Email Article

Printable Page

Put Spotlight on Lack of Black Coaches

By Editorial board, The Hilltop, Howard University

John Thompson

It is no secret that the number of black coaches in professional football is largely disproportionate to the number of black players, an issue that has received much attention lately. ESPN hosted a panel discussion at Howard University's Cramton Auditorium in which the central topic was the hiring of more black coaches in the NFL.

Among the panelists were former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Eddie George of the NFL's Tennessee Titans. They discussed some of the unfair instances that have occurred in the NFL.

Despite mandates that call for at least three minority applicants to be considered for head coach positions, teams have gotten around this stipulation. Coach Steve Marucci was fired as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, only to be immediately picked up by the Detroit Lions. The interviewing of three black men was only a formality and only for show. Those men were never really given a fair chance because the Lions had already planned to hiring Marucci.

When such incidents take place, it is good to know that people are not just sitting back complacently.

We are glad that such an issue was discussed in an academic environment. It is not often that people in academia venture to explore ethical issues in professional sports. It is good that we have realized that discrimination in any arena affects us all. The implementation of affirmative action should not just be limited to educational institutions or jobs.

We applaud ESPN and Howard for bringing something so important to light. Perhaps the discussion of this situation will pave the way for real change.

This editorial appeared in The Hilltop at Howard University.