• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot
Law

The NFL’s Growing Concern Over Jon Gruden Lawsuit

  • Gruden’s lawsuit has survived every legal challenge mounted by the NFL since case was filed in November.
  • Gruden has accused the NFL of leaking the derogatory emails that led to his resignation.
Jon Gruden
Orlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports

As NFL commissioner Roger Goodell advocated patience when it came to Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s future, lawyers were prepping for a legal hearing in a related matter that could prove even more troublesome for Goodell and the league. 

The lawsuit filed by former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden against the NFL last November has easily survived every legal challenge so far. At Thursday’s hearing in Las Vegas, District Court Judge Nancy Allf even refused to issue a stay in the case ahead of an expected appeal.

Sources told Front Office Sports there’s a growing concern around the NFL about the litigation, wherein Gruden alleges Goodell and the league were behind the leaked derogatory emails. The NFL denied it was the source of the emails, which led to Gruden’s resignation.

  • Allf denied the NFL’s motion to dismiss the case at a May hearing. 
  • Last week, Allf also denied the NFL’s motion to compel arbitration, which would have put proceedings out of public view
  • The current NFL Constitution and Bylaws — a document the league’s lawyers had sought to keep under seal — was disclosed in the case, according to court documents obtained by FOS. 

Who Leaked? 

The source of the leaked emails obtained during the course of the first NFL outside investigation into the Commanders has been debated for months. The Commanders and Snyder — who faced five new investigations after the emails were published — have also denied being the source

“Somebody wanted Gruden out,” a source told FOS.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 
A general view as athletes compete in the women’s 10,000m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France in Saint-Deanis, France, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
August 5, 2025

Trump Order Leads to Visa Ban for Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

“Men do not belong in women’s sports,” a USCIS spokesperson said.
WNBA
August 7, 2025

Crypto Group Says It’s Behind WNBA Dildo Epidemic

The group backs a memecoin that launched last week.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Josh Donaldson
August 5, 2025

Josh Donaldson Settles With Mold Landlord for $729K

Donaldson vacated the Greenwich, Ct., mansion shortly after moving in.
Feb 20, 2011; Calgary, AB, Canada; Canadian hockey fans wave a flag and display a banner before the Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium. The Flames beat the Canadiens 4-0
August 1, 2025

Where Does Hockey Go After the Hockey Canada Verdict?

After the sexual assault trial, hockey is split over the path forward.
Troy Taylor
July 31, 2025

Ex-Stanford Coach Troy Taylor Sues ESPN for Defamation

Taylor was fired after a pair of 3–9 seasons.
Gilbert Arenas
July 31, 2025

Gilbert Arenas Charged With Running Illegal Poker Operation With ‘Organized Crime Figure’

The former NBA player allegedly ran a poker club from his house.