Court Lets Flores Discrimination Case Proceed in Federal Court
PUBLISHED May 26, 2026, 10:18 AM ET
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Washington. The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to review the NFL’s appeal, allowing Brian Flores’ racial discrimination lawsuit to proceed in federal court instead of through league arbitration overseen by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Flores filed the suit in February 2022 against the NFL and the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Denver Broncos. Washington: The decision preserves lower-court rulings that kept the case in open court; Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented. Flores, now a Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, is joined by coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. The NFL said it respects the ruling and is prepared to defend itself as the case proceeds toward trial this year.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- February 2022: Brian Flores files a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three teams.
- April–2022 onward: Steve Wilks and Ray Horton join Flores as co-plaintiffs.
- Lower federal courts rule the dispute should proceed in open federal court, not arbitration.
- NFL appeals, seeking arbitration; lower-court rulings are maintained pending review.
- This Tuesday: Supreme Court declines to hear the NFL appeal; case continues toward trial.
News Intelligence
- This case could impact how the NFL handles discrimination claims. If Flores wins, it might lead to more open court trials instead of private arbitrations. This could make the league's actions more transparent. Keep an eye on the trial's progress.
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Brian Flores and the co-plaintiffs benefited from the Supreme Court's refusal to intervene, allowing their racial discrimination claims to proceed in open federal court rather than private arbitration.
The NFL and the named teams face continued litigation risk, public scrutiny, and potential legal liability as the case moves forward in federal court.
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