MOBILE, AL — The Brian Flores saga has gotten very real. The NFL plans to investigate Flores’ allegation that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss, ESPN first reported.
NFL launches investigation into Brian Flores’ Dolphins claims
The investigation will likely include talking to multiple people in Flores’ camp. NFL Network reported Wednesday that there is corroborating evidence supporting Flores’ claim. That includes at least one witness to Ross’ offer and messages from general manager Chris Grier.
The Dolphins have not commented directly on the allegation. Instead, they’ve broadly said that “the implication that we acted in a manner inconsistent with the integrity of the game is incorrect.” The NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Pro Football Network.
This league investigation will be the second into the Dolphins in less than a decade. The Dolphins in 2013 consented to an independent inquiry into Jonathan Martin’s accusations of systemic bullying. Famed attorney Ted Wells — known more broadly for his work in the Deflategate investigation — ultimately determined that there was a consistent pattern of harassment by Dolphins offensive linemen Richie Incognito, John Jerry, and Mike Pouncey.
The difference between that scandal and this one? Ross could eventually lose the team if the NFL finds he willfully tried to corrupt the integrity of the game.
Hue Jackson accuses Browns of pay-to-lose scheme
If the NFL believes in consistency, the Dolphins should not be the only team investigated. Former Browns coach Hue Jackson publicly alleged that Cleveland brass offered him bonus money to lose during his first two years as their coach. The Browns ultimately fired him eight games into his third season. He went 3-36-1 in those 40 games.
Kimberly Diemert, the head of Jackson’s charitable foundation, backed up the coach’s allegations on Twitter. She said she has evidence supporting their claims. Additionally, Diemert alleged that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell knew about the alleged scheme and “covered it up.”
Congratulations #brianflores for your bravery. We have records that will help your case. DM me. @NFL and @nflcommish knew about this and covered it up. They did this @Browns . Paid Brown, DePodesta and Berry bonus $ along with @huejack10 to TANK for 2016 and 2017.@espn https://t.co/YOnqArWlnL
— Kimberly Diemert (@KimberlyDiemer1) February 2, 2022