Episode 42: Race, Sports, and the Rooting Role
A very special interview with The Undefeated’s Jerry Bembry about the Rooney Rule and race in sports. It is dedicated to Jackie Robinson.
The hosts and Bembry discuss the ongoing challenges of diversity in professional sports front offices and coaching, particularly highlighting the NFL’s lack of progress despite initiatives like the Rooney Rule. They compare the NFL’s struggles with the NBA’s more successful efforts in hiring Black coaches, attributing the difference to factors like younger, more progressive ownership and stronger player influence in the NBA.
The conversation also touches on the declining participation of Black players in baseball and the impact of integration on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Bembry shares his experience interviewing Olympic medalist John Carlos, known for his activism. Later, the hosts delve into their usual NFL discussions, analyzing team performances, fantasy football woes, and making their “Plexico locks” picks for the week. The episode concludes with discussions on college football coaching changes, a heated NBA moment, and a lighthearted “Ted Lasso” segment on the National Dog Show.