But if it was simply nepotism, why is there a Rooney Rule requiring interviews of minorities? Doesn’t that speak to the fact the league itself recognizes there is inherent racism, or at least favoritism?
I remember when it was a controversial thing to play a black QB. When Buffalo started a rookie black QB in 1969 it was a very big deal.
I have read OJ’s book about his rookie season in 1969, and he talks a lot about the inherent racism in the league. I think the remnants of that racism remain, or else there wouldn’t be a rule forcing teams to interview minorities.