Raiders’ Head Coach Jon Gruden resigns from position following controversy

Raiders’ Head Coach Jon Gruden recently resigned from his position after homophobic and racist emails were released to the public. 

Jon Gruden had sent homophobic emails, which were just released. They targeted the St. Louis Rams, and their decision on drafting a gay defensive end in the 2014 draft. The defensive end, Michael Sam, was openly gay, and was also verbally abused by Gruden, calling him homophobic slurs. He had also called an NFL commissioner Roger Goodell the anti-gay slur. 

Homophobic comments were not his only issue. He had also sent some racist words towards NPA head DeMaurice Smith, saying he had “lips the size of Michelin tires,” and called the union leader “Dumboriss.” Just recently, these year-old emails have been released to the public. Although these emails have already shown us his true opinions, he has been denying that he is racist. 

Jon Gruden apologized for this behavior and expressed his dedication to the team in a post on Twitter. 

“I love the Raiders and do not want to be a distraction,” wrote Gruden. “Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Raider Nation. I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone.” 

NFL players showed little to no sympathy for him after his resignation, knowing what type of person he truly was. These emails have enraged and disappointed not just the public, but some famous faces. 

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared his own thoughts, showing that players are not going to handle his ignorance, but rather, speak out against it. He did this on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday.

“Those opinions don’t have a place in the game, and that stuff does not fly,” said Rodgers. “He can say with real honesty and pride that those opinions aren’t shared with players. The locker room allows you to have incredible conversations and that’s the best way to grow, learn, change and better yourself.”