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Raiders news: Jon Gruden says the 'tuck rule' still 'ticks' him off

The Oakland Raiders have their path to the Super Bowl paved as it seems as though they had beaten the New England Patriots in what turned out to be Jon Gruden's last game with the team. The "tuck rule" prevented Gruden from leading them to the Super Bowl and it still bothers him.

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Oakland Raiders fans have rejoiced over the return of head coach Jon Gruden and for good reason. Prior to his first retirement, Gruden was one of the most accomplished young coaches in football. Still, he admits that there is some unfinished business to attend to.

Gruden's stint with the Raiders came to a bitter end after one of the most controversial calls in NFL Playoff history. According to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez, the “tuck rule” still haunts Gruden to this day:

“For my [Raiders] career to end on that night in New England, it still ticks me off,” Gruden said. “I'm so thrilled to be back here. I hope people understand the emotion inside of me. I feel unfinished business.

“I also feel a lot of loyalty and I feel a lot of responsibility to get the Raiders going again, and it's been a while since we've consistently performed at a high level, and that's really all I care about. I'm going to do everything I can to get this team right again.”

The Raiders not only lost that game but ultimately wound up parting ways with Gruden soon thereafter as well. The dynamic coach had subsequently been traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two first and second-round picks along with $8 million.

There are plenty of “what if's” to be said about Oakland had the call never been made. Perhaps the Raiders go on to win the Super Bowl and Gruden never leaves, therefore, saving the franchise from over a decade of mediocrity. Now with his return, it seems as if the universe may finally be back in order.

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Maximo Gonzales is a writer for ClutchPoints.