I know a thing or two about the types of questions that can be asked of perspective employees, and I know for a fact that asking someone if their mother is a prostitute isn’t one of them.
Dez Bryant, the Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick, told Yahoo! Sports that Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland – a former Cowboys’ employee – asked if the wide receiver’s mother was a prostitute during an interview.
Ireland has apologized to Bryant, saying he used “poor judgment” in asking the question. But a simple apology doesn’t begin to address what is apparently a growing problem within the NFL.
Other players have reported being asked ridiculous questions during pre-draft interviews.
Gerald McCoy, the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, says one team asked him whether he wears a G-string or jock strap.
Myron Rolle, a former Florida State player who left the Seminoles’ program to take advantage of a Rhodes Scholarship, was asked if he deserted his team by attending Oxford.
Certainly, NFL teams have the right to delve into a players background, especially when millions of dollars are potentially going to be invested.
But million dollar investments don’t exempt the NFL or any of its franchises from federal laws.
There are no less than 30 questions an employer can’t ask perspective employees, and all of those reportedly asked of Bryant, McCoy and Rolle are against the law.
On Wednesday, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said the treatment of Bryant and other prospective draft picks needs to be conducted in a professional manner.
While expecting team executives to conduct themselves professionally would seem to be a given, that doesn’t mean questions being asked of players or other perspective employees abide by federal laws.
In Ireland’s case, he’s lucky to still have a job. Moreover, if Bryant wanted to pursue legal action against him and the Dolphins, it would be well within his right to do so.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has yet to issue a statement regarding Ireland, but he’d be well served to address the matter promptly.
He’d also be wise to ensure each of the franchises understands what questions they can legally ask players during pre-draft interviews.
If Goodell doesn’t get an immediate handle on this situation, the league could be exposed to more embarrassment, and future law suits.
