Back to the NFL Newsfeed

Mark Davis: Rooney Rule Has 'Never Been Necessary' for Raiders

Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis, who was criticized for not following the spirit of the Rooney Rule when hiring Jon Gruden last offseason, said the rule has "never been necessary" for the club.

"On the Rooney Rule, obviously it must be necessary in society for some reason. It's never been necessary for the Raiders,” Davis told reporters Wednesday. "My first hire was Reggie McKenzie, and it wasn't out of any...I didn't realize what color he was. He had red hair and freckles. I don't work like that.

"But I think if they strengthen it, that's great.