Jon Gruden’s resignation from Las Vegas was the only right consequence. For himself and for the NFL. In the quest for more diversity and tolerance, the league still has a lot of work to do. The scandal is evidence of a double standard, behind the scenes, says ran editor Julian Huter. 

Munich – The resignation of Jon Gruden as head coach of the Raiders was without alternative. Especially because the apologies of the long-time TV expert did not show any real remorse. He regretted his choice of words, but he was certainly not a racist, the coach emphasised. There was no trace of self-reflection.

Because Gruden was experienced enough even then to know that the content of his emails was unacceptable. It is precisely this kind of thinking that is at the root of the racism that is still firmly anchored in parts of modern society. The same goes for sexist and homophobic statements. Thought that was seemingly openly displayed behind closed doors in the NFL.

NFL takes long time to expose Gruden scandal

The question is why it has taken the league so long to uncover or respond to this scandal. The aspirations for more sensitivity, tolerance and diversity seem like hollow lip service.

A total of 650,000 emails are said to have been examined in the course of the NFL investigation surrounding the Washington football team, according to “ESPN”. While Gruden faced consequences, Dan Snyder is allowed to continue as the owner of the Washington football team. A prime example of double standards.

A toxic work culture, sexism and harassment especially against women. All this apparently matters much less to the guardians of the code of conduct if the person concerned has enough billions in his account.

No room for Kaepernick and Reid, but for Gruden

It is hard to imagine that the investigation found no incriminating evidence against Snyder or other high NFL dignitaries.

It’s equally unlikely that Raiders owner Mark Davis had never heard of Gruden’s unacceptable comments when he interviewed him for the job. Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid can’t even get a backup job. Gruden, who has a 67-81 record since his Super Bowl win with the Buccaneers, got a $100 million contract. A sour taste.

NFL still has a lot of work to do

Maybe the NFL is already planning further steps as part of its investigation. It would be desirable. The league is publicly communicating that it wants to change. Racism, misogyny and homophobia in the workplace, which has been commonplace for years, should no longer be tolerated.

A commendable change of course. Except it seems rather hypocritical when the NFL’s most powerful don’t abide by it behind closed doors. The Gruden scandal is just the latest example. The NFL still has a lot of work ahead of it.