NFL could expand rule on minority hirings

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 20 (UPI) -- The NFL's Rooney Rule could be expanded to include minority candidates for general manager positions.

The rule named after Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney began in 2002 and mandated the inclusion of minority candidates for head coaching vacancies.

The Fritz Pollard Alliance has called for the rule to be expanded to include front office positions.

It was discussed briefly during a two-day owners meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"They could be implemented almost immediately," Commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference in Fort Lauderdale Wednesday. "It's something that I'll speak to Dan about. As I said, he's not here. He's at ambassador school, so when he gets to the conclusion of his tutoring I'll speak with him and we'll make a determination from there."

It is believed Rooney was in Ireland.

He was picked earlier this year by President Obama to be the U.S. ambassador to that country.