Gruden apologised for his insensitive comments when asked about decade-old emails that he sent following the Raiders’ 20-9 defeat to the Chicago Bears. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Gruden, who was then employed by ESPN, had referred in a racial manner to Smith’s facial characteristics in an email.
Gruden stated, “I’m no racist.” “I cannot tell you how sickly I am. D Smith again, I apologize. But I feel great about who and what I have done throughout my life. … I did not intend to offend anyone racial by making those comments. I am not like that. I apologize. It’s not something I want to continue to address.”
After answering a number of questions about his behavior and the emails, Gruden closed his news conference. Gruden said that he had not been contacted about the NFL’s remark but that “we will see what happens here in a few days.”
Gruden stated, “I’m not going answer all these questions today.” Gruden said, “I believe I have addressed it already. Although I don’t recall many of the events that occurred 10-12 years ago, I am here now apologizing. I am not a racist. I am a man who takes pride in leading people together and will continue doing so for the rest of life.”
Derek Carr, Raiders quarterback, said that he was one of many players “shocked” by Gruden’s comments a decade ago. Carr stated that Gruden addressed the matter and shared his side in a team meeting just before the story broke.
Carr stated, “He was honest.” Carr said that he was honest and we as a team were like “Yeah coach, it was 10 Years ago.” We love you, man. We are here for you. He said, “Men, learn form my mistake.” We didn’t believe him when we left the meeting.
Carr and his team-mates rejected the notion that Gruden’s controversy had affected their performance against the Bears. Las Vegas was penalized for 10 yards, but they didn’t score a touchdown until quarter four.
Josh Jacobs, running back, said that he didn’t believe the performance had anything to do (with Ruden). “I’ve known this guy for three years. You know what I mean? I have never felt that way about him. I have never felt rubbed in a certain manner by him. He said what he meant, but I still trust him. That was 10 years ago. People grow.”
Fritz Pollard Alliance’s leader, Rod Graves, said that Gruden’s comment about Smith was indicative of racism in professional sports. Rod Graves (the Alliance’s executive director) also suggested that Gruden might be disciplined.
Graves, who is the Alliance’s executive Director, stated in a statement that Jon Gruden’s insensitive comments about DeMaurice Smith were indicative of racism at many levels of professional sport. It also reveals the inexplicable mindsets at the top of the sports world for African Americans and other minorities.
“We hope the league and team owners will find a solution to this problem that is at least as painful as these words. This is another turning point in a society that has become cynical and tolerant of the intellectual potential and leadership of minorities. It is time for it to end.
The league is investigating the matter. Two people familiar with the probe said that Gruden could be subject to disciplinary action, but one person suggested that a suspension was unlikely. The league does not make public details about any probes, so both people spoke under the condition of anonymity.
Gruden did not receive any reaction from the Raiders’ fans when he entered the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. However, the home crowd was a bit irritated by Gruden’s offense that managed only 259 yards against Chicago. After a 3-0 start, the Raiders lost two consecutive games. This is their worst record since Gruden’s return to the franchise in 2018.
The Alliance supports inclusion and advancement of minorities in pro-football, from coaches to front office positions and league executives.
Gruden made the comment to Bruce Allen, then-President of the Washington Football Team, in an email during the 2011 lockout by the NFL. Gruden stated to the newspaper that he was upset about the lockout during labor negotiations, and that he did not trust the direction of the union. The Journal reported that Gruden also apologized for his remarks.
Gruden stated in an email that Gruden reviewed for the newspaper, “DumborissSmith has lips the size michellin tires.”
Mark Davis, Raiders owner, stated Friday that Gruden’s email did not conform to the team’s standards.
Davis stated that the email containing information about DeMaurice Smith sent by Jon Gruden 10 years ago to ESPN was disturbing. This is not what the Raiders stand up for. “We were made aware of the email late last night by a reporter. We are currently reviewing it and other materials from the NFL. We are currently addressing the issue with Coach Gruden.
Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson, stated Friday that during a review of emails concerning workplace misconduct at Washington Football Team, “the league received information about the existence of emails which raised issues beyond that scope of that investigation.”
He said that Jon Gruden’s email degrading DeMaurice Smith was “appalling, abhorrent, and wholly against the NFL values.” We regret the publication of this statement and condemn any harm it may cause to Mr. Smith or others.
