A US Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on discrimination claims brought forth by Black NFL coaches was announced on Aug. 14. The ruling sent shockwaves through the league.
Black Coaches vs. The NFL: U.S. Circuit Court Makes Massive Decision, Shockwaves Sent Through League
Feb 4, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks flanked by the Vince Lombardi tropjhy during Super Bowl LIII winning team press conference at Georgia World Congress Center. The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 to win an NFL record-tying sixth championship Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 4, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks flanked by the Vince Lombardi tropjhy during Super Bowl LIII winning team press conference at Georgia World Congress Center. The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 to win an NFL record-tying sixth championship Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
According to multiple sources:
Back in 2022, Brian Flores sued the NFL and three teams for being “rife with racism.” He claims the Miami Dolphins tried to get him to tank for a better draft pick in 2019. Team owner Stephen Ross allegedly offered him $100,000 for every loss that season. Flores also accused the New York Giants of interviewing him strictly to comply with the league’s Rooney Rule.
“We interviewed an impressive and diverse group of candidates,” the Giants said in response to the allegations. “The fact of the matter is, Brian Flores was in the conversation to be our head coach until the eleventh hour. Ultimately, we hired the individual we felt was most qualified to be our next head coach.”
Well, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan came to the conclusion Thursday that Flores can proceed with his claims against the NFL.
As of now, the following three teams can go to trial: the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Flores’ attorneys wasted no time responding to this Thursday’s development.
“The significance of the Second Circuit’s decision cannot be overstated,” his legal team said. “For too long, the NFL has relied on a fundamentally biased and unfair arbitration process – even in cases involving serious claims of discrimination. This ruling sends a clear message: that practice must end. This is a victory not only for NFL employees, but for workers across the country — and for anyone who believes in transparency, accountability and justice.”
As for the NFL, it was made clear that they don’t agree with this ruling.
If we had to guess, this won’t be the end of Flores’ feud with the NFL. If anything, it’s just the start.
Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during a timeout during the second half of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during a timeout during the second half of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is congratulated by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross after the victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins were docked a first-round pick in 2023 and a third-rounder in 2024 and owner Stephen Ross was suspended through mid-October and fined $1.5 million for damage to the integrity of the game, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Tuesday. The penalties largely surround the DolphinsÕ flirtation with quarterback Tom Brady Ñ not only before the 2021 season when Brady was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but extending all the way back to the 2019-20 season when he was with the New England Patriots.
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is congratulated by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross after the victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins were docked a first-round pick in 2023 and a third-rounder in 2024 and owner Stephen Ross was suspended through mid-October and fined $1.5 million for damage to the integrity of the game, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Tuesday. The penalties largely surround the DolphinsÕ flirtation with quarterback Tom Brady Ñ not only before the 2021 season when Brady was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but extending all the way back to the 2019-20 season when he was with the New England Patriots.
Stephen Ross Over The Years 33
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