Miami Dolphins Owner Says He Didn’t Tell Coach To Lose Games On Purpose

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has staunchly denied Brian Flores’ claim that he was incentivized to lose games as the team’s head coach. In a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams, Flores said Ross offered him $100,000 for every loss in the 2019 season.

Flores was fired by the Dolphins at the end of the 2021 season and has indicated that his refusal to accept the offer caused a rift between himself and Ross.

"With regards to the allegations being made by Brian Flores, I am a man of honor and integrity and cannot let them stand without responding," Ross said in a statement. "I take great personal exception to these malicious attacks, and the truth must be known. His allegations are false, malicious and defamatory.

"We understand there are media reports stating that the NFL intends to investigate his claims, and we will cooperate fully. I welcome that investigation and I am eager to defend my personal integrity, and the integrity and values of the entire Miami Dolphins organization, from these baseless, unfair and disparaging claims."

The Dolphins put together what was considered the NFL’s worst roster for the 2019 season and were expected to finish at the bottom of the standings. Miami overachieved in Flores’ first year as a head coach, going 5-11. The record gave the Dolphins the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft instead of the No. 1 overall selection.

"That was a conversation about not doing as much as we needed to do in order to win football games," Ross said on “Get Up” Wednesday when asked about his exact conversation with Ross. "Take a flight, go on vacation, I'll give you $100,000 per loss -- those were his exact words. I deal in truth, I tell the players this, as well. I'm gonna give you good news, bad news -- but it's going to be honest.”

In the wake of Flores’ allegation, Hue Jackson suggested that the Cleveland Browns incentivized him to lose games when he was the team’s head coach. Jackson had a 3-36-1 record with Cleveland from 2016 to 2018.