Gruden Wins Battle, War Against NFL Continues

You probably remember the Jon Gruden email fiasco.

I’m going to spare you the specifics, but if you somehow forget, imagine a series of racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and derogatory statements against several individuals.

The emails were leaked in 2018, when Gruden was the head coach of the Raiders, but were written several years earlier when he worked as an ESPN analyst.

Gruden ultimately resigned but then brought suit against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Gruden hasn’t denied writing the emails. Instead, he claims the NFL, and Commissioner Goodell, broke the law and may have leaked the emails that ultimately led to Gruden’s departure from coaching.

Specifically, the 21-page lawsuit contains allegations for tortious interference with Gruden’s employment contract, civil conspiracy, and negligence.

Central to the current back-and-forth between Gruden and the NFL?

The enforceability of an arbitration provision contained in Gruden’s employment contract with the Raiders.

In other terms, whether Gruden’s lawsuit against the NFL and Goodell can proceed in court or must be resolved through NFL-led arbitration.

Here’s where things stand as of today:

Gruden’s Lawsuit Against NFL, Goodell

Gruden v. Goodell & NFL dates back to 2021. A brief timeline to get up to speed: