Former head coach Jon Gruden filed a lawsuit in 2021 against the National Football League and Commissioner Roger Goodell, claiming the league intentionally leaked his emails to force his departure from the Las Vegas Raiders. Five years later, new details are emerging as the case heads toward discovery.
As detailed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a Case Conference Report filed on Wednesday revealed that Gruden’s total losses from the fallout of his resignation and the scandal surrounding him were “well over” $150 million. Those damages includes “loss of his employment, interference with future employment opportunities, loss of contract value, loss of sponsorships, reputational damage, costs, expert feedsand attorney fees.”
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During the 2021 NFL season, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times published emails from the period when Gruden worked for ESPN. Those leaked emails, uncovered during the investigation into former Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, showed Gruden using racist and homophobic language in reference to multiple people around the NFL.
When Gruden did not resign following the first release of emails, more came out, and he stepped down from his position on Oct. 11. Less than a month later, he sued the NFL and Goodell, claiming that the emails were intentionally leaked by the league to harm his reputation and force him out of pro football.
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Gruden had been signed by Las Vegas to a 10-year, $100 million contract, and he later reached a financial settlement with owner Mark Davis. He has since been unable to land a full-time coaching gig in the NFL, only serving as a consultant for multiple teams.
The NFL’s efforts to have the lawsuit dismissed and to prevent a discovery process have both been rejected. Through discovery, Gruden’s lawyers could uncover and release emails from other league officials that could prove damaging to the NFL’s reputation and public image. As a result, many have anticipated an eventual settlement.
However, per the Case Conference Report filed on Wednesday, there have been no settlement talks with the NFL. Perhaps Gruden’s request for more than $150 million in damages will provide the league with a ballpark figure to target for a settlement, which would avoid a discovery process that could prove even more damaging. For now, though, the lawsuit seems headed for depositions.
