Former Miami coach Brian Flores is not only suing the NFL but also three teams—Dolphins, Giants and Broncos—as well as unidentified individuals for racist hiring practices.
Among various complaints, the proposed class action states that Flores went through “sham” interviews that were held solely to be in compliance with the Rooney Rule, including a meeting with Denver in 2019. Then-general manager John Elway, president and CEO Joe Ellis and others who were part of the interview process allegedly showed up an hour late, per the copy of the complaint.
“They looked completely disheveled, and it was obvious that they had been drinking heavily the night before. It was clear from the substance of the interview that Mr. Flores was interviewed only because of the Rooney Rule, and that the Broncos never had any intention to consider him as a legitimate candidate for the job. Shortly thereafter, Vic Fangio, a white man, was hired to be the Head Coach of the Broncos.”
