(2003-07-26) -- A day after the National Football League fined the Detroit Lions $200,000 for failing to interview black coaches when it hired Steve Mariucci, the league has ordered all quarterbacks to consider blacks as primary receivers on pass plays.

"In order to compensate for the historical oppression of African-Americans, the quarterback's first look will now be at a black receiver," said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. "If he's not open, only then may the quarterback throw to a white receiver. But even if the black receiver is double-covered, the QB should try to throw to him. It would be better to be intercepted than to violate the NFL's diversity policy and be fined $200,000."

The league will use referees to monitor compliance. Instant replay rules will also apply, and the coach of an opposing team may request a replay if it appears that his opponent's quarterback did not consider a black receiver first.

The fine against the Lions comes despite the fact that they asked five black coaches for interviews, and were turned down by all because the hiring of Mariucci seemed a foregone conclusion.

A spokesman for the NFL Players Union said, "Well, at least it's easier to find a black receiver than a black coach."