Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross fired back at the allegations made against him by Brian Flores in a statement late Wednesday night in which he promised to defend his “personal integrity” as well as the organization.
“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,” he said, via ESPN. “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.”
Flores accused Ross of offering to pay him $100,000 for every game he lost in his first year as head coach in 2019 in order to tank for the top draft pick.
He also claims that Ross attempted to set up a meeting with a “prominent QB” on his yacht in the winter of 2020 that would have violated the NFL’s anti-tampering rules. Reports suggest the QB may have been Tom Brady.
Flores believes his refusal to participate with Ross in these actions led to his firing as Dolphins head coach and that the organization’s characterization that he was “difficult” to work with painted him in an “angry Black man” stereotype.
The NFL released a statement on Tuesday that the allegations were “without merit,” but ESPN reported that the league’s comment was in reference to the racial discrimination practices alleged in the suit.
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