Kerry Mayodi
Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach Jon Gruden has resigned following allegations of casually using discriminatory language in emails.
Reports from the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have reported evidence of a number of misogynistic, homophobic and racist emails on the 58-year-old.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal revealed that in 2011 he used racist language in an email to describe DeMaurice Smith, the executive director of the NFL Players Association.
The New York Times then reported on Monday that the NFL had flagged some of his emails. In the emails, Jon allegedly opposes gay players, women referees in the NFL and when players took a knee during the pre-game and national anthem.
Gruden used homophobic terms while writing about Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team and a different term to describe NFL commissioner Roger Goodel.
While confirming his resignation, the former Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach had this to say
“I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone. 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.”
Gruden becomes the first coach to leave office in the 2021 season and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will serve as head coach for the time being as the Raiders look for a replacement.
