Former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has lost his bid for the Nevada Supreme Court to reconsider his lawsuit against the NFL, which alleges contract interference and conspiracy. The lawsuit, filed after Gruden’s resignation as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, claims the NFL forced his departure by leaking emails containing racist, sexist, and homophobic content that he had sent years earlier while working at ESPN.
Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden loses bid for state high court reconsideration in NFL emails lawsuit – https://t.co/EiXXEN1cmB
— Miami Sunrise News (@MiamiSunrise24) July 5, 2024
Two justices upheld the NFL constitution’s arbitration clause, while another justice expressed concern over Commissioner Roger Goodell arbitrating a case where he is a named defendant. With the lawsuit’s future uncertain, Gruden’s potential role as an advisor for the New Orleans Saints remains in limbo, despite strong support from current Saints quarterback Derek Carr, who has advocated for Gruden’s involvement with the team.
Gruden’s legal battle centers on his claim that the NFL’s selective leak of his emails, which were discovered during a workplace culture investigation of the Washington Commanders, destroyed his career and endorsement deals. The league’s appeal followed a 2022 Las Vegas judge’s decision that Gruden’s allegations could demonstrate specific intent by the NFL to force his resignation.
With the Nevada Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider, Gruden’s pursuit of monetary damages remains stalled. Gruden’s extensive NFL background, including a Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a second stint with the Raiders, adds a significant backdrop to this high-profile legal and professional saga.
