the Manhattan court because multiple arbitration agreements signed by the coaches require arbitration.

The NFL and six of its teams have filed for arbitration in the lawsuit that alleges they engaged in racial discrimination.

Commanders Investigation Football FILE - Dan Snyder, co-owner and co-CEO of the Washington Commanders, poses for photos during an event to unveil the NFL football team's new identity, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Landover, Md. The Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating the Commanders' workplace culture following accusations of pervasive sexual harassment by team executives of women employees. When announcing the discipline, the NFL said none of the people accused of sexual harassment still worked for the Washington franchise. But two separate accusations of sexual harassment by Snyder himself have since surfaced. Among the accusations against the Commanders are that team employees produced a video of lewd outtakes from a photo shoot involving the cheerleading squad.

A U.S. House committee says Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder conducted a “shadow investigation” that sought to discredit former employees making accusations of workplace sexual harassment.

The Cleveland Browns and football fans everywhere are waiting for the NFL to determine an appropriate penalty for star quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is accused of sexual misconduct by 24 women.

A lawyer representing Dan Snyder told Congress the Washington Commanders owner will not testify at a hearing next week as part of an investigation into the team’s workplace conduct.

The U.S. Open this week is the first time that 14 golfers will have to face the American public since defecting to a Saudi-backed upstart tour.

A Washington Commanders assistant coach referring to the Jan. 6 insurrection as a “dust-up at the Capitol” is just the latest off-field controversy for NFL franchise.

Deshaun Watson’s complex legal situation has the Cleveland Browns in limbo and unclear about the quarterback’s immediate future.

The Denver Broncos have entered into a sale agreement with the Walton-Penner ownership group.

A 24th woman has filed a civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct by Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is also awaiting possible discipline from the NFL.

Commanders Stadium Football FILE - Dan Snyder, co-owner and co-CEO of the Washington Commanders, poses for photos during an event to unveil the NFL football team's new identity, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Landover, Md. A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the Washington Commanders have bought land in Virginia for what could be a potential site of the NFL team’s next stadium. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) (Patrick Semansky)ASHBURN, Va. — (AP) — The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform has invited NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder to appear at a hearing later this month as part of the Congressional investigation into the team’s workplace conduct. Lawyers Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represent more than 40 former team employees, said in a statement Wednesday they were pleased to see the committee invite Goodell and Snyder to appear. “Dan Snyder and Roger Goodell have a lot to answer for.”When asked about the situation after the latest Commanders offseason workout, coach Ron Rivera declined comment.

Myles Garrett has made up his own mind about Deshaun Watson.

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform has invited NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder to appear at a hearing later this month.

Gruden NFL Lawsuit Football Jon Gruden, center, appears in court Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher)LAS VEGAS — (AP) — The NFL lost a bid Wednesday to scuttle a lawsuit by former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden accusing the league of a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to force him to resign last October, including the leaking of offensive emails he wrote. Hosmer-Henner complained that Gruden’s emails were selectively leaked to force Gruden out as head coach of the Raiders, where he had been hired again in 2018, the team’s first year in Las Vegas. Gruden resigned the following day, shortly after The New York Times revealed additional offensive emails. Raiders owner Mark Davis said later that month the team reached a settlement with Gruden over the final six-plus years of his contract.

The NFL says it will appeal a ruling denying the league’s request to move former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden’s lawsuit over leaked emails from a public courtroom into closed-door arbitration.

One of the women accusing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct while she gave him a massage says she felt “scared” and threatened by a comment he made following a therapy session.

The NFL has expanded the Rooney Rule again, this time to include quarterbacks coaches in a further effort to diversify the coaching ranks.

Deshaun Watson’s week included meeting with NFL investigators and golf in the Bahamas with his new Browns teammates.

Even though the NFL attempted to enhance opportunities for minority candidates to become head coaches in a league whose players are 70% Black, there was a disconnect.

A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will meet with NFL officials in Texas.

