Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was in the news for all the wrong reasons on Friday after it was leaked that he made racial remarks towards the NFLPA executive president in an email during the 2011 NFL lockout. The league has now sent a stern email to all of its employees. Via PFT:
“You may have seen media reports today regarding a July 2011 email from Jon Gruden, who was then an employee of ESPN and is now the head coach of the Raiders,” the message begins. “The email made inappropriate and offensive references to NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith.
“These references to DeMaurice Smith in the email were denigrating, appalling, abhorrent, and contrary to the NFL's values of respect and inclusivity. We whole heartedly condemn these comments.
“We would like to remind everyone that we take our NFL values seriously. Our HR department and our leaders are always available to support anyone who feels that these values have been compromised.”
For context, Gruden said that DeMaurice Smith had “lips the size of michellin tires”. He sent that in an email to Bruce Allen, who was in the front office for Washington at the time. Aside from the NFL's comments, Mark Davis and the Raiders also addressed the scandal:
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 8, 2021
The NFL and Las Vegas are both investigating. It wouldn't be surprising to see Jon Gruden reprimanded in some shape or form for his remarks.