The NFL can be put on trial over civil claims that Brian Flores and other Black coaches face discrimination, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, rejecting the league’s attempt to force Flores into arbitration with Commissioner Roger Goodell as the arbitrator.

The federal appeals court found insurmountable flaws with a league arbitration process that would permit commissioner Roger Goodell to serve as arbitrator. The court stated that the NFL arbitration rules are a violation of the Federal Arbitration Act to explain why Flores and other coaches should be allowed to take their claims to trial rather than be forced into arbitration.

The NFL can be put on trial over civil claims that Brian Flores and other Black coaches face discrimination, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, finding insurmountable flaws with a league arbitration process that would permit commissioner Roger Goodell to serve as arbitrator.