National Association for the Advancement of Colored People leaders applaud the diligent work of National Football League head coaches Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts and Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears and their players as they meet in Super Bowl XLI Feb. 4. For the first time in that sporting event's history each team will be led by an African American.
"This is truly a significant moment in professional sports and a point of personal pride for these individuals," said NAACP President & CEO Bruce S. Gordon. "The concern has never been one of competency, but one of opportunity and support. Black coaches are rarely given the chance to succeed at this level in professional sports or even the prospect of recovery should they falter. These gentlemen stand as strong models of what can be accomplished should the door to success remain open. Owners should take note. "
No doubt, progress has been made in recent years. Seven of the NFL's 32 head coaches are African American (21.9 percent), and three of them are likely to lead this year's Coach of the Year poll.
Despite these advancements, a 2002 report titled, "Black Coaches in the NFL: Superior Performance, Inferior Opportunities," developed by labor attorneys including the late Johnnie Cochran, uses statistical data to argue that the league has regressed in its efforts to hire more black head coaches
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.