Jon Gruden Claims He Was “Forced to Resign” in NFL Lawsuit

The scandal enters a new phase

Jon Gruden

Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders walks on the field before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

By Tobias Carroll

It’s been just over a month since Jon Gruden resigned from his post as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after the revelation that he had sent a host of sexist and homophobic emails over the last decade. But while Gruden is no longer coaching in the NFL, the repercussions of the scandal and his resignation are still being felt — including via an investigation from the House Oversight and Reform Committee. But that investigation is far from alone. Now, Gruden has filed a lawsuit against the NFL and its commissioner, Roger Goodell — and the league has pushed back with a strong response.

As Mike Florio at NBC Sports reported, Gruden filed his lawsuit in Nevada state court. At the center of the lawsuit is the allegation that the league’s leak of emails put Gruden in a position where he was “forced to resign” from his position.

For its part, the NFL disputes Gruden’s account of things — as one might expect. “The allegations are entirely meritless and the NFL will vigorously defend against these claims,” a spokesperson for the league told NBC Sports.

Florio’s initial report on the lawsuit notes that the full details of the lawsuit are not yet available — including whether or not the Raiders themselves are also listed as defendants. This would have a bearing on whether or not the case could be moved to federal court — which could have an impact on how things play out. This lawsuit is the latest wrinkle in the aftermath of Gruden’s exit from the Raiders, but it’s far from the last.

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