In a 2011 email, Jon Gruden referred to NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith as “the head of the plantation.”
The jon gruden demaurice smith email is an email that was sent by Jon Gruden in 2011. In the email, he uses a racist comment to refer to NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith.
In an email ten years ago, Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden made a racial remark against NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The email, which was written to the president of the Washington Football Team in July 2011 when the NFL and its players were attempting to settle a lockout, claimed Smith had “lips the size of michellin tires,” according to the Journal, which said it had seen it.
Gruden, who was the main commentator for Monday Night Football at the time, told ESPN he had no recollection of sending the email but apologized for the backlash.
He claimed he’s used the phrase “rubber lips” to “refer to a person I caught lying… he can’t spit it out” on several occasions.
“”I’m sorry I offended De Smith,” Gruden said to ESPN, adding, “I never had a racist connotation when I used it.” What’s out there makes me feel ashamed. I definitely didn’t intend for it to come out that way.”
Gruden said that he had talked with Raiders owner Mark Davis and that he expects to do so again. He was unsure if he would face any repercussions from Davis or the NFL, which issued a statement condemning Gruden’s remark on Friday afternoon.
“Jon Gruden’s email disparaging DeMaurice Smith is disgusting, repugnant, and completely antithetical to the NFL’s principles,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated. “We condemn the comment and apologize for any damage it may cause Mr. Smith or anybody else as a result of its publishing.”
According to numerous sources, the league is investigating the situation, and Gruden may face disciplinary punishment.
Davis said the email’s language was “disturbing” and “not what the Raiders stand for” in a statement released Friday afternoon.
“We first learned about the email from a reporter late yesterday, and we’re examining it together with other documents given to us today by the NFL,” Davis said. “We are working with Coach Gruden on the situation and will have no more comment at this time.”
Gruden said he talked with Raiders players early Friday morning to let them know the Journal’s story was coming out.
“I’m very open with my guys,” Gruden said to ESPN.
“That may not have been the greatest moment of my life,” he said, alluding to the time when the email was sent, which was during the 2011 lockout. “I yelled a lot… I never felt like we were receiving the truth and honesty [during discussions]. I simply had the feeling that [former NFLPA executive director] Gene Upshaw would never have allowed it reach to that point.”
According to McCarthy, the email surfaced during the NFL’s investigation into workplace misbehavior with the Washington Football Team, when “the league was notified of the presence of emails that highlighted concerns outside the scope of that inquiry.” The content of over 650,000 emails was examined by senior league officials, including one sent by Gruden to Bruce Allen, the Washington Football Team’s president at the time, according to the Journal. The NFL then gave the Raiders relevant emails to examine.
Smith told the Journal, “This isn’t the first racist remark I’ve heard, and it probably won’t be the last.” “For someone with dark complexion, this is a thick-skin job, just as it has always been for many individuals who look like me and work in corporate America.” You’re aware that people say racist things behind your back, just as you’re aware that others speak and write about you in a thinly veiled and racist manner.
“Racism like this stems from the fact that I’m sitting at the same table as them and they don’t believe someone who looks like me belongs,” Smith said. “I’m sad my family has to see this, but I’d prefer they were aware. I’m not going to let that define me.”
Gruden was the Raiders’ head coach from 1998 until 2001, when he was moved to Tampa Bay. He promptly guided the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship, which they won against the Raiders.
He was dismissed after the 2008 season in Tampa and went to work in the Monday Night Football booth.
Gruden was rehired by the Raiders in Oakland in 2018 for a 10-year, $100 million deal. Since his comeback, the club has not reached the playoffs since moving to Las Vegas last year. In 2021, the Raiders are 3-1.
This article was written with the help of the Associated Press.
In 2011, Jon Gruden made a racist comment to NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith. The email was released by ESPN. Reference: copy of jon gruden email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jon Gruden say in his email in 2011?
The email was sent to a group of students, and it said I am not going to be your coach next year.
What did jon Gruden say in his email?
Jon Gruden said Im not interested in what youre selling.
What did Gruden say about demaurice Smith?
Gruden said that he was a good player but not the best.
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