By Reaux Fareal
(Roosevelt Wright, III)
During the Civil Rights Movement, major changes were accomplished as Black leaders and citizens worked together to champion the causes which affected People of Color. Those legal fights paved the way for Affirmative Action Laws, Workplace Employee Policy Changes, and also Hiring Practices.
This week, Former Miami Dolphins Head Coach, Brian Flores, filed a lawsuit against the National Football League for racist policies and hiring discrimination practices. Recently, Flores was let go by the Dolphins but was up for several vacant Head Coaching jobs within the NFL. He interviewed with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and particularly the New York Giants.
Flores was scheduled to interview with the Giants but before he even arrived in New York for the interview he received a text congratulating him for getting the job. New England Patriots Head Coach, Bill Belichick, accidentally texted Flores asserting he had inside information that “Brian” was the guy the Giants would go with for their new Head Coach. Flores, who considers Belichick as a legend was excited to get such great news, especially from a trusted insider of the NFL Hierarchy in Belichick. However, when Flores asked Belichick to clarify, he meant the messages for “Brian Flores”, Belichick apologized. He told Flores the texts were meant for Brian Daboll, another Coach who was applying for the same position as Flores.
It insinuates that the hiring process within the NFL is staged and that most times Owners and General Managers hire within a small circle of friends but stage interviews to comply with what is known in the league as the Rooney Rule.
