Football is the most watched sport in the US - and one of the most profitable. The NFL reported that last year, the Super Bowl was watched by two-thirds of Americans.

But for some, the popularity and success of the sport are overshadowed by its continuing problems around race - from its handling of players kneeling in protest against the killing of unarmed Black people, to lawsuits over racially biased compensation for concussed Black players, to the NFL's inability –or unwillingness?--to hire and retain Black coaches in a league where a majority of the players are black.

Host Michel Martin talks to Justin Tinsley, who writes about sports and culture and appears on ESPN. And Carron Phillips, of Deadspin, explains why after 20 years the NFL's Rooney Rule has failed to bring diversity to leadership roles.

Listen to more Consider This at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy