Brian Flores' lawyers claim NFL retaliation via unsealed recruiting report

Lawyers for Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, claim that the NFL engaged in unlawful retaliation following his racial discrimination lawsuit. The claims stem from a recently unsealed recruiting report prepared by executive search firm Korn Ferry during the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 coaching search.

The unsealed document contains several observations that Flores’ attorneys argue rely on racial stereotypes. One section describes Flores as a “polished and a good presenter despite growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn (same as Mike Tyson),” noting that a friendship with a billionaire’s son helped him learn to socialize with “white-collar and upper-class individuals.”

Attorneys for Flores stated that the document demonstrates both ongoing discrimination in the NFL hiring process and retaliation against Flores for seeking accountability for systemic racism within the league. The NFL has not immediately responded to requests for comment.