Charles Esther
The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Monday in favor of former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden in his lawsuit accusing the NFL of leaking damaging emails before his 2021 resignation.
Arbitration Clause Found Unfair for Former Employees
In a 5-2 decision, justices did not address whether the NFL leaked the emails but determined that forcing Gruden’s complaint into arbitration overseen by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was “unconscionable.”
NFL Constitution No Longer Applies to Gruden
The court stated that as a former employee, Gruden should not be bound by the NFL Constitution’s arbitration clause. They emphasized that applying it to former employees would give the Commissioner excessive control over disputes.
Reversal of Earlier Court Decision
All seven justices reconsidered a prior 2-1 ruling by a smaller panel that had dismissed Gruden’s civil case last year, overturning that decision this time.
Legal Team Hails Decision as a Victory
Gruden’s attorneys celebrated the ruling as a win for Gruden and all employees facing unfair arbitration, saying it clears the path for justice and accountability for the NFL.
NFL’s Next Step Could Be U.S. Supreme Court Appeal
The NFL declined to comment but may take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court as its last option.
Earlier Split Decision on Arbitration
Previously, the Nevada Supreme Court panel allowed arbitration under Goodell’s oversight, with dissent over the fairness of Goodell arbitrating a case where he is a defendant.
Details of Gruden’s Allegations Against NFL
Gruden claims Goodell and the NFL pressured the Raiders to fire him by leaking emails containing offensive remarks he made as an ESPN analyst, leading to his November 2021 resignation.
Lower Court Findings Supported Gruden’s Claims
A state judge ruled in 2022 that evidence suggested the NFL intentionally leaked only Gruden’s emails, allowing the case to proceed to a jury.
Gruden’s Career and Lawsuit Background
Gruden coached the Raiders in Oakland (1998-2001), won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, worked as an ESPN analyst, and returned to coach the Raiders in Las Vegas before resigning. He seeks damages for the career and endorsement losses caused by the leaks.
David Awoyode