Thirty-two hours after former Dolphins coach Brian Flores leveled serious charges against him, team owner Stephen Ross broke his silence at 11:58 Wednesday night, calling Flores’ allegations “false and malicious.”
Flores made two specific allegations against Ross in the 58-page lawsuit that alleged discrimination regarding his interview process with the Denver Broncos and New York Giants and his dismissal last month by the Dolphins.
Flores said in the lawsuit, and repeated multiple times in television interviews on Wednesday, that Ross offered to pay Flores $100,000 per loss in 2019 — with the goal of a higher draft pick — but that Flores refused to agree to that. The NFL will investigate that allegation, ESPN reported Wednesday night.
Flores also claimed that Ross pressured him to recruit a quarterback — believed to be Tom Brady — following the 2019 season, before teams were permitted to initiate contact with free agents from other teams. Flores said he refused to cooperate.
“With regard to the allegations being made by Brian Flores, I am a man of honor and integrity and cannot let them stand without responding,” Ross said in a statement. “I take great personal exception to these malicious attacks, and the truth must be known.
“His allegations are false, malicious and defamatory. We understand there are media reports stating that the NFL intends to investigate his claims, and we will cooperate fully. I welcome that investigation and I am eager to defend my personal integrity, and the integrity and values of the entire Miami Dolphins organization, from these baseless, unfair and disparaging claims.”
Flores, during an appearance on CBS on Wednesday, said Ross suggested that he lose games or go on vacation during the season to achieve a higher draft pick.
“I didn’t grow up with a lot and this game changed my life. So to attack the integrity of the game, that’s what I felt was happening in that instance, and I wouldn’t stand for it,” Flores said. “I think it hurt my standing within the organization and ultimately was the reason I was let go.”
If the NFL is able to prove Flores’ allegations about a pay-to-lose scheme, Ross could face a significant fine and a possible suspension. The NFL also has stripped teams of draft picks for past violations, but the league has not forced an owner to sell his team during Roger Goodell’s term as commissioner.
But Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced he would sell his team on the day that an SI.com report alleged workplace misconduct.
From a legal standpoint, Ross could stand at risk. “A zealous prosecutor could try to make a bribery case,” Miami criminal defense attorney Albert Levin said, noting any investigation would be on the federal level.
Ross, 81, has owned controlling interest in the Dolphins since January 2009.
Flores, meanwhile, appeared on several national television programs on Wednesday, alongside his two attorneys.
In an evening appearance with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, Flores said he is even more “at peace” with his decision to file the lawsuit.
With regard to the NFL’s poor record on hiring Black head coaches, Flores said what the NFL needs is “change in the hearts and minds of people who make those decisions. I don’t want any fluff. We need real change. You get that only with communication.”
The Flores lawsuit dovetails with the Dolphins’ search for his successor.
Ross and his executives will interview the two finalists — San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore — later this week.
