Some four years ago, Jon Gruden sent an email to an NFL executive that reportedly included some “racist, homophobic and misogynistic language”. When the email became public, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers removed Jon Gruden’s name from their Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2017.
The Buccaneers have revealed that they are going to reinstate Gruden into the Ring of Honor. The team released a statement saying, “Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during his seven seasons as our head coach and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise. Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”
Jon Gruden was the head coach for the Buccaneers from 2002 to 2008. He led the Bucs to their first Super Bowl win in 2002. Over the course of seven seasons, Gruden had a record of 60 wins with 57 losses.
While working as an analyst at ESPN, Gruden sent a number of emails to then Washington Commanders (ten the Washington Football Team) executive Bruce Allen. The emails came to light while the NFL was investigating sexual harassment allegations.
At the time the emails came to light, Gruden was the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. Gruden resigned from the position just five games into the 2021 season.