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The ruling reframes the DRPG as not true arbitration, likening it to a game where independence and neutrality are lacking, after the Second Circuit had described it as a coin flip.

A federal judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that Brian Flores’ race-discrimination claims against the NFL teams he sued—the Miami Dolphins, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos—will proceed in court rather than through NFL arbitration.

Steve Wilks and Ray Horton joined the suit, alleging discriminatory hiring practices related to their NFL coaching careers, with Wilks contending the Cardinals’ 2018 hire was a “bridge coach” move and Horton criticizing the Titans’ 2016 interview process.

Representatives for Flores, Wilks, and Horton welcomed the decision, arguing the arbitration system would strip employees of rights and that a fair, neutral, and transparent forum is needed to resolve these issues.

A pretrial hearing is scheduled for early April, setting a timeline for how the case will proceed in open court.

The ruling keeps the case on track for a trial with a pre-trial conference set for April 3 in New York.

The judge noted the case is in early stages and could span years, with substantial electronic discovery and potential public testimony that might spur out-of-court settlements.

NFL Commissioner Goodell acknowledged progress on diversity but said more work is needed, including reevaluating policies and programs to ensure fair opportunities for minority coaches.

Attorneys described the decision as overdue and a move toward a fair, neutral, and transparent process for addressing race-related hiring issues in the league.

News coverage will continue to monitor developments and rulings in the Flores/Wilks/Horton discrimination case against the NFL.

The NFL can appeal Caproni’s order to the Second Circuit, though Supreme Court review remains uncertain given its docket.