"Expanding the scope of the Rooney Rule would increase the likelihood that minority candidates long excluded from decision-making positions will receive fair consideration for open positions."

Within a few weeks, this clause was nullified by the NFL, because it violated the league's "Rooney Rule".

"Ultimately, we hope that the Rooney Rule will be expanded to all coaching, scouting and front office positions."

But the Lions circumvented a rule to which they agreed, and sent a message to other owners that the Rooney Rule had no teeth.

In 2003, the NFL implemented the Rooney Rule, requiring teams searching for a new head coach to interview at least one minority candidate.

The Rooney Rule requires National Football League teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation jobs.

At the start of the 2006 season, the overall percentage of African American coaches had jumped to 22%, up from 6% prior to the Rooney Rule.

Dan Rooney has made it a requirement for any team interviewing for a new head coach to interview a minority candidate, known as the "Rooney Rule".

Implemented in 2003, the Rooney Rule was forced to overcome some initial teething problems.

The Rooney Rule is proof.