Jon Gruden Lawsuit, Former Raiders Coach Just Beat NFL in Court—Now He’s Coming for $60 Million and Roger Goodell’s Emails
What the Jon Gruden Lawsuit Is Really About
Former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden is suing the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell for tortious interference with contract, negligence, and civil conspiracy. Gruden claims the NFL selectively leaked his emails containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language to force him out of his $100 million coaching contract while protecting others who sent similar messages.
On December 18, 2025, District Judge Joe Hardy rejected the NFL’s latest attempts to dismiss the case, marking another victory for Gruden after the Nevada Supreme Court ruled in August 2025 that he cannot be forced into arbitration. The case is now headed to public trial.
Gruden resigned in October 2021 after his emails became public. He walked away from approximately $60 million remaining on his contract and lost millions more in endorsements, including deals with Skechers.
This isn’t just about one coach’s career—it’s about whether the NFL can selectively leak private communications to destroy someone while protecting others who did the same thing.
The Emails That Changed Everything
Gruden sent the controversial emails between 2011-2018 while working as an ESPN analyst. The emails were sent to Bruce Allen, then-president of the Washington Football Team, and contained racist remarks about NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith, anti-gay slurs, and misogynistic comments about female referees.
The emails surfaced during the NFL’s investigation into workplace misconduct at the Washington Football Team. But here’s what Gruden’s lawsuit emphasizes: his emails were leaked to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, while emails from others involved in the investigation remained confidential.
In one email from 2011, Gruden used racist language to describe Smith’s facial features. Other emails criticized Goodell using profane language, calling him a “clueless anti football pussy.”
The New York Times reported that Gruden had used derogatory language regularly during his ESPN employment, not just in isolated instances.
Why Gruden Says the NFL Targeted Him
Gruden’s lawsuit alleges the NFL orchestrated a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to destroy his career by selectively leaking his emails.
His attorneys argue there’s “no explanation or justification” for why only Gruden’s correspondence was exposed when 650,000 emails were reviewed during the Washington investigation.
Gruden has vowed “the truth will come out” regarding unnamed others around the NFL whose emails allegedly contained similar content but were never leaked.
The lawsuit claims Goodell or someone acting on his behalf deliberately leaked the emails to media outlets to pressure the Raiders into firing Gruden.
The $60 Million Question
Gruden signed a 10-year, $100 million contract with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018. The contract ran through 2027.
When he resigned on October 11, 2021, approximately $60 million remained on that deal. According to the lawsuit, Gruden was not paid the remaining balance.
Beyond the coaching contract, Gruden lost endorsement deals with companies like Skechers and other sponsorship opportunities.
He’s seeking monetary damages for lost income, reputational harm, and emotional distress caused by what he alleges was the NFL’s deliberate campaign to end his career.
The Legal Battle That Wouldn’t Die
October 2021: Gruden resigns from Raiders after emails leak
November 2021: Gruden files lawsuit against NFL and Goodell
2022: District Court Judge Nancy Allf denies NFL’s motion to dismiss and rules case can proceed in open court, not arbitration
May 2024: Three-judge Nevada Supreme Court panel sides with NFL, ordering arbitration
July 2024: Gruden files petition for en banc reconsideration by all seven justices
August 2025: Nevada Supreme Court rules 5-2 that arbitration clause is “unconscionable” and doesn’t apply to former employees
October 2025: Court unanimously rejects NFL’s rehearing petition 7-0
December 18, 2025: District Judge Joe Hardy denies NFL’s latest dismissal attempts; trial preparation continues
Why the NFL Desperately Wanted Arbitration
The NFL argued that Gruden’s coaching contract contained an arbitration clause requiring all disputes to be settled through the NFL’s internal process—overseen by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Here’s the problem: Goodell is a defendant in Gruden’s lawsuit. Having Goodell serve as arbitrator in a case accusing Goodell of wrongdoing presented what courts called an “unconscionable” conflict of interest.
Justice Linda Marie Bell of the Nevada Supreme Court called it “outrageous” that Goodell could be both the accused and the arbitrator.
