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Professor N. Jeremi Duru, Sports Law Expert, Comments on Landmark NFL Discrimination Lawsuit

On February 1, 2022, former NFL coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL, citing alleged泭discrimination and racism in hiring practices. Since the lawsuit,泭WCL Professor has been interviewed by multiple media outlets on the lawsuit and泭this historic moment in sports law. Professor Duru is among the nation's most prominent sports law authorities and泭author of . In addition to his scholarship, he has represented the Fritz Pollard Alliance of minority coaches, scouts, and front office personnel in the National Football League as well as sports industry professionals in employment matters involving other leagues, including the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball.

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Its so important to recognize that the pieces are in place to show that theres a double standard.

He has become a key source for reporters who are examining the potential ramifications of the Flores lawsuit, including ESPN, SkyNews, USA Today, BBC and CNN.

Below are some key takeaways:

Incontrovertible Evidence

In an interview with, an ESPN platform on the intersection of race and sports, Professor Duru highlighted the strength of this lawsuit and its potential to right the wrongs in NFL hiring practices.

This is a very strong complaint, and I think it is a watershed moment, said Duru,泭The underlying facts and statistics that the complaint brings to light have been there. The complaint points out that white coaches have longer tenures than Black coaches. That after winning seasons, Black coaches are much more likely to be fired than white coaches. That Black coaches have a harder time getting a second job than white coaches. [The] allegedly incontrovertible evidence that the leagues equal opportunity initiatives are being circumvented. All of those factors are out there and are articulated. There was a sense of all of that in the atmosphere.

Professor Duru also addressed Flores allegations of bribery to lose games., he said the suggestion goes a step further and implies that he was expendable.

This Lawsuit Will Change the League

In an interview with, Professor Duru expressed his surprise over Flores willingness to potentially sacrifice his career in the NFL and the political ramifications of such a lawsuit.

I wasnt sure that someone would be willing to stand up as a plaintiff, he said, It would take someone willing to see beyond the NFL.

Nothing forces the hands of NFL leadership and owners quite like a lawsuit. Brian Flores is hoping for systemic change in hiring practices long outdated and ignored.

Professor Durus additional media appearances can be found here:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

The Grid:

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

NBC News:泭