NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that there will be an independent review into Brian Flores’ allegations that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wanted the team to lose games in the 2019 season. Ross was allegedly willing to pay Flores in exchange for losses.
This #NFL memo is striking a much better tone in comparison to the first one it released in reaction to Brian Flores’ class-action lawsuit. This is why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are necessary at all levels, from media, communications & within the game itself. #ValidReview pic.twitter.com/HNIvNBwepY
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 5, 2022
Tanking is a controversial topic in sports. The idea, of course, is that losing games can improve a team’s draft position.
During the 2019 NFL season, the Dolphins lost their first seven games before finishing 5-11, eventually picking fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Flores was fired last month after three seasons as head coach of the Dolphins, a move that was seen as surprising in part because of the team’s strong finish during his final season at the helm. Flores has not yet landed a job elsewhere in the NFL.
The fact that there will be a review into Flores’ claims about Ross wanting the team to lose games doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be any evidence found or punishments issued, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
Still, an owner allegedly offering a head coach money to lose games strikes at the integrity and credibility of the league. It’s surely something the NFL wants to prevent from happening.
The Dolphins organization will obviously keep an eye on the situation, but Miami also has some other things on its plate at the moment. The team is still in the process of hiring Flores’ replacement, and whoever ends up getting the job will look to lead the squad back to the playoffs.
