Stephen Ross has vehemently denied the allegations that were made against him in Brian Flores’ lawsuit, but the Miami Dolphins owner could face serious consequences if the NFL determines he is lying.
Flores filed a discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams two weeks ago. In it, the former Dolphins coach claims Ross tried to go to great lengths to tank for a high draft pick in 2019. According to Flores, Ross offered $100,000 per loss and essentially told Flores to stop working so hard. Flores also claimed Ross pressured him to meet with a prominent quarterback in violation of the NFL’s tampering rules
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed leading up to the Super Bowl that the league will investigate Flores’ claims. He also said he believes NFL owners have the power to vote a fellow owner out if the circumstances warrant it. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Monday that Ross could face that nuclear option depending on what the investigation uncovers.
Rapoport confirmed that NFL owners do have the authority to vote a fellow owner out “under the most dire circumstances.” They would need a three-fourths vote. While that outcome seems unlikely, it cannot be ruled out if the NFL determines Ross offered to pay his coach for losses. Tanking through roster construction is one thing, but financially incentivizing losses would be akin to fixing games.
Flores’ camp claims to have proof of Ross making the bonus offer, but Ross doesn’t seem all that concerned. For what it’s worth, Miami’s new head coach insists he is not worried, either.
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