“It was absolutely mind-blowing to me that in 2021, something like that is actually a narrative,” Chung, who is Korean, told the paper.
Now, the NFL has said it is reviewing the matter.
“That comment is completely inappropriate and contrary to league values and workplace policies. The NFL and its clubs are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all personnel in a manner that is consistent with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” the league said in a statement.
CNN reached out to Chung for comment, but did not receive a response.
The move by the league comes after the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a group dedicated to furthering diversity in the NFL, called on the league to investigate.
“If the comments regarding his status as a Korean American are true, it is further evidence that despite good faith changes to diversity-related policies, the NFL’s actual hiring practices are still riddled with discrimination,” the group said in a statement.
The news comes as the NFL has attempted to increase diversity in its coaching ranks, after years of criticism.
In 2003, the league adopted the Rooney Rule, requiring teams to interview at least one “diverse” candidate for head coaching vacancies.
In 2009, the Rooney Rule was expanded to include general manager jobs and equivalent front office positions. Last year, the league expanded the rule to require additional interviews.