Why Dolphins owner Stephen Ross may be forced out amidst NFL investigation

Stephen Ross may be taking his talents away from South Beach in the near future.

Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL is ongoing, and one of the most damning bits of the suit was the allegation that Dolphins owner Ross offered to pay the former head coach $100,000 for each loss incurred in 2019.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, if the NFL finds truth to the allegations during the league’s investigation, then the consequences for Ross could be dire: Rapoport says that Ross could be forced out by way of vote amongst NFL owners.

MORE: What you need to know about Brian Flores’ lawsuit against NFL

While commissioner Roger Goodell recently said, “I do believe that clubs do have the authority to remove an owner from the league,” as it turns out, NFL owners can force a fellow owner out if there’s a three-quarter vote among owners to make a move. 

If tanking allegations are proven true, #Dolphins owner Stephen Ross would face severe discipline, up to and including Ross losing the team by a vote of fellow owners, sources say.

My story: https://t.co/4wM3y9AsWT

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 14, 2022

Ross has been stalwart in his defense that he never paid Flores for any loss in the 2019 season. The Dolphins finished the season with a 5-11 record and selected quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

“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.”

Flores’ lawsuit alleges racial discrimination in the NFL as well as the Dolphins’ owner’s supposed pay-for-loss bribery. Flores was fired on Jan. 10, in a surprising move, after a 9-8 season. 

The former Dolphins head coach was a finalist for the Texans’ coaching vacancy, but the job ultimately went to Houston defensive coordinator Lovie Smith.