The NFL’s probe into the Miami Dolphins, and in particular owner Stephen Ross, has begun. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the result of the investigation could cost Ross the team.
This stems from the allegations former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores made against Ross that included, among other things, $100K payments for each loss during the team’s rebuilding 2019 season. The league announced it would open an investigation one day later. If proven to be true, Ross could face a wide range of consequences.
As Rapoport writes, Ross’ discipline “could be severe, up to and including [him] losing the team by a vote of fellow owners.” That option, while extreme, is a possibility, according to commissioner Roger Goodell, who recently stated, “I do believe that clubs do have the authority to remove an owner from the league.” Rapoport adds that a three-fourths majority vote would be required for such an action to take place.
From the outset, Ross has denied any wrongdoing, calling Flores’ allegations “false, malicious and defamatory.” He also stated an intention to cooperate fully with the investigation. Goodell added that the league’s next actions will, of course, not be determined until after the facts of the probe have been established. When that time comes, though, its ramifications could clearly be far-reaching for Ross.
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