On Tuesday, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams, including the New York Giants.
In the lawsuit, Flores alleges racism and discrimination across the NFL and as part of its hiring practices. Specific to the Giants, Flores claims he was “humiliated” after being forced to go through a “sham” interview process.
Flores believes the Giants used him to make it appear as if a minority coach was a serious candidate for the job despite having already settled on Brian Daboll.
The Giants released a statement shortly thereafter, expressing confidence in their hiring system and claiming Flores was, in fact, a very legitimate candidate.
“We are pleased and confident with the process that resulted in the hiring of Brian Daboll. We interviewed an impressive and diverse group of candidates. The fact of the matter is, Brian Flores was in the conversation to be our head coach until the eleventh hour. Ultimately, we hired the individual we felt was most qualified to be our next head coach,” the statement read.
At least one Giants player has decided to side with Flores, however.
Veteran offensive tackle Nate Solder, who is likely in his final days with the team, tweeted his support for Flores on Tuesday night.
B Flo has always been a man of conviction and character. I am proud of him for risking so much and standing for truth and justice at great risk and cost to himself and his family. I got your back coach.
— Nate Solder (@soldernate) February 2, 2022
Flores and Solder, who never had Daniel Jones’ back, spent several years together with the New England Patriots. Flores was an assistant coach under Bill Belichick, while Solder helped protect Tom Brady’s blind side.
Solder is expected to become an unrestricted free agent once the new league year begins in March. And although he is not expected to return after a career-worst season in 2021, Solder will still cost the Giants $4 million as the result of a signing bonus that was kicked down the road due to salary cap woes.
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