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Tag: racism

Keith Olbermann drops F-bomb in reaction to NFL ditching ‘End Racism’ phrase in end zones for Super Bowl

A common occurrence in NFL end zones over the last four-plus years, the “End Racism” message will not appear in the end zones during the Super Bowl.

A trend that began in the 2020 NFL opener amid racial tensions in the United States. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Athletic on Tuesday that the league will go a different route.

Instead, the end zones at Super Bowl LIX will feature the phrases “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us.”

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Keith Olbermann arrives to “Late Show with David Letterman” at Ed Sullivan Theater on September 11, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage)

McCarthy cited the recent tragedies that have occurred in the U.S. since the start of 2025, including the terror attack in New Orleans, wildfires in the Los Angeles area and the deadly plane crash near a Washington, D.C., airport.

Well, the NFL’s decision was not taken kindly by former ESPN employee turned political commentator Keith Olbermann.

“Guess what @nfl? If you’re against “Stop Racism,” that means you’re FOR… Racism. F–k you and every one of your advertisers,” he posted to X on Tuesday.

“End Racism” was only seen during the Eagles’ NFC Championship win against the Washington Commanders. The AFC Championship, in which the Chiefs topped the Buffalo Bills, included the aforementioned phrases.

A close up view of the Kansas City Chiefs end zone before the NFL Super Bowl LVIII football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

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The league’s move to remove it for the Super Bowl came as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

“We got into diversity efforts because we felt like it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, we’ve proven ourselves, that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said. “We’re not in this because it’s a trend to get in or a trend to get out of it.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell poses with Vince Lombardi trophy and Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs helmets at a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome. Lee-Imagn Images (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

“Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent in the National Football League, both on and off the field, as I said previously. We see that. We see how it benefits the National Football League, and so I think we’ll continue those efforts.”

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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The “End Racism” phrase was featured in the Chiefs’ end zone in last year’s Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers had “It Takes All of Us.”

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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February 5, 2025
NFL to remove ‘End Racism’ phrase from end zones for Super Bowl LIX

The words “End Racism” will not be featured in the back of end zones during Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Instead, the phrases “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” will be emblazoned in the end zones at the Caesars Superdome. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Athletic on Tuesday the decision came amid the recent tragedies that have occurred in the U.S. since the start of 2025, including the terror attack in New Orleans, wildfires in the Los Angeles area and the deadly plane crash near a Washington, D.C., airport.

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ end zone before Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

“We felt it was an appropriate statement for what the country has collectively endured, given recent tragedies, and can serve as an inspiration,” he told the outlet.

McCarthy added that “End Racism” was only seen during the Eagles’ NFC Championship win against the Washington Commanders. The AFC Championship, in which the Chiefs topped the Buffalo Bills, included the aforementioned phrases.

The “End Racism” stencil debuted in 2020 after a summer of racial turmoil in the U.S. The phrase was featured in the Chiefs’ end zone in last year’s Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers had “It Takes All of Us.”

The NFL’s move to remove it for the Super Bowl came as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

The words “End Racism” and the New Orleans Saints logo in the end zone. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)

“We got into diversity efforts because we felt like it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, we’ve proven ourselves, that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said. “We’re not in this because it’s a trend to get in or a trend to get out of it.

“Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent in the National Football League, both on and off the field, as I said previously. We see that. We see how it benefits the National Football League, and so I think we’ll continue those efforts.”

Goodell said the league’s DEI efforts were a reflection of the foundation of the league.

“I think it’s also clearly a reflection on our fan base and our communities and our players. People talk a lot about the Rooney Rule… for us there’s no requirement to hire a particular individual on the basis of race or gender. It’s simply on the basis of looking at a campus of candidates that reflect our communities and to look at the kind of talent that exists there, and then you make the best decision on who is hired,” he added.

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt York)

“So many of us, including the National Football League at our office, are doing that voluntarily at all levels because it has benefited us. And I hear that from companies on a global basis. That’s a very strong hiring practice we’re adopting also.”

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 4, 2025
DoD creates task force to abolish DEI offices that ‘promote systemic racism’

DEI is about to die at the DoD.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth zeroed in on the controversial programs, releasing a memorandum on Wednesday stating that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is incompatible with Department of Defense (DoD) values, and created a task force to address the abolition of the program.

Further, it outlined how the department will restore America’s fighting force – citing promotion and selection reform; elimination of quotas; and prohibition of Critical Race Theory, gender ideology, and DEI.

In an executive order issued Monday, “Restoring America’s Fighting Force,” President Donald Trump prohibited any preference or disadvantage for an individual or group within the Armed Forces on the basis of sex, race or ethnicity.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s choice to be Defense secretary, at the completion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH SAYS ‘NO MORE DEI AT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’: ‘NO EXCEPTIONS’

The memorandum – for senior pentagon leadership, commanders, and DoD field activity directors – noted the DoD will strive to provide merit-based, color-blind, equal opportunities for service members, but will not guarantee or strive for equal outcomes.

All decisions related to hiring, promotion, and selection of personnel for assignments will be based on merit, the needs of the department, and the individual’s desires, according to the memo.

Officials created a “Restoring America’s Fighting Force” Task Force to oversee the department’s efforts to abolish DEI offices, boards, councils and working groups.

The seal of the Department of Defense is seen on the podium at the Pentagon, Sept. 27, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WHITE HOUSE OPM ORDERS ALL DEI OFFICES TO BEGIN CLOSING BY END OF DAY WEDNESDAY

It will also eliminate any “vestiges of such offices that subvert meritocracy, perpetuate unconstitutional discrimination, and promote radical ideologies related to systemic racism and gender fluidity.”

Officials also nixed any programs, elements or initiatives that were established to promote “diverse concepts,” according to the memo.

Moving forward, officials said the DoD will not consider sex, race or ethnicity when considering individuals for promotion, command or special duty.

The department will also eliminate quotas, objectives and goals that are based on those characteristics.

Midshipmen render a salute during the commissioning and graduation ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, U.S., May 24, 2024.

U.S. Service Academies and other defense academic institutions will “teach that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history,” according to the memo.

Fox News Digital requested comment from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, but did not immediately receive a response.

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An initial report on progress will be provided to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USDP&R) by March 1, and a final report by June 1.

Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.

January 29, 2025