The Miami Dolphins are basically calling Brian Flores a liar. In response to Flores’ latest allegation — that Stephen Ross asked Flores to sign a non-disclosure agreement when he was fired — the organization late Tuesday accused their former coach of making it up.
Dolphins release statement after Brian Flores makes allegations against Stephen Ross
“This latest assertion by Brian Flores that Steve Ross mentioned an NDA to him is categorically false,” the organization said in a statement. “This just did not happen and we simply cannot understand why Brian continues this pattern of making unfounded statements that he knows are untrue. We are fully cooperating with the NFL investigation and look forward to all of the facts coming out which we are confident will prove that his claims are false and defamatory.”
Did Dolphins owner Stephen Ross ask Brian Flores to sign an NDA?
Flores’ latest allegation came during an appearance on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”
According to a transcript of the interview released Tuesday, Flores claims he turned down “millions” of dollars in salary contractually owed to him by refusing to sign an NDA. Weeks after his termination, Flores sued the Dolphins, the NFL, and two other organizations, alleging racial discrimination.
“Just signing that separation agreement would have really silenced me,” Flores said.
His attorneys late Tuesday released what they classified as a draft agreement and payment termination notice from the organization, but nowhere in those documents was there proof that Ross personally asked him to sign an NDA.
Flores accused Ross of offering him $100,000 per loss during the 2019 season in an attempt to acquire the highest possible draft pick. Flores also accused Ross of improperly setting up a recruiting meeting with a star quarterback — believed to be Tom Brady — in early 2020. The Dolphins have since stridently denied all wrongdoing.
The NFL announced it will look into Flores’ allegations. And during his Super Bowl news conference, Roger Goodell called the allegations “disturbing.”
“Let’s see how this all plays out,” Flores told Gumbel. “I’m the one who has the most to lose here.”
Flores hired as Steelers defensive assistant and linebackers coach
Last week, Flores joined the Steelers’ staff as Mike Tomlin’s defensive assistant and linebackers coach.
“I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “Brian’s résumé speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team.”
Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler retired and Pittsburgh promoted Teryl Austin to defensive coordinator. Flores is a highly respected defensive coach who previously coached the Patriots’ linebackers prior to being hired by the Dolphins.