Jon Gruden apologizes as NFL, DeMaurice Smith condemn Gruden’s 2011 email about NFLPA leader

Jon Gruden has apologized for feedback he reportedly made about NFLPA govt director DeMaurice Smith in a 2011 e-mail despatched to then-Washington Soccer Staff president Bruce Allen in 2011. The e-mail was despatched because the league and the NFLPA have been within the technique of making an attempt to finish a lockout. 

Within the e-mail, Gruden stated that Smith had “lips the dimensions of a michellin tires,” according to a report from The Wall Road Journal. The e-mail was found in the course of the league’s investigation of office misconduct with the Washington Soccer Staff. The NFL advised the Journal that’s has reviewed 650,000 emails throughout its investigation. The league has despatched pertinent emails for the Raiders to assessment. 

The Raiders issued an announcement concerning the e-mail and are persevering with their investigation.

Whereas he stated that he didn’t particularly recall writing that e-mail, Gruden stated he’s “actually, actually sorry” for his criticism of Smith. Gruden told ESPN that he has used the time period “rubber lips” to “discuss with a man I catch as mendacity … he cannot spit it out.” Gruden stated that he has spoken in regards to the matter with Raiders proprietor Mark Davis and expects to talk with him once more. Gruden added that he hopes he doesn’t face self-discipline from Davis or the league. 

“I am ashamed I insulted De Smith,” Gruden stated. “I by no means had a racial thought after I used it. … I am embarrassed by what’s on the market. I definitely by no means meant for it to sound that dangerous.”

Gruden advised the Journal that his feedback about Smith got here out of frustration with Smith and the lockout. 

“I do not suppose he is dumb,” Gruden stated of Smith. “I do not suppose he is a liar. I haven’t got a racial bone in my physique, and I’ve confirmed that for 58 years.”

The NFL issued an announcement concerning Gruden’s feedback. 

“The e-mail from Jon Gruden denigrating DeMaurice Smith is appalling, abhorrent and wholly opposite to the NFL’s values. We condemn the assertion and remorse any hurt that its publication might inflict on Mr. Smith or anybody else.”

The NFLPA govt director for the previous 12 years, Smith responded to Gruden’s feedback by way of the Journal. 

“This isn’t the primary racist remark that I’ve heard and it in all probability won’t be the final,” Smith stated. “It is a thick pores and skin job for somebody with darkish pores and skin, identical to it all the time has been for many individuals who seem like me and work in company America. You already know persons are typically saying issues behind your again which can be racist identical to you see folks speak and write about you utilizing thinly coded and racist language.

“Racism like this comes from the truth that I am on the similar desk as they’re they usually do not suppose somebody who seems to be like me belongs. I am sorry my household has to see one thing like this however I’d fairly they know. I can’t let it outline me.”