Flores' lawyers cite Raiders memo as evidence of racial bias in NFL hiring

In a class-action suit filed by former Dolphins coach Brian Flores, his lawyers point to a recently unsealed scouting memo from Korn Ferry that the Las Vegas Raiders used while evaluating him for their head-coach vacancy. The memo, which the court allowed to be released, describes Flores with language that the attorneys say mirrors the "angry Black man" stereotype, citing poor people skills, erratic behavior, and a "chip on his shoulder."

Michael Willemin argues the document demonstrates both retaliation for Flores' February 2022 lawsuit alleging league-wide racial discrimination and ongoing bias in NFL hiring. The Raiders ultimately selected Klint Kubiak without interviewing Flores. The memo also contains a quote describing Flores as the "worst hiring decision" ever made, which could support his defamation claim against the Miami Dolphins. Flores' case also includes fellow Black coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton as co-plaintiffs.