NFL Discrimination Case Allowed to Proceed in Open Court

Judge rules Brian Flores lawsuit against the league can bypass internal arbitration process

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A U.S. District Court ruling has allowed Brian Flores, Steve Wilks and Ray Horton's discrimination lawsuit against the NFL to proceed to open court, bypassing the league's arbitration process. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding diversity and inclusion within the NFL, and could reshape how such cases are handled in the future.

Why it matters

The ruling establishes a precedent that external, independent legal proceedings are necessary for addressing claims of discrimination against the NFL, rather than allowing the league to control the arbitration process. This could lead to increased scrutiny of the NFL's hiring practices and greater transparency around diversity efforts.

The details

Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores initiated the lawsuit in February 2022, alleging the NFL was 'rife with racism' in its hiring practices for coaches. Wilks and Horton later joined the suit, adding their own experiences of alleged discrimination. Flores specifically claimed teams engaged in 'sham interviews' to satisfy the Rooney Rule – a policy requiring teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching positions – without genuine consideration. The NFL attempted to move the case to arbitration, a private process overseen by Commissioner Roger Goodell, but the judge sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the NFL's control over arbitration created a conflict of interest.

  • The U.S. District Court ruling was issued on Friday, February 10, 2026.
  • A pretrial hearing has been set for April 3, 2026.

The players

Brian Flores

Former head coach of the Miami Dolphins and the plaintiff who initiated the lawsuit against the NFL.

Steve Wilks

One of the plaintiffs who joined Flores' lawsuit against the NFL, alleging his own experiences of discrimination.

Ray Horton

One of the plaintiffs who joined Flores' lawsuit against the NFL, alleging his own experiences of discrimination.

Roger Goodell

The NFL Commissioner who would have overseen the league's internal arbitration process, which the judge ruled created a conflict of interest.

Valerie Caproni

The U.S. District Court judge who ruled that the lawsuit can proceed in open court, bypassing the NFL's arbitration process.

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What they’re saying

“We must have a fair, neutral and transparent forum to address these issues.”

— Valerie Caproni, U.S. District Court Judge (newsy-today.com)

“An arbitration forum where the league's chief executive decides the case would 'strip employees of their rights under the law.'”

— Douglas H. Wigdor and David E. Gottlieb, Attorneys for the plaintiffs (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

A pretrial hearing has been set for April 3, 2026, where the court will consider further arguments and evidence in the case.

The takeaway

This ruling empowers coaches and employees to seek legal recourse for alleged discrimination without being confined to a system controlled by the NFL, potentially leading to greater transparency and accountability around the league's hiring practices and diversity efforts.