Bill Belichick's text messages to Brian Flores were the key piece of evidence in the former Dolphins coach's lawsuit against the NFL claiming racial discrimination.
Flores claims he found out the Giants planned to hire Brian Daboll to be their next coach when Belichick accidentally congratulated Flores on being hired when Belichick meant to congratulate Daboll. Flores was scheduled to interview few days later.
The former Patriots assistant added another layer Thursday, claiming Belichick influenced the Giants' decision to hire Daboll.
“I think there are back channel conversations and back channel meetings that are had that oftentimes influence decisions,” Flores told Jay Williams of NPR’s podcast The Limits. “I think [the Giants hiring process] is a clear example of that. Bill Belichick is a clear example of that. His resume speaks to that. It was clear to me that decision was made with his influence. That’s part of the problem. That needs to change. There needs to be a fair and equal opportunity to interview and showcase your abilities to lead and earn one of those positions.”
The Giants released a statement Thursday that claimed when Belichick accidentally texted Flores they hadn't even offered the job to Daboll yet. It also said Belichick does not speak for the Giants.
And for what it's worth, Belichick reportedly helped Joe Judge get the Giants job a few years ago, and had both Daboll and Flores on his staff in New England. It shouldn't come as a total shock if the Giants did in fact check in with Belichick to get his opinion on the two coaches.