PHILADELPHIA — When N. Jeremi Duru, a lawyer and expert in sports law, advocated for the Rooney Rule after it was implemented across the league, he described it as an “extremely controversial” time. While serving as counsel for the Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization comprised of coaches, scouts, and executives of color in the NFL, Duru and the rest of the group wanted more opportunities offered to minorities. Some coaches, executives, and fans didn’t feel the same way, based on their responses. “People viewed it as this extraordinarily radical idea,” said Duru, now a professor at American…
