Brian Flores, one of the few black men to have coached an NFL franchise, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the League.

The experienced American football professional claims the New York Giants called him in for an interview, knowing full well he would not get the job.

Instead, the favoured Brian Daboll got the position as head coach, which New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick appeared to be aware of before Brian Flores knew he was not in the running for the appointment.

FEW BLACK COACHES, MANAGERS, AND OWNERS

Speaking about what he sees as a sham interview meant to comply with a prescribed minorities application quota, Flores said: “I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am in football, to become a head coach. Put 18 years in this league and to go into what felt like or what was a sham interview, I was hurt.

“We didn’t have to file a lawsuit for the world to know that there’s a problem from a hiring standpoint in regard to minority coaches in the National Football League. The numbers speak for themselves.”

For some time now, it has been a bone of contention that, while the NFL is comprised of a majority of black players, there are very few black coaches, managers and owners.

To go some say in addressing this, the Rooney Rule was put in place. This is an NFL policy requiring teams to interview minorities for coaching and executive positions.

The New York Giants have denied Flores’ accusations and the NFL maintains his lawsuit is “without merit”.

In the lawsuit, Flores writes: “In certain critical ways, the NFL is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation.”

Will this lawsuit prevent Flores from getting another coaching job in the NFL?

Colin Kaepernick played for six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers and, since departing that team, has never graced an NFL stadium as a player again, arguably in response to his ‘taking a knee’ protesting racial injustice. Since then, he has practically been frozen out.

‘THE NFL IS ALL ABOUT WINNING’

“In making the decision to file the class action complaint, I understand that I may be risking coaching the game that I love and that has done so much for my family and me.

“My sincere hope is that by standing up against systemic racism in the NFL,others will join me to ensure that positive change is made for generations to come.”

Benjamin Bychkova, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, said: “The NFL is all about winning. It picks the best man as head coach no matter his colour. Sounds like Flores couldn’t cut it with the Giants and it’s a case of hard cheese.”