The United States Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a discrimination lawsuit brought by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores against the National Football League, permitting the case to move forward toward a trial. The justices rejected an appeal from the NFL, which had sought to have the dispute resolved through its internal arbitration process rather than in open court in New York. Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented from the decision not to hear the case.
Background of the Lawsuit
Flores, who is Black, filed the lawsuit in February 2022 against the league and three teams, alleging that the NFL is 'rife with racism' in its hiring practices concerning Black coaches. He was later joined by fellow Black coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. Flores, who was fired by the Dolphins shortly before filing the suit, now serves as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
Legal Arguments
The NFL argued that Flores should be required to go through arbitration rather than the legal system, but lower courts have consistently sided with the plaintiffs. The league stated it respects the Supreme Court's decision, which leaves the lower court rulings in place, but added that it is 'fully prepared to defend ourselves as this matter proceeds.'
David Gottlieb and Douglas Wigdor, attorneys for the plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. 'The NFL must now accept that its commissioner cannot be the arbitrator over discrimination claims against the league and its teams. We look forward to litigating these claims in court,' they said in a statement.
Flores' Coaching Record and Allegations
Flores was fired after posting a 24-25 record over three seasons without a playoff appearance, though the Dolphins had back-to-back winning seasons before his dismissal. His lawsuit names the NFL, the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants, and the Houston Texans. He interviewed with the Broncos in 2019 and with the Giants and Texans in 2022.
Other Plaintiffs
Wilks, who was fired as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator in December, joined the lawsuit by alleging that the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 hired him as a 'bridge coach'—promoting him to interim coach after firing another coach but then passing him over for the full-time role. He claims the Cardinals did not provide him with a realistic chance to succeed.
Horton, who last coached in the NFL in 2019, alleges that the Tennessee Titans did not offer him a genuine interview for the head coaching position in 2016.
