On Monday, John Gruden achieved a significant win in his ongoing legal battle with the NFL.
The Nevada Supreme Court ruled 5-2 in his favor, stating that Gruden cannot be forced into arbitration and that his case should be allowed to proceed in public.
Gruden initially filed a lawsuit against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2021, alleging that the league intentionally leaked an email he sent to damage his career and reputation through a “malicious orchestrated campaign.”
The review board indicated that the arbitration clause within the NFL constitution is “ruthless” and does not pertain to Gruden as a former employee.
“The NFL Constitution permits Goodell to arbitrate disputes regarding his own actions. This is at the heart of the matter,” the decision emphasized. “A powerful party’s ability to select a strong arbitrator is harsh, even if a neutral arbitrator is ultimately chosen.”
It was further noted that allowing the NFL to amend parts of the Constitution “at any time, without notice,” including the arbitration terms, is “merciless.”
In a statement to USA Today, Gruden’s attorney, Adam Hosmer Henner, expressed their satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “This victory will further clarify Coach Gruden’s reputation and how to achieve justice while holding the NFL accountable.”
The NFL has yet to make any public comments regarding the ruling.
The court’s decision did not determine the validity of any of Gruden’s claims.
The case revolves around the leaked emails that emerged during the NFL’s investigation into a toxic workplace at another team.
The emails contained racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks made by Gruden over several years while he was an ESPN analyst, directed to the then-commanders general manager, Bruce Allen.
At the time of the leak, Gruden was the head coach of the Raiders and later resigned.
While lower courts initially dismissed attempts to push the NFL case into private arbitration, the Nevada Supreme Court favored the league in a 2-1 ruling in May 2024 to dismiss the case.
In October 2024, the Nevada Supreme Court allowed Gruden’s attorney’s motion and subsequently heard the case fully before supporting Gruden on Monday.
