The New York Giants have released a statement regarding their recent head coach hiring process for which Brian Flores is currently suing them.
It was a shock when Brian Flores was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, considering the relative success he brought the team in a short period of time.
What’s even more shocking is that Flores hasn’t been hired yet to coach elsewhere, despite the various interviews he has been on this month. An accidental text from his former mentor revealed why Flores never got the Giants job for which he interviewed: because the Giants had selected Brian Daboll before interviewing Brian Flores.
Now, Flores is hitting the Giants with a discrimination lawsuit alleging that he was never even considered for the role, thereby reducing his role in the Giants’ interview process to ticking a box to meet the Rooney Rule.
The Giants have responded, stating that they are “pleased and confident” with the process that resulted in hiring Brian Daboll, stating that Brian Flores was in contention for the job “until the eleventh hour.”
New York Giants respond to Brian Flores lawsuit
The dearth of Black coaches in the NFL has long been an issue in the sport, which is why the Rooney Rule was established in 2003. That was following the firing of Tony Dungy, who, like Flores, was fired after a winning season. Dennis Green was also fired that year, which marked his first losing season in 10 years.
A study at the time revealed that Black coaches, despite having a higher winning percentage, were less likely to be hired and more likely to be fired than white coaches. Flores and the firm he hired to represent him made an intentional note to file the lawsuit on the first day of Black History Month.
“While racial barriers have been eroded in many areas, the National Football League lives in a time of the past,” the lawsuit begins.
According to the lawsuit, which uses Belichick’s messages as proof of insincerity, the hiring environment in interviews with the Giants and Broncos demonstrated a lack of interest and respect for considering a Black head coach. “The racial discrimination has only been made worse by the NFL’s disingenuous commitment to social equity,” the lawsuit reads.