Brian Flores’ poignant conversation on race, loss and his advice for protesting players
Dolphins coach Brian Flores — one of just three black NFL coaches — has been profoundly affected by the events of the past two weeks, from the death of George Floyd at the hands of police to the civil unrest sweeping the country since.
On Thursday, he tried to put those emotions into words — and offered words of advice to his players on the best way to respond.
“What happened was a tragedy,” Flores said. “For me right now, there’s a lot going on. There’s a lot of anger, a lot of emotion, a lot of emotions. For me, I just want to make sure the spotlight is on George Floyd and the horrible murder that occurred. That we focus on George Floyd, his family, and justice for his family.”
Flores has embraced his role a leading voice in the NFL on civil rights, penning a lengthy statement last week, speaking out at a team community event Monday and then making himself available to reporters Thursday.
When asked how he handles his emotions, and those of his locker room, Flores replied:
“We’re watching. We’re dealing with a pandemic. People are hungry, people are out of jobs, there’s a pandemic and people are angry as well so there’s got to be time to be angry, have a platform to show their emotions. They have that with me, they have that with our coaching staff. We’ve had conversations just like everyone else had. ... Our hearts and minds are with the Floyd family and the [Ahmaud] Arbery family and Breonna Taylor. It seems like we have to share our condolences. These guys, they have my support. I know it’s an emotional time.”
Dolphins players have expressed support for the growing movement against systematic oppression and police brutality.
Many have done so on social media. Others, like cornerback Kavon Frazier, have marched with protesters.
Flores said he’s all for the activism, so long as it’s done safely. That caution, in part, is shaped by a recent loss. His friend, former Indiana Hoosiers football player Chris Beaty, was robbed and killed outside of his Indianapolis apartment following a day of protests in that area. Flores on Thursday called Beaty “a great human being” who was “full of life.”
“My No. 1 thing for guys is they have a right to protest,” Flores added. “That’s important. Everyone’s got a right to protest. But even more than that it’s about being careful. I want my players to be careful. ... I’ve had a lot of conversations with players over the last few days I support those guys. I understand the emotion, what they’re going through. But at the same time I want them to be smart. I care about each one of these guys.”
Flores, who grew up in a poor part of Brooklyn, said he’s known since he was a small child that his race was a big factor in his identity. Yet he didn’t want to make Thursday’s Q&A about his experience, but rather about what’s happening in the country.
“I’ve taken many calls already from players, from coaches, from a lot of different people,” Flores said. “The number thing is to listen. We have two ears for a reason. Everyone has heard that. Listening and helping them understand each of their individual stories. We each have a different story. Some are different than others. But if we’re listening and trying to understand and step in somebody else’s shoes.
“White, black, regardless of religion, football player, non-football player, we’re all a little different. There has to be more kindness. There has to be more acceptance. Those are some of the things I try to spotlight in our conversations. When you are having these conversations, try to listen more than you speak in a lot of instances. That doesn’t mean don’t speak; that’s not what I’m saying. But listen as much as you speak.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 1:33 PM.
