Name: Sports executives discuss combating structural racism in their leagues
Uploaded: 2020-10-01
Duration: 3 min 59 s
Description: Executives from the NBA, NFL, and MLB discuss how they can reevaluate practices.

 SPEAKER 1: You know, we talk about structural racism-- literally that's been the buzzword, I think, for every team that's put out statements and these athletes. We talk about the need to address it on that level. And that's not only looking externally-- that's looking internally as well. In the front offices of teams, at the highest levels of these leagues, weather there is not only diversity, but I think representation for women. Michelle, I'll start with you. How do you think baseball fares in that regard, internally? SPEAKER 2: Yes. So we have work to do. I mean, I'll be honest with you and tell you, we know we can do better. So there's a great pipeline of programs that MLB runs right now to bring in talent at the junior level. But where we really need to double down our efforts is how do we get talent in at that lateral and experienced higher level in our front offices? And then what are we also doing to help get Black, Hispanic, Latino talent, et cetera, in those key roles on the field? So there are a lot of different programs that MLB has in place, and they were in place before this summer. And I think what happened this summer and the attention that the spotlight that has been shown on racial justice has just made us realize that we have to double down and accelerate those efforts. SPEAKER 1: And Renie, how about you? How about the NFL, rather? SPEAKER 3: You know, very similar to Michelle, but diversity and inclusion is a huge focus for us. On the field we have the Rooney Rule which is something that is very focused if we are doing any on field interviewing for positions that we have to continue to do better. But the key point is, even on the executive side, we have to begin to train people. If the answer is oftentimes, well, there just weren't any people that were completely ready or qualified for this position. Well then we need to begin in the junior ranks and really focus on training individuals in key areas of focus, if that be sales, if that be football, if that be human resources or finance. And so it's really up to us to make sure that we're helping grow the talent, as well as finding the right type of talent for the key opportunities. SPEAKER 1: Kate, we were just talking about this actually on Around the Horn today, because in the NBA there's been some coaching openings. And we've talked about, OK, well the numbers of Black coaches in the league right now is not what it's always been. And I'm not specifically asking about coaches, but the same question applies, I think, to executives, people in high positions. And we're not just talking about players, but in the league offices. Where do you feel the league still needs to make advances in that regard? SPEAKER 4: We've been a values based organization for a really long time. And I think now is an opportunity for us to take that introspective moment to really think about how we can be better and do more. And so coming out of a lot of the conversations that we've had with players and our governors, we actually kicked off an internal social justice task force that is really focused on increasing Black representatives across the NBA, both in basketball side as well as the business side of the league. And greater inclusion of our Black owned businesses, and ensuring that it's not just what you see on the court, but also around the business that we're embracing. And then lastly, we started the first NBA foundation with that huge investment over 10 years really focused on economic empowerment. And so I think we will continue to focus on diversity and inclusion, as we have done for the last several decades. And we know we have some work to do. 

Executives from the NBA, NFL, and MLB discuss how they can reevaluate practices.

Sports executives discuss combating structural racism in their leagues

Michele Meyer-Shipp, Kate Jhaveri, Renie Anderson

Executives discuss how they can reevaluate practices.