Professor N. Jeremi Duru, Sports Law Expert, Comments on Landmark NFL Discrimination Lawsuit
“It’s so important to recognize that the pieces are in place to show that there’s a double standard.”
On February 1, 2022, former NFL coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL, citing alleged discrimination and racism in hiring practices. Since the lawsuit, WCL Professor N. Jeremi Duru has been interviewed by multiple media outlets on the lawsuit and this historic moment in sports law. Professor Duru is among the nation's most prominent sports law authorities and author of Advancing the Ball: Race, Reformation, and the Quest for Equal Coaching Opportunity in the NFL. In addition to his scholarship, he has represented the Fritz Pollard Alliance of minority coaches, scouts, and front office personnel in the National Football League as well as sports industry professionals in employment matters involving other leagues, including the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball.
He has become a key source for reporters who are examining the potential ramifications of the Flores lawsuit, including ESPN, SkyNews, USA Today, BBC and CNN.
Below are some key takeaways:
Incontrovertible Evidence
In an interview with The Undefeated, an ESPN platform on the intersection of race and sports, Professor Duru highlighted the strength of this lawsuit and its potential to right the wrongs in NFL hiring practices.
“This is a very strong complaint, and I think it is a watershed moment,” said Duru, “The underlying facts and statistics that the complaint brings to light have been there. The complaint points out that white coaches have longer tenures than Black coaches. That after winning seasons, Black coaches are much more likely to be fired than white coaches. That Black coaches have a harder time getting a second job than white coaches. [The] allegedly incontrovertible evidence that the league’s equal opportunity initiatives are being circumvented. All of those factors are out there and are articulated. There was a sense of all of that in the atmosphere.”
Professor Duru also addressed Flores’ allegations of bribery to lose games. Speaking to NPR, he said “the suggestion goes a step further and implies that he was expendable.”
This Lawsuit Will Change the League
In an interview with USA Today, Professor Duru expressed his surprise over Flores’ willingness to potentially sacrifice his career in the NFL and the political ramifications of such a lawsuit.
“I wasn’t sure that someone would be willing to stand up as a plaintiff,” he said, “It would take someone willing to see beyond the NFL.”
Nothing forces the hands of NFL leadership and owners quite like a lawsuit. Brian Flores is hoping for systemic change in hiring practices long outdated and ignored.
Professor Duru’s additional media appearances can be found here:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:“Rooney Rule back in the spotlight as Brian Flores lawsuit rocks NFL”
The Grid: "‘Like a plantation’: Inside Brian Flores’ lawsuit against pro football"
Minneapolis Star-Tribune: "Words from wise Minneapolis coach need to be heard across NFL as Rooney Rule falters"
NBC News: "The 'Rooney Rule' was supposed to solve the NFL's hiring issue. The numbers show the problem runs deep."