Sports DeMaurice Smith wants to axe NFL’s Rooney Rule. Here’s why his plan is flawed. July 9, 2023 Mike Freeman, USA TODAY Comments Off on DeMaurice Smith wants to axe NFL’s Rooney Rule. Here’s why his plan is flawed. DeMaurice Smith, outgoing executive director of NFL Players Association, wants to end the Rooney Rule. The only issue: His plan won't work.