In 2021, former Las Vegas Raiders football coach Jon Gruden filed a lawsuit against the NFL and its commissioner, Roger Goodell, over a series of leaked emails.

While the NFL argued that Gruden was barred from taking legal action, it received a shock this week when the Nevada Supreme Court approved Gruden's lawsuit. 

Justices find arbitration clause to be "unconscionable"

According to Yahoo! Sports, the dispute concerned a clause in the NFL's constitution which required employees to resolve disputes via private arbitration.

Yet in a five to two decision which was handed down on Monday, Nevada's highest judicial body found the clause to be "unconscionable."

The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Jon Gruden in his appeal against the NFL.

That means Gruden will get discovery and his day in court alleging that Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL improperly leaked his emails, leading to his firing as Raiders head coach. pic.twitter.com/QHcy6xR9Wd

— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) August 11, 2025

What's more, the majority concluded that even if this were not so, Gruden will still not be bound by it as he is no longer an NFL employee.

NFL faces an uphill battle in appeals process

For its part, the NFL signaled that it intends to appeal this week's decision. However, NBC Sports pointed out how the move is expected to be a lengthy and uncertain process.

The football league will first have to request a rehearing before the Nevada Supreme Court, something which is unlikely to be granted.

It will then need to file a petition for appeal with the United States Supreme Court, which must consider whether to take the case. Even if opts to do so, arguments will not be heard for some time.

Gruden's case began four years ago when he resigned from his position as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders following the release emails which he sent to Washington Football Team general manager Bruce Allen between 2011 and 2018.

Gruden used racial and sexual slurs in emails

As The New York Times reported, Gruden used offensive language regarding a number of NFL figures, including commissioner Roger Goodell, who he called a "f----t" and a "clueless anti football p---y."

Gruden also referred to Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted in NFL history, as a "queer" while asserting that he was only drafted under pressure from Goodell.

Additionally, the Las Vegas Rams head coach suggested that National Football League Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, who is African American, "has lips the size of michellin tires."

Other messages included pictures featuring topless women, including two of the Washington Football Team's cheerleaders.