USAT: Broncos Wire audio clip

USAT: Broncos Wire

Feb 4, 2022

Brian Flores is suing the NFL for racism in hiring, and his lawsuit named three teams specifically, including the Denver Broncos. - In his lawsuit, Flores alleges that the Broncos interviewed him in 2019 merely to satisfy the NFL’s Rooney Rule that stipulates teams must interview minority candidates. (In 2019, teams were required to interview at least one minority candidate. Teams are now required to interview at least two.) - Flores also alleged that John Elway, who was Denver’s general manager in 2019, and team president/CEO Joe Ellis arrived late to the interview and appeared disheveled. The lawsuit  also stated it was “obvious that they had drinking heavily the night before.” - Elway responded to those allegations on Thursday, releasing a statement to outlets including the Denver Post, 9News, ESPN and KOA Radio. Here is his response to Flores’ lawsuit: - While I was not planning to respond publicly to the false and defamatory claims by Brian Flores, I could not be silent any longer with my character, integrity and professionalism being attacked. - I took Coach Flores very seriously as a candidate for our head coaching position in 2019 and enjoyed our 3 1/2-hour interview with him. Along with the rest of our group, I was prepared, ready and fully engaged during the entire interview as Brian shared his experience and vision for our team. - It’s unfortunate and shocking to learn for the first time this week that Brian felt differently about our interview with him. - For Brian to make an assumption about my appearance and state of mind early that morning was subjective, hurtful and just plain wrong. If I appeared “disheveled,” as he claimed, it was because we had flown in during the middle of the night — immediately following another interview in Denver (with Mike Munchak) — and were going on a few hours of sleep to meet the only window provided to us. - I interviewed Brian in good faith, giving him the same consideration and opportunity as every other candidate for our head coaching position in 2019. - The NFL also released a statement saying the league will “defend against these claims, which are without merit.” The Broncos also responded with a statement, calling the allegations “blatantly false.” - Elway stepped down from GM duties in 2021 but remained president of football operations. His contract with the team is scheduled to expire this offseason. - - List - - 7 dates NFL fans should know in February - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Broncos Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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