Saints GM: Brian Flores mentioned lawsuit after interview

Brian Flores Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

GM Mickey Loomis: Brian Flores told Saints about lawsuit after interview

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Feb 2, 2022 3:43 PM ET

Most individuals within the pro football community were shocked to learn Tuesday that former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores had filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins, the Denver Broncos and New York Giants alleging acts of racial discrimination related to his recent dismissal from the Dolphins and interview processes with the other two clubs.

At least one team knew the lawsuit was coming ahead of time.

The New Orleans Saints are in need of a new head coach after Sean Payton announced last week he was stepping away from the organization and the job. Per ESPN's Mike Triplett, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis addressed media members at the Senior Bowl on Wednesday and said Flores informed the club about the lawsuit following his interview regarding New Orleans' opening.

GM Mickey Loomis confirmed that Brian Flores informed the Saints ahead of time that yesterday’s lawsuit would be coming. He said Flores told them after his interview was completed. Called Flores an impressive candidate and said Saints are serious about all of their candidates.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) February 2, 2022

It's unknown if Flores' lawsuit would prevent a team not directly impacted by the matter from hiring the 40-year-old. The NFL, Giants, Dolphins and Broncos have all vehemently denied the claims made by Flores that came to light Tuesday.

Loomis remarked last week that "it’s more important to get it right than it is to do it quick" as it pertains to finding Payton's successor. As Josh Alper noted for Pro Football Talk, the GM didn't offer a specific response to the accusations made by Flores on Wednesday.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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