Brian Flores Sues The NFL, Alleges Racism 

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins, the Denver Broncos, and the New York Giants on Tuesday, alleging discrimination in hiring practices.

The suit, which was filed in Manhattan federal court, claimed, among other things, that the Giants interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy solely to satisfy the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” which stipulates that teams must interview minority candidates for coaching and front office positions.

To back up his claim, Flores presented a series of text messages sent to him by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on Jan. 23, essentially congratulating him for getting a job he hadn’t yet interviewed for (Flores’ interview was scheduled for Jan. 27). Belichick thought he was texting Brian Daboll, who ultimately ended up getting the job.

“Sorry – I f—ed this up. I double checked & I misread the text,” Belichick allegedly wrote after realizing his mistake. “I think they are naming Daboll. I’m sorry about that. BB”

Flores spent Wednesday appearing on various media outlets to discuss the lawsuit. During an appearance on CNN’s New Day, he was asked about his feelings when he read the messages.

“It was humiliating to be quite honest,” Flores said. “There was disbelief, there was anger, there was a wave of emotions for a lot of reasons.”

The Giants denied the allegations, describing them as “Disturbing and simply false.”

“The allegation that the Giants’ decision had been made prior to Friday evening, January 28th, is false,” they wrote. “To base that allegation on a text exchange with Bill Belichick in which he ultimately states that he “thinks” Brian Daboll would get the job is irresponsible.”

The 58-page document also claims that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered Flores $100,000 for every loss in order to enhance Miami’s draft position. He believes he was fired for failing to comply.

“I wouldn’t do the things that they wanted me to do,” He said during an interview on NPR. “From a character and integrity standpoint, there was no way I was going to tank. Ultimately, I think that’s why. Or, I know that’s why.”

Ross issued a strong rebuke to Flores’ claims.

“With regards to the allegations being made by Brian Flores, I am a man of honor and integrity and cannot let them stand without responding,” he said in a statement. “I take great personal exception to these malicious attacks, and the truth must be known. His allegations are false, malicious and defamatory. We understand there are media reports stating that the NFL intends to investigate his claims, and we will cooperate fully. I welcome that investigation and I am eager to defend my personal integrity, and the integrity and values of the entire Miami Dolphins organization, from these baseless, unfair and disparaging claims.”

The Rooney Rule was established in 2003 to level the playing field and give qualified minority candidates an equal opportunity to climb up the organizational ranks. Nearly two decades later,  the NFL appears to have regressed in its efforts.

Currently, there is only one black head coach in the NFL (Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers), and only three minority coaches overall (Robert Sarah, Ron Rivera). According to the suit, only 15 of 129 vacancies have been filled by Black candidates since the rule’s inception.

Flores is aware that, by filing this lawsuit, he may be jeopardizing any chance he has of ever coaching in the NFL again.

“God has gifted me with a special talent to coach the game of football, but the need for change is bigger than my personal goals,” he said in a statement put out by the Wigdor firm. “In making the decision to file the class action complaint today, I understand that I may be risking coaching the game that I love and that has done so much for my family and me. My sincere hope is that by standing up against systemic racism in the NFL, others will join me to ensure that positive change is made for generations to come.”