Raiders' head coach resigns after sexist, homophobic comments in emails | Inquirer
 
 
 
 
 
 

Raiders’ head coach resigns after sexist, homophobic comments in emails

/ 10:15 AM October 12, 2021

Jon Gruden said on Monday he has resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after the New York Times reported he had used racist, misogynistic and homophobic language in emails over several years.

The emails mocked the drafting of a gay player in 2014, the hiring of women referees, tolerance for player protests aimed at promoting racial justice and the league’s emphasis on reducing concussions, the Times reported earlier on Monday.

A league source confirmed the accuracy of the report to Reuters.

“I have resigned as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders,” Gruden said in a statement.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“I love the Raiders and do not want to be a distraction. Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Raider Nation. I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone.”

Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement he had accepted Gruden’s resignation without elaborating.

ADVERTISEMENT

The team said Rich Bisaccia would serve as interim head coach, effective immediately.

The emails came to the NFL’s attention during a review of workplace misconduct at the Washington Football Team that was completed this summer.

Gruden’s emails were sent to Bruce Allen, the former president of the Washington Football Team, and others while Gruden was working as an analyst for ESPN, according to the Times.

ADVERTISEMENT

Gruden also referred to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell using a homophobic slur, it added.

On Friday the NFL called an email by the Super Bowl winning coach in 2011 that included a racist slur directed at NFL Players Association (NFLPA) chief DeMaurice Smith, who is Black, “abhorrent”.

Gruden, who is white, said he regretted the email but said he did not have “a blade of racism” in him.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING

Don't miss out on the latest news and information.
TAGS: NFL, resignations
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.




This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.