It’s probably worth noting that when word broke about Jon Gruden’s emails, which contained a multitude of racist, homophobic, and misogynistic comments, he wasn’t fired by the Las Vegas Raiders. In fact, while the Raiders received the emails last week, it wasn’t until they were leaked fully to the media on Monday that Gruden decided to resign from the team. It does beg the question of whether or not owner Mark Davis would have kept Gruden on as his coach despite knowing the full extent of the emails and what Gruden thinks of people like Carl Nassib, an openly gay member of the Raiders team.
Raiders legend Art Shell says that he thinks Davis acted accordingly, though it’s unclear exactly what Davis did if anything. And when asked about Gruden’s resignation by ESPN on Wednesday, Davis shared some terse comments that seem to imply he’s not very happy with the way it’s all gone down.
Just spoke with #Raiders owner Mark Davis: "I have no comment. Ask the NFL. They have all the answers." Also confirmed that Mike Mayock remains GM and now has 51 percent control of roster decisions, with interim coach Rich Bisaccia at 49 percent. Was Gruden 51/Mayock 49 before.
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 13, 2021
“I have no comment,” Davis said. “Ask the NFL. They have all the answers.”
Given the way the league is clearly protecting the ownership of the Washington Football Team, it seems like Davis feels as though the Raiders are paying the price for their misdeeds. It makes you wonder how that might have a ripple effect in the days ahead, especially if Davis and the Raiders have access to the kinds of emails that the NFL doesn’t want getting out. Though if Davis is saying the NFL has “all the answers,” it sounds like they’re even keeping that information close to the chest.
[ESPN]
