The NFL can be put on trial over civil claims that Brian Flores and other Black coaches face discrimination, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, rejecting the league’s attempt to force Flores into arbitration with Commissioner Roger Goodell as the arbitrator.

In February 2022, Flores sued the NFL and several teams claiming racial discrimination ran rampant through the league's hiring process, particularly against Black coaches.

Brian Flores can proceed with his claims that he and other Black coaches in the NFL face discrimination after the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld Judge Valerie Caproni's ruling. Flores has claims against the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Houston Texans .