League: Raiders OK by ‘Rooney Rule’
The NFL said yesterday that the Oakland Raiders complied with the “Rooney Rule” when they hired Jon Gruden as head coach.
The league said a review found the Raiders conducted “bona fide” interviews with minority candidates during their search for a replacement for Jack Del Rio, who was fired after a disappointing six-win season. The “Rooney Rule” requires NFL teams to consider at least one minority candidate before making an offer to a head coaching candidate. The team officially hired Gruden on Jan. 6.
The Fritz Pollard Alliance, which had called for an investigation out of concern that Raiders owner Mark Davis came to an agreement with Gruden before the team interviewed any minority candidates, released a statement saying the NFL made the wrong call in not penalizing Davis.
“In his enthusiasm to hire Jon Gruden, Raiders owner Mark Davis failed to fulfill his obligation under the rule and should step forward and acknowledge he violated the rule,” the alliance statement said.
Vikings questionable
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (lower back) and safety Andrew Sendejo (concussion) are both listed as questionable for tomorrow’s NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Thielen, the Vikings’ top receiver, was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and yesterday after not practicing Wednesday. Sendejo is still in concussion protocol after being hurt in last Sunday’s playoff victory over the Saints, but he was a full participant in yesterday’s practice.
The veteran safety still must be tested to see if he clears the protocol. Coach Mike Zimmer said he is optimistic Sendejo will play.
Jets WR in trouble
New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson faces a slew of charges in Florida, including threatening a police officer’s family and saying he would rape the officer’s wife.
A Sunrise, Fla., police report shows the 24-yearold Anderson was stopped early yesterday in a sport utility vehicle after it ran two red lights and was swerving while traveling about 105 mph.
After he was stopped, police say he made the threats and then boasted about how much money he has. Jail records show Anderson faces nine charges, including threatening harm to a public servant, resisting arrest and traffic violations.
The records don’t list an attorney for Anderson.
Anderson caught 63 passes for 941 yards and seven touchdowns this season with the Jets.
Fins make changes
The Miami Dolphins announced several changes to Adam Gase’s coaching staff, including the hiring of Dowell Loggains as offensive coordinator.
Jeremiah Washburn was hired as offensive line coach. Defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo, running backs coach Danny Barrett and defensive line coach Terrell Williams were not retained, the Dolphins said.
Three assistants changed titles. Shawn Jefferson will become assistant head coach/offense, Ben Johnson will become wide receivers coach, and Clyde Christensen will become director of football and player development.