ESPN reports that Brian Flores, the former coach of the Miami Dolphins, has sued the NFL and three additional teams: the Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants. He’s alleging discrimination regarding his interview process with the Giants, Broncos, and his firing last month by Miami. The lawsuit is 58 pages long and seeks class-action status. Flores dropped several bombshells within one huge bombshell.
Flores allegations toward the Miami Dolphins
He alleges that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross attempted to incentivize him to “tank” or to throw games purposely. In 2019, shortly after Flores was hired, Ross allegedly offered him $100,000 for every game they lose that season. In the lawsuit, Flores states that when the team started winning games towards the end of the season, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier informed him that Ross became angry. The on-field success was affecting their draft capital for the following year.
Furthermore, Flores claims that Ross exerted pressure on him to recruit a well-known quarterback during the latter part of the 2019 season. However, he didn’t feel comfortable and refused to violate the NFL’s tampering rules. Ross also allegedly invited Flores on a yacht for lunch in 2020, where he notified him “consequently” the quarterback was arriving for an impromptu meeting. Afterward, Flores claims that he was “treated with disdain and held out as someone who was non-compliant and difficult to work with.”
He was dismissed on January 10th, even though he achieved the Dolphins’ first consecutive winning seasons since 2003. However, there were more allegations to unpack that Flores is accusing front offices of.
Flores Allegations toward the New York Giants
Flores claimed that the Giants interviewed him just last month for their head coaching vacancy solely to fulfill the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirement. The Rooney Rule mandates teams to interview minority candidates for available positions. The rule has been updated to require teams to conduct face-to-face interviews with at least one external minority candidate when hiring a general manager or head coach from outside their organization.
Flores explained he spoke with the Giants via Zoom in mid-January. This is prior to the Giants hiring former Buffalo Bills GM Joe Schoen as their new GM. The Giants co-director of player personnel Tim McDonnell texted Flores. McDonell began to give Flores false hope, saying that he hoped he would “come in and win the f-ing job.”
However, a few hours later, he received text messages from Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots. During the ten years he worked under him, Bill Belichick sent Flores a series of texts. In those messages, Belichick mentioned hearing from “Buffalo and NYG that you are their guy.” Flores then replied to Belichick, seeking clarification if the message was intended for him or Daboll. Belichick acknowledged his mistake and informed Flores that the Giants had chosen Daboll.
“Sorry — I f—ed this up. I double-checked and misread the text. I think they are naming Brian Daboll. I’m sorry about that,” Belichick allegedly texted.
The Brian Flores lawsuit is definitely worth a read.
Includes a snapshot of a Bill Belichick text message (which mistakes Brian Flores for Brian Daboll) https://t.co/IMIx9wAZph pic.twitter.com/QDKEAJHees— Ken Moriyasu (@kenmoriyasu) February 2, 2022
Flores allegations towards the Denver Broncos
Flores spoke similarly to the Denver Broncos during the interview process. When he arrived to speak with the Broncos for their HC job in 2019, he says that then Denver GM John Elway, among others, arrive to interview an hour late and hungover. Alleging they had been a bit intoxicated and drinking the night prior. While there are no super red flags popping out as far as moral issues, it does show a lack of professionalism and lack of respect for Flores.
“Our interview involved extensive notes, analysis, and evaluations, showcasing the depth of our conversation and genuine interest in Mr. Flores as a head coaching candidate,” the team stated. “We conducted a comprehensive and equitable process to identify the most qualified candidate for our head coaching position.
“The Broncos will strongly uphold the integrity and values of our organization, as well as protect the reputation of our employees, against unfounded and derogatory allegations.”
Miami Dolphins, Broncos, and Giants respond to allegations
However, all three responded separately to the allegations early this week.
The Giants expressed satisfaction and certainty in their hiring process.
“We interviewed a remarkable and varied pool of candidates,” the team stated. “The truth is, Brian Flores was considered for the head coach position until the final moments. Ultimately, we chose the individual we believed was the most qualified to lead our team.”
The Dolphins denied all allegations and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization.
“We want to clarify that the suggestion of our actions being inconsistent with the integrity of the game is incorrect,” stated the Dolphins.
The Broncos emphasized that the interview did start on time at 7:30 A.M. in Providence, Rhode Island. The interview lasted three and half hours and was conducted with five team execs.
What does Brian Flores wish comes out of this lawsuit?
The coach hopes to “shine a light on racial injustices that take place inside the NFL.” Among the areas Flores said he would like to see addressed:
- Increase the influence of Black individuals in hiring, and Black coordinators
- Enhance the fairness in hiring and firing GMs, head coaches, and coordinators
- Encourage the recruitment and retention of Black GMs, head coaches, and coordinators
- Provide clear visibility into the compensation of GMs, head coaches, and coordinators