Brian Flores Lawsuit FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores stands on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Nov. 21, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The NFL is telling a judge there are multiple reasons why a lawsuit brought against it by three Black coaches, including Flores, who allege racist hiring practices should fail. It was the first hearing for a lawsuit Flores filed in February, when he claimed the league was "rife with racism" even as the NFL publicly condemns it. There are six minority head coaches currently in the NFL, a league where the majority of the players are Black. Wigdor said he rejected the league's invitation to discuss racial issues because there would be no magistrate judge or judge present.

A lawyer for an NFL coach who sued the league over alleged racist hiring practices has told a judge that arbitration is the wrong way to resolve the lawsuit in part because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be the arbitrator.

We’re not here to break down the “grades” or decide “who won the draft” like so many others have, but rather, point out some fun facts or happenings from the NFL’s annual spectacle.

In an NFL draft focused early on stoppers, it was the goers — wide receivers — who stole the spotlight Thursday night.

NFL Draft Football Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson stands next to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the second pick in the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong ) (Jae C. Hong)ALLEN PARK, Mich. — (AP) — Aidan Hutchinson surprised his mother with a gift on draft day before the Detroit Lions made his wish come true. The Lions grabbed the talented Michigan defensive end with the No. That gave second-year general manager Brad Holmes a chance to draft Hutchinson, the best player on the team's board. “He’s going to change the dynamic of this team just by his presence and how he plays," Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said.

NFL Draft Football Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson stands next to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the second pick in the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. The Lions grabbed Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, barely using its allotted five minutes to address a desperate need with a hometown star from suburban Detroit. He is the highest-drafted defensive player in Michigan history. Jacksonville took Georgia defensive end Travon Walker No.

The Detroit Lions selected Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, addressing a desperate need with a hometown star.

At their place of business, which just happens to be Allegiant Stadium, Darren Waller and Clelin Ferrell welcomed 100 members of nearby Air Force bases for a Thursday pre-draft luncheon and discussion.

Kayvon Thibodeaux doesn’t lack any confidence, already proclaiming himself the best player in the NFL draft.

NFL Draft Football FILE - Notre Dame defensive back Kyle Hamilton runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. Kyle Hamilton is a possible pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File) (Darron Cummings)LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Very little is certain heading into an NFL draft. “Nothing compares to beating Ohio State,” he said, his eyes seemingly drifting back to the Big House in Michigan. And every game in the NFL is a big game.

Very little is certain heading into an NFL draft.

Very little is certain heading into an NFL draft. “I know I am the best cornerback in this draft,” Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner said Wednesday, a massive necklace spelling out his nickname “Sauce” wrapped around his neck. Not many players figure to be selected in front of him, though all of the 20 men on hand for a Play 60 event with local youths and Commissioner Roger Goodell believe they have shown the goods to be a high first-rounder.

The NCAA is looking for a new president.

NFL draft night on Thursday will include prospects walking a red carpet above the Bellagio fountains, a theater built specifically for the proceedings where they hope to hear their names called early, and the aura of gambling everywhere.

This year's quarterback class isn't as heralded as last year's or even next year's.

Six attorneys general told NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell they had "grave concerns" about reports of an alleged hostile workplace culture toward women.

Without improvement, the attorneys general warned of potential legal action. The letter outlines concerns of gender discrimination ranging from the NFL’s treatment of women who have experienced domestic violence to the hiring and promotion of women in NFL offices. The letter was signed by Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, where the league is headquartered, as well as the attorneys general of Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington State. “The NFL must do better—pink jerseys are not a replacement for equal treatment and full inclusion of women in the workplace," the attorneys generals wrote. Last month, the NFL changed what is known as the "Rooney Rule," designed to ensure more opportunities for women and racial minorities.

The attorneys general of six states have written to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell , expressing concern over the league’s treatment of female employees and admonishing him for a lack of improvement to the league’s workplace culture.

A judge in Texas says Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson must say whether he had sex with 18 massage therapists who supported him last year following criminal complaints.

