Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores shocked the sports world Tuesday afternoon when he announced that he was suing the NFL, alleging racial discrimination during the hiring process for NFL teams.
The three teams mentioned directly in the lawsuit are the Miami Dolphins, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos.
Flores spoke for the first time on these allegations Wednesday morning, stopping by ESPN’s show Get Up!, where he had plenty to say on the matter.
“I have been on several interviews over the years. We didn’t have to file a lawsuit for the world to know that there is an issue with the hiring and firing process within the NFL,” said Flores.
When asked why he did file the lawsuit if he felt people already knew that there was an issue with the hiring process in the NFL, Flores had this to say.
“We need change, I know there is a sacrifice and risk to that, but at the end of the day, we need change,” said Flores. “I know very many capable black coaches, many on my staff that if given an opportunity would go and do a great job on their interview. I would hate for that to be a waste. We need to change the hearts and minds of people making those decisions.”
Flores could be putting a whole bunch of jobs in jeopardy by speaking out at this specific time. He has had interviews with multiple teams including the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans following his firing from the Miami Dolphins, and this could certainly impact that.
It is clear that Flores believes that this issue is far bigger than him, and it is extremely commendable that he would put his livelihood in jeopardy in order to make a change for a better future for all black coaches going forward.
[ESPN]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.