On Friday, an email surfaced from 2011. The email contained a racist trope used by Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. At the time, Gruden worked for ESPN as an analyst on Monday Night Football. Gruden’s email was directed toward DeMaurice Smith, the NFLPA executive director.
Gruden apologized to Smith and the public after his email came to light, but next steps were undetermined at the time. Mark Davis and the Raiders condemned the email sent by Gruden and began an investigation into materials they received from the NFL.
Throughout the weekend, NFL analysts called for action against Gruden. After the Raiders’ Sunday loss, Gruden declined to comment on his emails, but did state, “I do not have a racist bone in my body.”
The Raiders investigation continued into Monday, when the New York Times reported on additional emails that Gruden has sent in past years. The new emails contained a homophobic insult directed at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The emails also contained misogynistic verbiage about the NFL’s hiring of women referees.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Raiders owner Mark Davis went to the team facility and met with Gruden Monday.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Jon Gruden informed his staff and players that he plans to resign as a result of his emails.
Gruden released the following statement Monday night:
“I have resigned as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. 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.”
Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia is expected to become the interim head coach, according to ESPN’s Suzy Kolber.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
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