The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Jon Gruden, a former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, in his ongoing lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL) and Commissioner Roger Goodell. The court upheld a previous ruling that denied Gruden’s motion to send his complaint into the league’s arbitration process.
In a 5-2 majority decision, the court confirmed the district court’s ruling and reversed a May 2024 decision by a Nevada Supreme Court panel that would allow arbitration. This means that Gruden’s case will now move forward in public instead of going through arbitration.
The court cited the NFL Constitution’s arbitration clause as “unconscionable” and stated that it does not apply to Gruden, who was a former employee at the time his lawsuit was filed. The decision also rejected an argument made by Gruden that the arbitration clause in his contract with the Raiders would prevent him from suing the NFL.
Gruden’s attorney, Adam Hosmer-Henner, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, calling it “a victory not just for Coach Gruden but for all employees facing unfair arbitration processes.” The ruling vindicates Gruden’s reputation and clears the way for swift justice against the NFL.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6547625/2025/08/11/jon-gruden-nfl-nevada-supreme-court