The NFL is a powerful institution that tries to avoid controversy at all costs.
That is why Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the league and several teams is so shocking.
This is a former head coach who is a candidate for jobs at the moment, taking on the entire league and risking his NFL future.
But some things are bigger than football.
Flores was making the media rounds Wednesday morning and was sticking to his story.
His messaging has never changed and his lawyers made it clear they have a strong case.
The NFL responded Tuesday night rather quickly saying the lawsuit was “without merit”.
NFL insider Peter King pointed out how that reaction was a bit fishy.
How, exactly, could the NFL know the claims by Flores are “without merit” two hours after the suit emerged? https://t.co/tic1LAXo8t
— Peter King (@peter_king) February 1, 2022
“How exactly could the NFL know the claims by Flores are ‘without merit’ two hours after the suit emerged?”
King raises a great point and proves this lawsuit could get ugly.
NFL Teams Continue To Respond
The Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos are the three teams in focus in this lawsuit.
The Broncos got roped in for reportedly having team leadership, including John Elway, show up late and hungover to an interview with Flores in 2019.
The issue here is the coach claiming this interview was done simply to satisfy Rooney Rule requirements.
Denver responded with a harsh denial.
Broncos’ statement today on Brian Flores’ lawsuit: pic.twitter.com/IFVBNhQLgq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 1, 2022
The key in this lawsuit, as is the case in any one, is proof.
Do Flores and his lawyers have proof that these things happened?
Yet such proof does not need to exist for change to happen in the way teams hire head coaches.
The NFL should actually take this lawsuit seriously to foster positive change.
If there really were no problems, Flores wouldn’t be in this situation putting his career on the line.
Immediately saying the claims have no merit is a double-down that could easily backfire for the league.
NEXT: Buccaneers Already Eyeing Top 2022 QB Prospect