If owners really paid coaches bonuses to lose, the NFL is in big trouble

The league manages to slither out of every controversy that comes its way. But allegations that hit the integrity of the game itself are a different matter

The Super Bowl, the NFL's ultimate coronation and by far the most watched event in America, is a little over a week away. Yet you wouldn't know it because Brian Flores's explosive lawsuit against the league and its clubs alleging racial discrimination in its hiring practices continue to take the NFL zeitgeist by storm.

The Flores complaint, which lays out the disturbing history of racism in the NFL, includes extensive data supporting the notion that qualified Black candidates have long been passed over in droves for head coach, coordinator, and general manager openings. The NFL currently has just one Black head coach in Mike Tomlin. One, despite 70% of NFL players being Black. One, even though many of these players strive to become coaches and executives in the league upon retirement. Thirty-two teams. One Black head coach.