FLORIDA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Miami Dolphins former coach Brian Flores claimed Wednesday that a league policy requiring teams to interview people of color for senior positions is ineffective. Flores filed a federal complaint against the NFL citing racial discrimination.
According to the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” each team must consider a minority applicant for the roles of head coach, general manager, and top assistant coach.
Flores, who is Black, was sacked by the Dolphins just after the season ended, despite his teams finishing 24-25, with a 9-8 record in 2021 and a 10-6 record in 2020, according to NBC NEWS.
Following his dismissal, Flores rose to the top of the league’s coaching candidates, landing an interview with the Giants.
However, he said that the interview was only for show.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick mistakenly texted Flores 3 days before he interviewed for the position, which finally went to Brian Daboll, according to Flores.
The Giants claim they met Flores in good conscience and were on the verge of hiring him.
In a written statement, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross described the charges as “malicious attacks” and stated that “the truth must be known.”
Flores’ charges were disputed by the NFL, which stated that it will fight the lawsuit.
The statement, according to Flores and his lawyers, is unsatisfactory because it fails to address systemic flaws in the NFL or show understanding of what he claims is a racial bias issue within the league.
Flores said he brought the lawsuit in an attempt to “create change,” despite the fact that he knew it would affect his NFL job prospects.
Flores stated that he is eager to coach in the league.
Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers is now the only Black head coach in the NFL.
Flores said that a lawsuit wasn’t necessary to let the world know there was an issue; the figures spoke for themselves.
“People have come before me. I know there are others who have similar stories,” he stated. “It’s hard to speak out — it is — you’re making some sacrifices, but this is bigger than football, this is bigger than coaching.”
Image via The Mercury News