Browns Watson Football Cleveland Browns new quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Friday, March 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)PALM BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — A resolution to the NFL's investigation into Deshaun Watson's conduct could take some time, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday. Goodell said “there is no timetable” for the NFL completing its investigation. Asked if that sort of contract disturbed him, Goodell said it would not have an impact on any discipline for Watson. ___More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

A resolution to the NFL’s investigation into Deshaun Watson’s conduct could take some time, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday.

NFL Meetings Football NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at a news conference, Feb. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. At the owners meetings Monday, the NFL announced that Inspire Change has eclipsed $237 million toward this commitment, up from $180 million revealed in December. “We didn't realize we could be this close this soon,” Anna Isaacson, the NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility, said of the original $250 million target. Inspire Change is built on four pillars: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. “We knew that this is a time to show responsibility, and 2020 was a banner year for community responsibility and commitment.”Two of the focal points of Inspire Change, social justice and the digital divide, are still evolving.

When the NFL launched its Inspire Change program in 2017, the goal was to reach $250 million over 10 years in its commitment to social justice initiatives.

NFL Meetings Football NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at a news conference, Feb. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The 32 team owners will deal with some significant issues at their meetings this week. Two proposals to change overtime rules are particularly intriguing. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)PALM BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — There's virtually no chance NFL owners will be competing during their meetings this week with the stream of big news made by trades and in free agency thus far this year. The 32 team owners will deal with some significant issues, as they always do.

The 32 NFL team owners will deal with some significant issues at their meetings this week in Florida.

Clayton spent five decades covering the NFL.

Steelers-Flores Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores smiles on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, on Nov. 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, to serve as a senior defensive assistant. Flores said Monday if Goodell truly wants to bring the kind of change the NFL's top executive has talked about in the wake of the former Miami Dolphins head coach's unprecedented legal maneuver, then Goodell should make sure the case is adjudicated by a jury of Flores' peers rather than in arbitration. “I think Commissioner Goodell has the influence to do what’s right,” Flores said during a teleconference with lawmakers to speak in favor of the FAIR Act, which would end forced arbitration. “The last thing you’re thinking about is arbitration clause that, if it all goes wrong ... or if you’re wronged, you’re going to be forced into a setting where really the odds are stacked against you,” Flores said.

Brian Flores wants NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to make sure his class-action lawsuit against the league and several teams over allegedly racist hiring practices isn’t settled behind closed doors.

Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Ridley for the entire 2022 season after a league investigation found he had bet on games last season.

The NFL said Ridley placed several bets last November while he was taking a break from football. It found no evidence that Ridley had inside information or that his team knew he had placed the bets.

Falcons Ridley Suspended Football FILE - Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) makes a catch during the team's NFL training camp football practice Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Flowery Branch, Ga. Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in the 2021 season. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (John Bazemore)ATANTA — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season. >> Read more trending newsNFL suspended Falcons WR Calvin Ridley for the 2022 season for betting on games. NFL determined that Calvin Ridley placed multi-legged parlay bets involving 3, 5 and 8 games that included the Falcons to win, per source.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in 2021. The suspension announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday is for activity that took place while Ridley was away from the team addressing mental health concerns. The team released a statement Monday in which it said it cooperated with the league's investigation in the last month. “We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9,” the Falcons said in the statement. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in the 2021 season.

The NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley through the 2022 season for betting on games, Roger Goodell announced.

The NFL has hired former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Jo White to investigate an allegation that Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder sexually harassed a team employee more than a decade ago. White will detail her findings in a written report, which will be released to the public since the allegation against Snyder was made in a public forum, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday. Goodell said at his Super Bowl news conference that a team could not investigate itself. In addition to her stint as SEC chair under President Barack Obama, White is a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. White previously conducted an NFL investigation into allegations against former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.

The NFL has hired former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Jo White to investigate an allegation that Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder sexually harassed a team employee more than a decade ago.

