The NFL is once again in turmoil, because the league does not want to let the accusations of racism by Brian Flores stand. Commissioner Roger Goodell announces consequences. But the team of the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins fears window dressing.

Munich – Brian Flores has reopened an old wound with his accusation. Once again, the NFL and its clubs are facing accusations of passing over certain population groups when selecting head coaches. Or to put it bluntly: revealing racist tendencies.

It is true that the franchises are now obliged to include two candidates from minority backgrounds in their shortlist. But they don’t always seem to have a real chance, as Flores’ example of the New York Giants shows.

The “G-Men” are said to have already committed to Brian Daboll before his interview date, his own interview seemed to be just to comply with the rule, according to the allegations.

Roger Goodell: “Racism counters NFL values “

Unsurprisingly, this issue is not at all palatable to the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell felt compelled to send a message to the clubs, as reported by ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, among others.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all clubs this morning regarding coaching diversity and admitted “the results have been unacceptable.” pic.twitter.com/Hyhwu0mEJY

– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2022

Overwritten is the message with “Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion”. Right in the second sentence, the league boss gets down to business, stressing, “Racism and all forms of discrimination counteract the NFL’s values.”

While efforts have already brought about positive change, it should still be noted that “the results in terms of head coaches are unacceptable. “

Roger Goodell wants “real and tangible results “

Now the rules and procedures are to be re-evaluated, with gender also being taken into account. External experts will be consulted, as well as former players and coaches. The goal, Goodell said, is to “make our efforts and those of the clubs more effective so that real and tangible results are achieved”.

The concerns expressed by Flores and others are understandable. Now, he said, no time should be lost in modifying the strategy to reflect the values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

NFL also responds to “tanking” allegations by Flores

Furthermore, the experiences of all NFL members should be respected so that everyone would have the opportunity to join and all individuals would be treated with respect and dignity.

The Goodell letter goes on to say, “We take all issues regarding the integrity of NFL games seriously.” A reference to allegations by Flores that he was offered money for defeats by owner Stephen Ross when he was head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Teams are known to be able to secure a better draft position via so-called “tanking”.

This should all be investigated “thoroughly and independently”, Goodell said. The external experts are assured of full support. There is a lot of work ahead overall for the NFL to become a “stronger, more inclusive league”, the commissioner writes.

Flores team suspects “PR ploy “

Flores’ lawyers apparently don’t trust the roast, however. In a statement distributed by NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, Douglas Wigdor and John Elefterakis initially criticised the fact that the allegations were directly denied by several parties without investigation.

The now published statement by Goodell was a good first step, but rather “a PR ploy than a real effort for change”. For too long, he said, the NFL has advanced foundations that supposedly protect the rights of black players and coaches “while racial bias spread like pus in front offices. “

Flores lawyers await contact from Goodell

Now the NFL would pursue those tactics again – and solely because the lawsuit had occurred. “We would be delighted to be able to talk to the commissioner about real change, but unfortunately he has not approached us about the issue,” the Flores team further points out. No one else from the NFL has approached them either.

That’s why the proposal is: “We believe that a court or an authority must set up federal supervision to monitor the NFL, because the NFL is not in a position to monitor itself.” I guess this makes the argument political for good.

Statement from Doug Wigdor and John Elefterakis, attorneys for Brian Flores, in response to today’s NFL statement. pic.twitter.com/mCzFrXN1UC

– Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 5, 2022