Brooks on NFL diversity committee

TAMPA -- Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks has been named to a six-player committee created by the NFL Players Association to look into issues of diversity in the league.

The committee, which will work in conjunction with NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw, also consists of Eagles cornerback Troy Vincent, Lions defensive lineman Robert Porcher, Rams running back Marshall Faulk, Chargers cornerback Ryan McNeil and Chiefs running back Tony Richardson.

The committee had its first conference call Tuesday night to establish a course of action.

"I jumped at the opportunity," Brooks said. "I feel that I am going to make a direct impact on this committee in our league. I actually think this gives me a powerful voice to speak for a lot of players, even though I am not a team representative."

Brooks is in his eighth season out of Florida State.

"There are a lot of issues that I am very vocal about and I think that I am a fair man," Brooks said. "It is a strong committee. I think it is going to be very hard not to hear what the committee has to say, considering the reputation that the guys have. I think we will have a very strong voice and people are going to hear us."