NEW YORK — (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and a few team owners and executives met Thursday with civil rights leaders, who urged the league to make drastic changes to its hiring practices to improve diversity in leadership positions. National Urban League president and CEO Marc H. Morial told the group the NFL's focus on racial equity and social justice recently hasn't yet resulted in improved hiring procedures for the league's head coaches. The civil rights leaders challenged the league to set measurable goals for recruiting and hiring diverse candidates. The meeting Thursday was a continuation of a discussion that began last week, when the civil rights leaders called for the NFL's to replace the Rooney Rule. It was established in 2003 and requires teams to interview candidates of color for head coaching and senior football operation positions.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and a few team owners and executives met with civil rights leaders who urged the league to make drastic changes to its hiring practices to improve diversity in leadership positions.

NEW YORK — (AP) — The NFL has hired a law firm that includes former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to defend it and its teams in Brian Flores' race discrimination lawsuit. Lynch, the attorney general in the latter part of the Obama administration, will work with Brad Karp, chairman at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison. Flores, who is Black, was fired as Miami’s coach last month despite back-to-back winning seasons. After the lawsuit was filed, the league said it would defend itself against claims it called “without merit.” The Dolphins, Broncos and Giants also denied Flores’ allegations. Soon after, in a memo to the 32 clubs, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said:“We understand the concerns expressed by coach Flores and others.

CORRECTION Super Bowl Champion Rams Football CORRECTS SPELLING TO LOMBARDI, NOT LOMBARDY AS ORIGINALLY SENT - Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during a press conference while posing for photos with league commissioner Roger Goodell following the NFL football team's Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in Los Angeles. Just over five years later, the 36-year-old is also the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl — and the trip left him exhausted, but thrilled. From Donald and Von Miller to Matthew Stafford and Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles' big names loomed large in the grand finale. So many guys just said, ‘Hey, we've got guys here that deserve a Super Bowl. '”It happened one last time in the Super Bowl when Cincinnati scored 17 consecutive points to take a 20-13 lead several minutes into the third quarter.

Sean McVay was the youngest head coach in modern NFL history, and now he is the youngest coach to win the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Football The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen before NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media at a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)INGLEWOOD, Calif. — (AP) — The Latest on the Super Bowl:The Cincinnati Bengals are the home team Sunday in the Super Bowl — technically. The Rams’ logo is plastered all around and inside SoFi Stadium even with the banners making it clear this is the Super Bowl. Yes, the Bengals (13-7) are represented inside the stadium with their name and “Who Dey!” mantra opposite the Rams. Before that, the NFL went 54 years without a team playing a Super Bowl in its home stadium. ___More AP Super Bowl coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

At a press conference, Roger Goodell faced tough questions about his time as commissioner and claims of racist hiring practices throughout the league.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the NFL will hold one regular season game in Munich this fall and then will expand to Frankfurt in 2023.

At his annual Super Bowl news conference, the NFL commissioner was grilled on two hot topics that have put the league under heavy scrutiny: racism and discrimination in hiring. “We won’t tolerate racism. We won’t tolerate discrimination," Goodell said. “I found all of the allegations, whether they were based on racism or discrimination or the integrity of our game, all of those to me were very disturbing. There are five minority head coaches on the 32 teams, two Black, one biracial, one Hispanic and one Lebanese.

Under a baking California sun, Roger Goodell knew the heat was coming.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — (AP) — The Latest on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s news conference (all times PST):___12:45 p.m.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league will deal with discrimination in a serious way if he finds that teams violated that principle. ___12:45 p.m.NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league using an oral report from an outside investigator into the then-Washington Football Club. ___12:45 p.m.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he “bares responsibility” for the league’s struggles in improving diversity in coaching and other high-ranking positions on teams and in the league. ___12:30 p.m.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league is “not doing a good enough job” in terms of increasing diversity at high-ranking positions on teams and in the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement during his annual Super Bowl news conference.

