The NFL’s investigation into Brian Flores’ allegations that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss in 2019 will be, in the words of Commissioner Roger Goodell, thorough and independent. This means the league will empower an outside party to get to the bottom of alleged misbehavior within the Dolphins’ organization for the second time in less than a decade.
Roger Goodell announces Miami Dolphins investigation
On Saturday, Goodell confirmed that the league will take seriously Flores’ claims, made in a federal lawsuit, that Ross encouraged him to lose in an effort to improve the Dolphins’ 2020 first-round draft pick. The revelation came in a memo that first chastised the “unacceptable” lack of diversity among the current group of NFL head coaches.
“We also take seriously any issue relating to the integrity of NFL games,” Goodell wrote. “These matters will be reviewed thoroughly and independently. We expect that these independent experts will receive full cooperation from everyone associated with the league or any member club as this work proceeds.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell memo to all 32 teams regarding diversity, equity and inclusion says 'we must acknowledge that particularly with respect to head coaches the results have been unacceptable' pic.twitter.com/iF69x5z98t
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 5, 2022
Translation: There will be consequences for those who do not cooperate. Those consequences included firings for Dolphins staffers who didn’t comply with attorney Ted Wells’ review of the team’s workplace culture in 2013 and 2014.
Former Dolphins team trainer Kevin O’Neill lost his job after failing to cooperate with Wells, who determined Dolphins players Richie Incognito, Mike Pouncey, and John Jerry of “offensive and unacceptable” behavior directed toward former teammate Jonathan Martin.
Dolphins deny Brian Flores’ claims
In the days since Flores accused Ross of trying to bribe him to tank and setting up an improper recruiting meeting with a top quarterback widely believed to be Tom Brady in 2020, the Dolphins have released two statements.
The first came from the organization shortly after news of the litigation broke:
“We are aware of the lawsuit through the media reports that came out this afternoon. We vehemently deny any allegations of racial discrimination and are proud of the diversity and inclusion throughout our organization. The implication that we acted in any manner inconsistent with the integrity of the game is incorrect. We will be withholding further comment on the lawsuit at this time.”
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross blasts Flores’ “malicious attacks”
A little over 24 hours later, Ross released a strong refutation of his own:
“With regards to the allegations being made by Brian Flores, 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.”
Dolphins coaching search update
These developments can only complicate a now four-week-long search for Flores’ replacement.
The Dolphins have identified two finalists — Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (who is meeting with the team Saturday) and San Francisco 49ers OC Mike McDaniel (who had his second interview Friday). McDaniel is widely considered to be the frontrunner for the job.