NFL and Teams Sued for Racial Discrimination by Brian Flores

The National Football League and three teams (The Giants, Broncos, and Dolphins) are being sued by Brian Flores, former Miami Dolphins coach, for racial discrimination in the hiring and retention of Black coaches.

Brian Flores was recently fired after 3 successful coaching years for the Dolphins. Flores accuses teams such as the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos, of giving him token interviews to comply with the “Rooney Rule” that required interviewing black candidates for head positions.

Flores released a text message exchange between him and current Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichik. The messages suggest that Belichick knew the Giants had decided on another candidate (another white candidate also named Brian)—Brian Daboll—prior to interviewing Flores.

The Giants deny the allegations and pointed out that the text was speculative and not from anyone associated with their organization.

With this lawsuit, Flores seeks to establish a class-action on behalf of over 40 wronged Black coaches, managers, and job candidates.

This lawsuit has reignited criticism regarding the NFL’s diversity issues particularly in the NFL’s hiring and retention efforts, with repeated efforts to tackle such issues falling short. The NFL has been criticized for the lack of Black coaches and executives, for example how they presently have only one Black head coach, although a number of jobs remain open, and puts into question the NFL’s efforts to ensure equitable employment practices and equitable opportunities.

What type of change do you think must be made to ensure equitable coaching and management opportunities in the NFL? What type of change can be made by taking this issue through the courts as Brian Flores has?