___12:30 p.m.Commissioner Roger Goodell says the NFL needs to understand what happened in connection with the alleged sexual harassment by Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder. Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement during his annual Super Bowl news conference. ___12:10 p.m.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he’s frustrated that the league is still facing questions about diversity in hiring of coaches and executives despite efforts to improve. ___11:40 a.m.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is getting ready to hold his annual Super Bowl news conference with the NFL facing questions about diversity in coaching and the treatment of women. The NFL still has only five minority coaches following the latest hiring season.

Super Bowl Football The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen before NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media at a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)INGLEWOOD, Calif. — (AP) — The Latest on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s news conference (all times PST):___11:40 p.m.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is getting ready to hold his annual Super Bowl news conference with the NFL facing questions about diversity in coaching and the treatment of women. The NFL still has only five minority coaches following the latest hiring season. The league has also taken over an investigation into alleged sexual harassment by Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, saying the league, not the team, will hire an investigator to lead the probe. ___More AP Super Bowl coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league will deal with discrimination in a serious way if he finds that teams violated that principle.

The NFL has moved quickly to take over an investigation into alleged sexual harassment by Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — A group of civil rights leaders called for replacing the Rooney Rule in a meeting Monday with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, National Action Network Founder and President Rev. The Rooney Rule was established in 2003 and requires teams to interview candidates of color for head coaching and senior football operation positions. “However well-intentioned, the effect of the Rooney Rule has been for team decision-makers to regard interviews with candidates of color as an extraneous step, rather than an integral part of the hiring process,” Morial said. “The Rooney Rule has been proven to be something the owners used to deceptively appear to be seeking real diversity,” Sharpton said.

A group of civil rights leaders called for replacing the Rooney Rule in a meeting Monday with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The New York Giants have hired a Black assistant general manager less than a week after fired Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sued the team, two other franchises and the NFL for alleged racist hiring practices.

Brian Flores, who is Black, was fired by the Miami Dolphins after back-to-back winning seasons.

Brian Flores, who is Black, was fired by the Miami Dolphins after back-to-back winning seasons.

Goodell also announced an independent investigation into claims of tanking brought up in former Dolphins coach Brian Flores' lawsuit against the league.

Brian Flores Lawsuit Football FILE - Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, left, walks off the field next to coach Brian Flores after the team's loss to the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game Oct. 24, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Fired Dolphins coach Flores sued the NFL and three teams Tuesday, Feb. 1, over alleged racist hiring practices for coaches and general managers, saying the league remains “rife with racism” even as it publicly condemns it. According to the lawsuit, Ross told Flores he would pay him $100,000 for every loss during the coach’s first season because he wanted the club to “tank” so it could get the draft’s top pick. (John McCall/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File) (John McCall)NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told teams Saturday that the league will look to bolster policies meant to encourage hiring of minorities, particularly as head coaches, and he pledged an investigation into tanking allegations raised by Brian Flores in his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. He named the league and three teams — the Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants — in a class-action lawsuit this week alleging unfair hiring practices in the NFL.

Members of Congress say an investigation into sexual harassment of women employed by Washington’s NFL franchise was not as independent as the team and the league claimed.

One of the former employees who spoke before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform also came forward with a new allegation that she was sexually harassed by team owner Dan Snyder himself, which Snyder denied.

Congress Washington Football Team Tiffani Johnston, former marketing and events coordinator, marketing manager and cheerleader for the National Football League's Washington Football Team, testifies before the House Oversight Committee during a roundtable "Examining the Washington Football Team's Toxic Workplace Culture" on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2022. (Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP) (Graeme Jennings)Former Washington Commanders employees and members of Congress pressured the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to release a report about the team's history of sexual harassment and its sexist, hostile workplace culture. Snyder commissioned an investigation into the team's workplace environment that was taken over by the NFL. After the investigation by attorney Beth Wilkinson's firm, the league fined Washington $10 million and Snyder temporarily ceded day-to-day operations of the team to his wife, Tanya. The team was known as the Washington Football Team until Wednesday, when Snyder announced its new name, the Commanders.

