The National Football League and three of its teams face complaints by Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores about racist recruitment practices in public court, a US judge in New York said. York ruled on Wednesday while submitting other aspects of the case to private arbitration.
U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni ruled that the NFL, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Houston Texans must face Flores’ claims of systematic discrimination against Black coaches during Tournaments. Flores previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
The lawsuit seeks to force the NFL to make a series of changes, encouraging teams to hire black coaches and general managers, and requiring them to explain in writing hiring decisions and terminations.
Caproni submitted Flores’ request for retaliation against the Dolphins to private arbitration, along with requests from two other coaches who joined Flores in the lawsuit.
Douglas Wigdor, Flores’ attorney, said in a statement that he was pleased that the NFL’s claims his client of “systematic discrimination” would be brought before a grand jury but was disappointed by the allegations. Other elements of the case will now be adjudicated internally by the panel. NFL.
“We look forward to pursuing all these claims to trial in their various forums,” added Wigdor.
A spokesman for the New York Giants declined to comment.
Attorneys for the NFL and representatives of other teams did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The NFL has denied claims of racism and said it is committed to diverse and fair employment practices.
Flores sued the NFL and its 32 teams in February 2022 after being fired from the Dolphins head coach position, alleging systematic discrimination against Black candidates for jobs. top management and coaching.
The federation has argued that the case should be dismissed for unsubstantiated claims or referred to arbitration under the coach’s employment contract.