PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the lawsuit filed by Brian Flores against the NFL and three teams alleging racial discrimination in hiring and firing practices didn't interfere with his organization's decision to hire Flores as senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach.
"We hired Brian because we think he is a qualified coach and will be an asset to us," Rooney II said at the NFL owners meeting Tuesday. "You know, the lawsuit can create an awkward situation at times. But, irrespective of the lawsuit, we remain committed -- I remain committed -- to improving the situation in every way we can, and we've been working hard to do that.