NFL plans to eliminate Wonderlic test for prospects during draft process

The NFL plans to eliminate the Wonderlic test from future scouting combines, according to a new memo sent to league clubs on Wednesday.

League spokesperson Brian McCarthy told The Hill that league clubs will still be allowed to utilize the tests during individual meetings with prospects. 

League clubs could forfeit a future first- to fourth-round draft pick and be fined a minimum of $150,00 if a club representative conducts inappropriate behavior that is deemed “disrespectful, inappropriate, or unprofessional” during an interview with a prospect, according to the memo. 

The new memo also states team employees could face fines or suspensions if they violated rules, The Associated Press reported.  

“All clubs should ensure that prospective draft picks are afforded a respectful and professional NFL environment — one that is consistent with state and federal law and our shared commitment to respect, diversity and inclusion,” the memo said. 

“The same is true of free agents whom your club may consider signing. It is also important for your club to reinforce to prospective players the value your club places on character and the standards of conduct expected of everyone associated with the NFL.”

This comes as the league is trying to improve its professional and medical experience for draft prospects at the combine. 

There have been multiple reports of teams asking inappropriate questions to draft prospects in the past several years, the AP reported. 

Former Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland apologized to then-Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant in 2010 after asking if his mother was a prostitute.

Then-Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn apologized to Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Eli Apple after it was reported that a member of his coaching staff asked Apple a question about his sexuality. 

According to its collective bargaining agreement and state and federal laws, teams are reminded during the drafting process to not to discriminate draft prospects based on race, color, disabilities, religion, sexual orientation, national origin and marital status, the AP noted.