NFL ends investigation into racism allegations after former coach fails to publicly name accused

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The National Football League said Thursday it could not substantiate allegations by Eugene Chung, a former Asian-American NFL player and coach, that discriminatory comments were made to him during an interview with the National Football League. ‘hiring.

In a statement provided to NBC Asian America, the NFL wrote that it was unable to confirm the specific statement that was made, or by whom and under what circumstances such statement was made. Chung had previously refused to publicly reveal the assailant’s identity after alleged in May that he was told he was not the right minority the team was looking for.

Following public reports of comments made in a conversation with former NFL player and coach Eugene Chung, comments that have no place in the NFL or any contemporary workplace, we have undertaken a review of this matter, the NFL wrote in the statement. Nonetheless, we intend to use this opportunity to strengthen the commitment of the NFL and each NFL club to ensure proper interview processes and develop a diverse, inclusive and respectful workforce on and off the field. .

Chung, who made history in 1992 as the first Asian American to be drafted into the NFL in the first round, served as an NFL coach in Philadelphia and Kansas City. Chung, who is of Korean descent, said at a panel this year that was part of the Boston Globe Leadership Luncheon Series he was told in a job interview for a job. coach, you are really not a minority.

I was like, wait a minute. The last time I checked, when I looked in the mirror and brushed my teeth, I was a minority, ”Chung recalls, according to the Boston Globe.

Chung, who declined to say which team this happened with, said he then pushed the interviewer to elaborate.

I asked about it, and as soon as the flashback started, I was like, Oh no, no, no, no, no, you said it. Now that it’s out there, let’s talk about it, Chung said. It was absolutely mind-boggling to me that in 2021 something like this is actually a story.

He told the panel that the experience was emotionally crippling but representative of the problematic perception many have of Asian Americans.

“I am a minority, but I am an invisible minority. I am the ‘model minority’,” Chung said. “I’m sure we’ve heard it so many times and that’s how I felt leaving this. That’s why I’m here today because of a comment like this and the directive that is right now.

He said the incident had forced him to “raise his voice and say what I am going through.”

Although the NFL dropped the case, she said Chung offered to help the league move forward.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss with him how we can better advance employment opportunities in the League, the statement said.

Kimmy Yam is a reporter for NBC Asian America.

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