NFL World Reacts to Brian Flores's Lawsuit, Backing the Coach

The former Dolphins coach sued the league, three franchises and unidentified individuals, alleging racism in hiring practices among other allegations.

Brian Flores dropped a metaphorical hammer on the NFL on the first day of Black History Month as he sued the league, three franchises and unidentified individuals, alleging racism in hiring practices. 

The complaint was filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday, seeking class-action status. Shortly after the news broke, the league released a statement asserting its commitment to diversity and called the former Dolphins coach's claims "without merit."

Among the complaints listed in the filing, Flores said he took part in two ”sham“ interviews as teams attempted to comply with the Rooney Rule, citing the Giants and Broncos. 

Two damning allegations were also made against Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. Flores claims the team owner offered him a $100,000 bonus for each loss during the 2019 season, and Flores says he didn’t comply with the request. Ross also allegedly wanted Flores to recruit “a prominent quarterback” who was under contract with another team during a meeting on the owner’s yacht. The coach refused and left the boat before the player may have arrived. 

Flores released a statement on Tuesday, recognizing the risk he is taking while still interviewing for a new coaching gig.

“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,” Flores said. “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.”

As the news rattled the sports world, players and sports media reacted to the lawsuit, many backing the former Dolphins coach.

I’m going to be real this give me courage to speak on my personal situations dealing with the NFL…. I never liked how my name got falsely slandered.. my narrative was controlled and I had no real guidance…. I’m with Brian Flores! https://t.co/mgCHWptg5E

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) February 1, 2022

B Flo has always been a man of conviction and character. I am proud of him for risking so much and standing for truth and justice at great risk and cost to himself and his family. I got your back coach.

— Nate Solder (@soldernate) February 2, 2022

Brian Flores effectively had to end his chances at coaching in the NFL to point out what we already know about discrimination in the hiring process for Head Coaches in the NFL.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 1, 2022

NFL: “End racism” 👍🏻

Brian Flores … on the first day of Black History Month: pic.twitter.com/c1VtTuQYIx

— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) February 1, 2022

Black history month starting off right!!

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) February 1, 2022

Brian Flores about to change the game 😬

— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) February 1, 2022

This quote from Brian Flores is powerful.

He knows he's risking his coaching future with this lawsuit.

This is about much more than just his own coaching future. pic.twitter.com/A3xOsKmZ9m

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 1, 2022

They adjust the game but it’s really the business laws and approaches that need adjusting.

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) February 1, 2022

Flo has always been a special individual…has been pivotal in my career and love that I can support him for calling out what we all already know -Dmac https://t.co/kwKefZVg4R

— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) February 1, 2022

The answer is diversity in ownership.

— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) February 1, 2022