The NFL has reportedly launched an investigation into allegations that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered former head coach Brian Flores more money to purposely lose games.
Sources told NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport that the league is planning to speak to all relevant parties.
Flores, who was fired by the Dolphins last month, filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams — the Dolphins, the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos — on Tuesday alleging race discrimination in their hiring practices.
In his 58-page lawsuit, Flores also alleged that Ross attempted to pay him to purposely lose games during the 2019 season, with Ross offering him $100,000 for every loss that year.
If the league finds evidence that Ross offered Flores money to lose games, Ross could face severe disciplinary action, including losing ownership of the Dolphins by a vote of fellow owners, according to NFL.com.
A source also confirmed that other league others could vote a follow owner out under the most dire circumstances based on league rules, which would require a three-fourths vote, NFL.com reported.
Ross, the Giants and the Broncos, have denied claims from Flores’s lawsuit, which has created a firestorm with the league and gained national media attention.
“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,” Ross said in a statement denying the allegations.
“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,” he added.
During his “State of the League” address ahead of Super Bowl LVI last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league has fallen short of giving minorities head coaching opportunities, alluding to the “Rooney Rule.”
“I don’t think you take anything off the table until you have people look at that, help us independently say, is there something flawed with our process? And if there is, what can we do to resolve that and fix that?” Goodell said at the press conference.