Former Washington Commanders employees and members of Congress are pressuring the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell to release a report about the team's history of sexual harassment and its workplace culture.

The NFL filed a motion asking a Nevada court to dismiss former Raiders coach Jon Gruden’s lawsuit against the league, saying the accusations that the the NFL leaked Gruden’s old, offensive emails are “baseless” and “should be dismissed for failure to state a single viable cause of action.”.

The NFL will hold a moment of silence before all of its games on Sunday to honor Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden. “As you know, the NFL lost a true giant on Tuesday with the passing of John Madden,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote earlier this week in a memo to teams. >> John Madden dies at 85, NFL saysMadden, who coached in Oakland from 1969 to 1978, led the Raiders to a 103-32-7 regular-season record and won Super Bowl XI after the 1976 season. More notably, he became the face of the video game “Madden NFL,” which originated in 1988 as “John Madden Football.”Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 33 John Madden through the years 1969: Head Coach John Madden, of the Oakland Raiders, on the sidelines during a game on November 2, 1969 against the Cincinnati Bengals at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

NFL Meetings Super Bowl Las Vegas Football Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak speaks during a news conference a news conference at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. NFL team owners voted unanimously to award Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for Feb. 11, 2024, to Las Vegas during a meeting Wednesday morning in Dallas. Still, Commissioner Roger Goodell said there were no plans to cancel or postpone Cleveland's home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday. Some others may use a different word.”The Super Bowl will be at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the first time this season.

NFL Meetings Super Bowl Las Vegas Football Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak speaks during a news conference a news conference at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. NFL team owners voted unanimously to award Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for Feb. 11, 2024, to Las Vegas during a meeting Wednesday morning in Dallas. Still, Commissioner Roger Goodell said there were no plans to cancel or postpone Cleveland's home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday. “It's a big day for the city of Las Vegas.

2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees The Walter Payton Man of the Year Trophy on the field prior to Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The NFL on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, announced the 32 nominees for the 2021 award. (Rich Graessle/Icon Credit: Sportswire via Getty Images)The NFL on Tuesday announced 32 finalists for its most prestigious honor, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. >> Read more trending newsThe Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by @Nationwide honors players who have exhibited excellence on-the-field, and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game. The 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees are as follows, and more information on each player can be found at NFL.com:Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin BeachumAtlanta Falcons: Mike DavisBaltimore Ravens: Bradley BozemanBuffalo Bills: Harrison PhillipsCarolina Panthers: D.J.

Lawsuit settled: Rams owner Stan Kroenke and the NFL have settled their lawsuit with interests in the St. Louis area. >> Read more trending newsNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell approved the settlement Wednesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The agreement binds the league to pay St. Louis, St. Louis County and the public agency that owns The Dome at America’s Center within 30 days, the newspaper reported. On April 12, 2017, St. Louis and St. Louis County sued the NFL. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has obtained the 4-page agreement detailing the settlement terms of the Rams Relocation Lawsuit.

The former Las Vegas Raiders head coach is accusing the NFL of leaking the emails to media outlets to intentionally harm Gruden's reputation.

The former Las Vegas Raiders head coach is accusing the NFL of leaking the emails to media outlets to intentionally harm Gruden's reputation.

The former Raiders coach has sued commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL, alleging that a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” was used to destroy his career by leaking old offensive emails from him. The suit was filed in district court in Clark County, Nev., on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, exactly a month after Gruden resigned as Raiders coach following the publication of his emails by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. (AP Photo/Don Wright, File) (Don Wright)Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden has sued Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL, alleging that a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” was used to destroy Gruden's career by leaking old offensive emails from Gruden. The suit was filed in district court in Clark County, Nevada, on Thursday, exactly a month after Gruden resigned as Raiders coach following the publication of his emails by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. The Wall Street Journal reported on Oct. 8 that Gruden used a racist term to describe NFL union chief DeMaurice Smith.