Less than three hours after former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores' lawsuit became public, the NFL issued a statement vowing to defend against claims it says "are without merit."

On Tuesday, Flores sued the league and its teams, contending the NFL fosters hiring processes that racially discriminate. Flores, who is Black, was fired by the Dolphins last month.

In the blockbuster lawsuit, Flores said he was offered $100,000 per loss in 2019 by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who wanted to "tank" to improve draft position and build a contender, and that his refusal to go along with the plan resulted in him being fired at the end of the 2021 season with a 24-25 career record. Flores also asserted he received a congratulatory text message from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick that plainly shows his interview with the New York Giants was "a sham."