The Patriots’ continuing search for a new general manager (or comparable title) has raised many questions. Had they respected the Rooney rule from the start of the week? And, more importantly, are teams required to be transparent in their efforts to comply?
According to a league spokesperson, and in general, “(c)lubs must report to the league the names of people they have interviewed but are not required to make them public. Some candidates do not want their names be public.”
Again, this is general and not specific to the Patriots.
Doug Kyed from Boston Herald reported Tuesday that the Patriots were indeed required to comply to fill the position. They had already complied before the draft because, as a league spokesperson told Kyed, “there wasn’t a single person in the main personnel position, and…”. . . there has been no change in anyone’s title.
The Patriots reportedly saw several candidates decline to interview, perhaps due to the perception that Eliot Wolf was destined to get the job.
Two external candidates agreed to interview: former Panthers director of player negotiations and salary cap executive Samir Suleiman and Eagles director of scouting Brandon Hunt.
Although a request for discretion and secrecy would be a reason to keep specific names quiet when requested, it makes sense to publicly announce all candidates who have not requested anonymity. (It could also be argued that if someone wants a job of this magnitude, secrecy is not an option.)
Thus, the Patriots, and no team, are required to tell the public anything about their efforts to comply with the Rooney Rule. Teams must only notify the league.
News Source : www.nbcsports.com
Gn sports
