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NFL releases statement in response to Brian Flores’ lawsuit

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

The NFL has released a statement in response to the lawsuit filed by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who is suing the league, the Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants for alleged “racism in hiring.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Flores has filed a lawsuit against the NFL, the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos for “racism in hiring” practices. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan Federal Court seeking “unspecified damages from the NFL.”

Flores also contends that his interview with the Giants was only to demonstrate falsely to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the public at large that it was in compliance with the Rooney Rule, which stipulates that franchises must interview minority candidates.

Hours after news of the lawsuit went public, the NFL released a statement.

“The NFL and our clubs are deeply committed to ensuring equitable employment practices and continue to make progress in providing equitable opportunities throughout our organizations,” the statement read. “Diversity is core to everything we do, and there are few issues on which our clubs and our internal leadership team spend more time. We will defend against these claims, which are without merit.”

Flores claims that he was offered $100,000 per loss by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in 2019 so that the franchise could improve its draft position.

Ross was upset when the team continued to win.

Additionally, Flores claims that John Elway and Denver Broncos owner Joe Ellis showed up an hour late when he interviewed with the franchise in 2019. He alleges it was “obvious” they had been drinking heavily the night before.

Flores was the head coach in Miami from 2019-21. His termination was surprising after leading the Dolphins to a 10-win season in 2020 and a 9-8 record in 2021.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB