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- The NFL is once again putting its foot in its mouth.
- After immediately coming out against Brian Flores’ lawsuit, the league completely changed its narrative with a new statement on Saturday.
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Earlier this week, on the first day of Black History Month, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores dropped a bombshell. The 40-year-old filed a lawsuit against multiple NFL organizations and the league itself based primarily in allegations of racial discrimination.
Immediately after the lawsuit was filed, there was push back. The Dolphins issued a fiery response, John Elway responded in vehement denial, and the Giants called the allegations “disturbing” in their response.
Meanwhile, the NFL said almost immediately after it went public that Flores’ lawsuit was “without merit.”
Now, four days later, it has changed its tune. Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all 32 organizations in the NFL with an update.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell just sent this memo to clubs, saying the league is retaining outside experts to help reevaluate its DEI policies and matters regarding integrity of the game will be “reviewed thoroughly and independently” in light of allegations from Brian Flores. pic.twitter.com/VUK2dm0MMe
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 5, 2022
In the statement, the NFL directly refuted its own belief that the lawsuit is “without merit.”
Here is what it had to say:
“We have made significant efforts to promote diversity and adopted numerous polices and programs which have produced positive change in many areas, however we must acknowledge that particularly with respect to head coaches the results have been unacceptable. …
“We understand the concerns expressed by Coach Flores and others this week. While the legal process moves forward, we will not wait to reasses and modify our strategies to ensure that they are consistent with our values and longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
The NFL’s most recent statement does not continue with its previous narrative about a lack of merit. In fact, it does the opposite.
By saying what it said on Saturday, the league validated Flores’ claims and confirmed that something needs to be changed. Once again, it has made itself look ridiculous.
The NFL was quick to come out and deem Flores’ lawsuit as meritless. There was no investigation or discussion. It quickly jumped to the defense of the parties in question and now it is completely backtracking.