Jon Gruden's legal maneuvers took a significant hit this week as his bid for the Nevada Supreme Court to reconsider an arbitration ruling was emphatically denied. The former Las Vegas Raiders head coach's lawsuit, filed in November 2021, accuses the NFL of orchestrating his forced resignation. At the heart of Gruden’s claims are leaked emails containing racist, sexist, and homophobic comments, allegedly disseminated by the NFL.
A three-justice panel dashed hopes for a rehearing, underscoring a split decision on May 14 that permitted the NFL to shift Gruden's civil lawsuit from the state court to arbitration. This pivotal decision effectively ensures that the resolution of Gruden's allegations will evade public scrutiny, maintaining confidentiality in proceedings that have already drawn considerable media attention.
Arbitration and the NFL Constitution
The decision to enforce arbitration adheres strictly to the NFL's constitution, illustrating the league's preference for resolving disputes internally. However, it remains uncertain whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or a third-party arbitrator will preside over these proceedings. Notably, one justice opined that allowing Goodell to arbitrate a dispute in which he is a named party would be "outrageous."
A Costly Departure
Gruden's exit from the Raiders came abruptly, with over six seasons left on his lucrative 10-year, $100 million contract—an agreement he entered when he returned to the franchise in 2018. The contentious emails, sent between 2011 and 2018, were directed to Bruce Allen, a former executive with the Washington Commanders. These emails emerged during an investigation into the Commanders' workplace culture, casting a wider net on the NFL’s internal issues.
Legal Battles and Potential Ramifications
In May 2022, a Las Vegas judge determined that Gruden's accusations could substantiate claims of intentional harm, a ruling that propelled the league to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Despite the latest setback, questions linger regarding Gruden's next steps, including possibly pursuing further legal action before the full seven-justice Supreme Court panel.
While the denial of a rehearing may seem like a conclusion, it potentially opens new chapters in a prolonged saga that melds legal, ethical, and sports narratives. For Gruden and the NFL, the resolution of this dispute will unfold outside the public's watchful eye, adhering to the arbitration route laid out in the league’s constitution.