NFL statement says claims in Brian Flores lawsuit are 'without merit'

"The NFL and our clubs are deeply committed to ensuring equitable employment practices and continue to make progress in providing equitable opportunities throughout our organizations," a league statement reads. "Diversity is core to everything we do, and there are few issues on which our clubs and our internal leadership team spends more time. We will defend against these claims, which are without merit."

Among the allegations in Flores' lawsuit are claims that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered the coach $100,000 per loss as a way to "tank" in the 2019 season. Flores also says Ross attempted to arrange an illegal meeting for the coach with a prominent quarterback, despite it violating NFL tampering rules. Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reported Tuesday that the quarterback in question was then-New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Flores also released text messages with Patriots coach Bill Belichick who mistakenly believed he was texting Brian Daboll. Belichick congratulated the coach on receiving the Giants' head coaching job, despite Flores not yet interviewing for the job.

The NFL's statement dismisses these claims as "without merit," despite the league not launching any form of investigation into the allegations.