Roger Goodell

Rule Changes

Named defendant; would have presided over arbitration if court had allowed it

For twenty years, the National Football League has resolved disputes through an arbitration system controlled by its own commissioner. On February 13, 2026, a federal judge ruled that system cannot shield the league from allegations that it systematically discriminates against Black coaches. The ruling means evidence about how NFL teams actually make hiring decisions will become public for the first time.

Updated Feb 13