[Blind Gossip] The NFL has a rule for teams that are interviewing potential new coaches.
The Rooney Rule dictates that teams must interview at least two minority coaches for each open position.
There is a former NFL player named Eugene Chung who was a first-round draft choice for the New England Patriots in 1992.
Chung is of Korean descent. When he was drafted he became only the third person of Asian descent to play professional American football.
At 6’4″ and nearly 300 pounds, Chung was an offensive tackle.
Here is Eugene Chung on a sports trading card.
Chung played for several NFL teams from 1992-1997.
After his playing career ended, Chung became a football coach. From 2010-2019 he worked as an offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chung even earned a Super Bowl ring as part of the Eagles organization!
Here is Chung celebrating in the locker room with his team after winning Super Bowl LII.
Eugene Chung recently interviewed for a new coaching position within the NFL.
It did not go well.
Allegedly, the unnamed staff member of the unidentified team told him the following:
Well, you’re really not a minority.
Chung was shocked.
I was like, “Wait a minute. The last time I checked, when I looked in the mirror and brushed my teeth, I was a minority.” So I was like, “What do you mean I’m not a minority?”
The staffer responded:
You are not the right minority we’re looking for.
Chung says that this is not the first time that he has been told that he is not the “right” kind of minority that NFL teams are looking for.
Really?! What is the “right” kind of minority to be an NFL coach?
The NFL condemned the reported incident in a statement on Monday.
Similar: From NFL Affair To MLB Affair
NFL Team:
[Optional] What do you think of this situation? What do you think will happen? Please keep your comments civil.
DavyRogers says
All he has to do is say he’s Trans and he’s in.
aaajsuze says
Detroit Lions recently got a new head coach. Staffing changes galore.
The NFL will do nothing about this unless the optics become very bad for them which is a shame as they could be a real force for positive influence if they just gave a damn about anything other than $$$
wisemanNYC says
The correct minority needs a helping hand. The “incorrect minority” can usually boost themselves up without being permanent victims for generations. Plus they get played less by a certain political party in the U. S.
goodgollyholly says
“Correct” minority – racism and this type of hiring isn’t just in the NFL. I used to be part of a group for NBA season tix in my city – no longer and I haven’t supported the NFL in years – way too many bad eggs (players, owners, management) in both. With regard to the NBA, it also disgusts me that they court China ($$$) who are notorious for their human rights abuses. Boycott both.
yashenny says
Going to guess the Chargers since they just hired a young, popular white guy over more seasoned minority leaders.
redstilettos says
This is a shame. This man is obviously qualified.
spookie says
And Asian people are certainly a minority within the NFL!
LVoeMe says
This is racism! It’s more woke to have a Black coach despite that he has a super bowl ring which is the pinnacle of an NFL coaching career!
The team interviewer should be fired for one and it’s ridiculous to insinuate that there is only ONE minority group! I hope this wokism is over soon, it’s a wreaking havoc on society and doing more harm than good!
caligrlth25 says
Washington
jonty30 says
The only minorities that count in the woke NFL are black ones. Everybody else is designated as a white person.
xtinaakua says
Now imagine the NFL (as well as the NBA) without black people snd re write your comment.
jonty30 says
Xtinaakua, there is nothing wrong with what I said. The Korean coach-prospect made the claim that he was told that he was the wrong kind of minority.
What do you suppose they meant by that, if not meaning they were looking for a black coach?
There are about 3 NFL players in the NFL who are Asian, so Asian coaches cannot be over represented in the sport. By his accomplishments, having a won a ring, he should be on a short list for either an equivalent coaching position or a possible step…
aaadnice says
NFL is racist as f*
Vampira says
And greedy as hell
ChunkyDunk says
Wild guess: Patriots
Steffy44 says
He’s interviewing to be a head coach. New England has a head coach already.
Ramblingirl says
Martin Luther King Jr had it right. People need to be evaluated on the content of their character, and in this case, abilities, rather than the color, or lack thereof, of their skin.
Merit needs to make a comeback rather than quota assignments.
xtinaakua says
We already saw what happens without quotae.
kvetro60 says
Amen! Everyone deserves a bite at the Apple as long as they have put in the work. Equal opportunity, not equal outcome.
aaaStorm says
No idea on team
I find this is to so ignorant. Individuals need to be interviewed/considered for a position based on their experience and what they can bring to the team…not their skin color.
aaaNancy says
NFL Team: My guess is New England Patriots because this was first covered by Boston.
