Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores was so alarmed by pressure from above to lose games in 2019 that he sent a memo to team executives detailing the situation, Flores claims in an amended version of his federal discrimination lawsuit.
The latest on the Brian Flores tanking allegations
This circumstantial evidence will surely be considered by special investigator Mary Jo White as the National Football League looks into Flores’ claim that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him a $100,000-per-loss bribe during the 2019 season.
Ross has categorically denied these claims, calling them “false, malicious and defamatory.” Pro Football Talk reported Thursday that the Dolphins provided the memo in question to NFL investigators “weeks ago.”
Flores’ amended complaint claims that, on December 4, 2019, he sent a memo to general manager Chris Grier, team CEO Tom Garfinkel, and senior vice president of football and business administration Brandon Shore.
“In this letter,” the complaint states, “Mr. Flores detailed the toxicity that existed within the organization and explained the unreasonable position he was being placed in by the team ownership and upper management.”
The Dolphins on Dec. 4, 2019, had just won for the third time in five games after starting the season 0-7.
The complaint does not specify if Flores made mention of the alleged bribe in that memo. NFL Network reported in February that there is a witness to Ross’ offer.
Should White determine Ross did indeed offer a bribe to lose, Ross and the Dolphins could be subject to substantial penalties, up to and including Ross being forced to sell the franchise.
NFL investigating Stephen Ross, Dolphins
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting last month that there is no timetable for White’s review to be completed.
“On matters of integrity of the game, if we see something that’s a violation, we will certainly make that public,” Goodell added.
Ross did not speak to reporters at the meeting, and Grier has declined to comment on the matter. In February, when Flores first made his bribery allegations, Ross released the following statement:
“I am a man of honor and integrity and cannot let them stand without responding. 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.”
What difference does it make? He owns the team….. he can do as he wants. You had a job….. you don’t follow direction well at all and when called out on it you pull out the race card……… typical.