Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued an ultimatum to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, demanding the league abandon its Rooney Rule policy by May 1 or face potential legal consequences under Florida law.

In a letter to Goodell, Uthmeier argued that the Rooney Rule violates state civil rights statutes. The policy, named after former Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations positions.

Uthmeier characterized the rule as discriminatory and warned that failure to comply with his demand could result in civil rights enforcement actions by the state. The attorney general set a specific deadline of May 1 for the NFL to respond to his concerns.

The Rooney Rule was implemented by the NFL in 2003 to address the lack of diversity in coaching and front office positions. The policy has been expanded over the years to include additional executive roles and has been credited with increasing opportunities for minority candidates in professional football.

The confrontation represents a broader national debate over diversity policies and their legal standing in various jurisdictions. Florida has enacted legislation in recent years restricting certain diversity, equity and inclusion practices in state institutions and workplaces.