Flores Subpoenas 25 NFL Teams in Discrimination Case
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- Brian Flores’ legal team served subpoenas to 25 NFL teams and issued more than 1,000 discovery requests to obtain league‑wide hiring records and communications related to discrimination claims.
- NFL, Broncos, Giants, and Texans—the defendants currently contesting Flores’ claims—argued the subpoenas are “punishingly overboard,” while Flores’ attorneys say they are necessary to prove systemic discrimination.
- Caproni approved a briefing schedule that includes a third amended complaint filing on Wednesday, motions to dismiss on June 5, and briefs due in late July and August.
- Miami Dolphins were named as a defendant when Flores, a former head coach, sued the league in February 2022 alleging racism in hiring and promotion of Black coaches.
- Wilks and Horton, Black coaches who joined the lawsuit, claim they were denied genuine opportunities during their hiring processes.
Why it matters: The subpoenas could force the NFL and the 25 subpoenaed clubs to disclose hiring data, exposing systemic bias that may trigger legal liability and reputational harm for the league, while Black coaches and advocacy groups stand to gain evidence to press for equitable hiring reforms.
