Report: Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has uncertain future amid NFL investigation

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is in hot water in the NFL following allegations that surfaced following the firing of former head coach Brian Flores. After his firing, Flores made a few allegations in a lawsuit against the NFL. One of those allegations was that Ross offered Flores $100,000 per loss during the 2019 season in an attempt to improve the team’s draft position.

“Tanking,” as some call it, is something that is speculated about every year. But an owner actively attempting to pay a head coach to lose games is something that isn’t really heard of. And the ramifications of that allegation could prove to be very costly for Ross.

According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, there is a “belief” that the NFL’s investigation will ultimately conclude that the allegations from Flores are true. Florio also said that Ross “apparently knows it,” and that some believe that Ross will defend himself by saying that he was joking. If that is indeed the defense of Ross, one NFL source does not believe that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will have any sympathy.

“I doubt Roger [Goodell] will have any sympathy for that defense,” the source said, via Florio.

Depending on the ultimate outcome of the NFL’s investigation, Ross could be facing his final days as the Dolphins owner. Ross could potentially be forced to sell the team, although there is still a lot to figure out before things get to that point.

Another allegation in the report from Flores was that Ross set him up to meet with a “prominent quarterback” on another team, which is against league rules.

More on the history of Ross as owner of the Dolphins

Ross bought 50 percent of the Dolphins, and the team’s stadium in February of 2008 for $550 million. He then purchased an additional 45 percent of the team nearly a year later, becoming a 95 percent owner of the franchise and stadium.

Under Ross, the Dolphins have not exactly been the epitome of winning. The Dolphins have reached the .500 mark or better just five times in his 13 years at the team’s owner. Ross has only seen the Dolphins to one playoff berth, coming in 2016 after a 10-6 regular season. Miami lost in the first round of the playoffs that season.

Overall, the Dolphins are 96-113 since Ross took over as the team’s owner 13 years ago. Miami hired former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to replace Flores as the Dolphins head coach.