The NFL also wanted arbitration to avoid public discovery—the process where Gruden’s attorneys could demand internal NFL emails and documents showing who leaked what to whom.
The Court Rulings That Changed the Game
The Nevada Supreme Court’s August 2025 ruling was crystal clear: “By its own unambiguous language, the NFL Constitution no longer applies to Gruden. If the NFL Constitution were to bind former employees, the Commissioner could essentially pick and choose which disputes to arbitrate.”
The court found that arbitration provisions apply to current employees, not former ones. Since Gruden’s employment was terminated before he sued, the arbitration clause doesn’t bind him.
When the NFL petitioned for a rehearing, all seven justices unanimously rejected it on October 3, 2025.
On December 18, 2025, District Judge Hardy rejected two separate NFL motions that could have dismissed the case, telling the parties to respond to other claims by January 12, 2026.
What Discovery Could Reveal
Gruden’s attorney Adam Hosmer-Henner argued that the NFL is “afraid of the discovery process.”
Discovery will likely reveal:
- Who had access to the 650,000 emails reviewed during the Washington investigation
- Which NFL executives or employees communicated with reporters
- What other emails contained similar offensive language
- Why only Gruden’s emails were leaked to media
- Internal NFL communications about handling the situation
Hosmer-Henner accused the NFL of “judge shopping” by filing motions at strategic times when different judges were assigned to the case.
The NFL’s Defense Strategy
The NFL denies leaking Gruden’s emails and maintains his own conduct caused his resignation.
NFL lawyer Kannon Shanmugam told Judge Hardy: “It will come as no surprise to the court that my clients obviously vigorously disagree that any such communications took place.”
The league argues Gruden is “misdirecting blame for something he did: write highly offensive emails that would cost anyone their job in any field.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy previously dismissed Gruden’s lawsuit as “meritless.”
What Happens Next
Judge Hardy has yet to schedule a trial date, though the case is moving toward public trial after years of appeals.
The NFL could still appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but legal experts say such an appeal is unlikely to be accepted.
Settlement negotiations could occur at any time. The danger for the NFL is that settling could embolden other coaches or employees to sue the league rather than accept arbitration.
Gruden’s burden of proof will be showing that Goodell or the NFL actually leaked the emails, not just that the emails became public during an investigation.
Gruden’s Life After the Raiders
Since leaving the Raiders, Gruden has worked as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints, where he helped quarterback Derek Carr.
He was reinstated to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor, where he won a Super Bowl in 2003.
Gruden joined Barstool Sports as a media personality and hosted “Gruden’s QB Class” featuring incoming rookie quarterbacks.
He’s now a part owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of Arena Football One.
Recently, ESPN reported that Gruden could resurface as an NFL head coaching candidate in 2026, depending on how his lawsuit is resolved. League sources indicated teams might consider him once the legal uncertainty clears.
Gruden stated: “I don’t care if I coach at Jones Junior High. I’m going to coach again.”
Related Legal Resources
Understand high-profile lawsuits: What is a RICO Lawsuit
Sports legal battles: Michael Jordan NASCAR Settlement
Employment discrimination: Workday Class Action Lawsuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Gruden get his $60 million back?
That depends on whether he proves the NFL wrongfully interfered with his contract. If successful at trial, he could recover lost contract payments plus additional damages.
Can the NFL still force this into arbitration?
No. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled unanimously that arbitration doesn’t apply to former employees. The case is proceeding to public trial.
What did Gruden’s emails actually say?
They contained racist language about NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith, homophobic slurs, misogynistic comments about female referees, and profane criticism of Commissioner Goodell.
Why does Gruden think he was singled out?
His lawsuit claims 650,000 emails were reviewed during the Washington investigation, but only his were leaked to media while others’ emails remained confidential.
Could Gruden coach in the NFL again?
ESPN reports he could be considered for coaching positions in 2026 if the lawsuit resolves. He’s expressed strong interest in returning to coaching.
When will this case go to trial?
Judge Hardy hasn’t set a trial date yet. The January 12, 2026 deadline for responding to claims will determine next steps.
This article provides general information about the Jon Gruden lawsuit and should not be considered legal advice. Case developments are ongoing.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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