What do I think of this situation? As an american asian, I can say I am not surprised. It’s also the reason why I do not support BLM because of the “B” before “LM”. Too much preference given to ‘Black’ when there are OTHER minority groups.
mostlylurker says
aaaNancy: respectfully, I think you are missing the situational context. The “B” comes from the social observation- and a correct one- that *black* lives we bering treated as if they didnt in specific context of police treatment. Sure, on reflection other groups (asian, jews, women, etc) have been targeted (particularly recently). but BLM has the “too” inplied after it and reflects the specific issue, and the larger one that black lives have had the worst of it in america.
SunnyVita says
As an African-American I find your response to preferential treatment to Blacks over Asians disturbing. We are not the preferred minority group. I am a big supporter for stopping Asian Hate Crimes because as minorities we need to stick together. We are a suppressed groups in this country. Responses like this is how we will continue to stay suppressed.
aaalou2 says
No, it was reported in Boston because he is a former Patriots player and is known there.
Conchord says
It can’t be the Patriots, as they were not interviewing for a head coach. They won’t be doing that until Belichick retires.
hairsofthedog says
Giving anyone an advantage based on the color of his/her skin is true racism. Opportunity should be equal, but it’s the responsibility of the individual to meet required performance standards, not expect a pass because of skin color or minority status, and that should be across the board for all races/ethnicities. The only “preference” should be for merit, performance, and character.
VerySunShiny says
BLM. They are all going to cancel each other out. Good luck and good riddance.
mostlylurker says
Respect to BLM
Whisper says
I hope that staffer isn’t the final decision maker. Especially since Chung has a proven track record.
GizmoD says
Why not just interview the best candidates for the job.
TootyFrooty says
It’s absurd not to simply choose the best candidate for a position & hire them. This is all involved in Affirmative Action to give minorities as better chance, but it has gone way too far. Now you must be part of XYZ & that is the most important part of a resume instead of qualifications.
WillowPotter says
It was definitely blatant racism, Asian people here in the US are a minority they’re treated the way that other non whites are treated with being called slur words and being targeted because of something. They have no control over and I doubt they are looking for a minority I think it is a facade to make it look like they are progressive and looking to be diverse. When it is a lie, nothing will happen until more people blow the lid off and they CHOOSE to become more diverse.
Don’t know the…
Swells says
This is RACISM.
sunshine702 says
Patriots?
This is all so ridiculous.
felicia says
I know Eugene personally and he’s an amazing guy. However, considering Eric Bienemy has been passed over time and time again and is black… I’m not sure who exactly the NFL *IS* looking for.
angelbratt says
Sorry but I’m not sure KC would let Eric go-he’s our guy! ❤️❤️
AmateurGossipHour says
I personally agree with Mr Chung’s snake reference. He is simply trying to bring injustices to light for betterment of the community and not to settle a score. If only some other people would take this advice, act with dignity and stop airing their issues with their family/inlaws.
TootyFrooty says
Amen. That person has no idea what dignity is.
dylan_54 says
That’s just awful and sadly not surprising..
IamnotMe says
Today I overheard an acquaintance state that race is all that matters. I was stunned and appalled. You have to be the right color to get away with this and she is. No one questioned her. Racism is en vogue right now. The staff member was just following suit.
Lby54229 says
Seattle Seahawks?
CheetoFingerz says
Not sure of the team.
Everyone seems to be worried about the optics.
Underrepresented minority coaches in the NFL would be Asians and LatinX
Maybe they didn’t want to hire him and it was a poor excuse?
People will always have prejudices, opinions about individuals or groups of people that are not flattering.
amagod121 says
No idea on the NFL team.
Nothing will happen, as he is not the “right” minority.
Nevermind that he experienced classic discrimination.
How about just returning to allowing the best, most qualified candidate to get the job? 🤔
JBDinCA says
The Texans (followed by the Jets).
Gerseychick says
Out the team…What year is it??? Mr. Chung did not deserve that classless remark…
paintedBOOTS says
Eracism.
badgerette85 says
Wild guess… The Texans or Atlanta Falcons.
Personally, the job should go to the most qualified and best fit for that specific position/job.
I do find it highly insensitive and discriminatory that he was NOT considered “the right minority”.
We all know what demographic this undisclosed person was referring to, but the NFL will never say it due to this kind of (justified) reaction. One more reason I won’t watch anymore.
Steffy44 says
Falcons already hired from within.
Annabanana321 says
Okay, I have no words for this kind of acting. Is this a new level of racism or superficiality? Bruh…. But let the guess-games begin:
I’m a fan of the Arizona Cardinals and I really can’t imagine that our coach Handsome-Kliff (how I call him 😁) or one of those guys act like that.
That’s why I say: Green Bay or New England Patriots. Just guessing…
Rise up red sea! 🦜
4girls4 says
We all know what the ‘correct ‘ minority is. But if an NFL team is willing to put an Affirmative Action person at the helm and spend the next decade using the ‘Rebuilding’ excuse …only the fans will suffer