Las Vegas Judge Sets Trial Date for Gruden vs. NFL Lawsuit

Former Raiders coach claims NFL 'forced' his resignation over leaked emails.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the confrontation between Jon Gruden and the NFL in an abstract, fragmented style, using muted tones of gray, navy, and olive green.The legal battle between former Raiders coach Jon Gruden and the NFL takes on a cubist, fragmented perspective.Las Vegas Today

A Las Vegas judge has scheduled a trial for May 2027 in the lawsuit between former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and the NFL. Gruden is suing the league over his resignation in October 2021 following the public release of emails containing his use of racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.

Why it matters

The high-profile case will likely include testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league figures, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Gruden's abrupt departure from the Raiders and the league's handling of the email scandal.

The details

In December 2025, the judge denied the NFL's attempts to dismiss the case, ruling that Gruden's lawsuit could proceed under Nevada's anti-SLAPP statute, which protects whistleblowers. Gruden claims the NFL 'forced' him to resign and that he was not paid the remaining balance on his $100 million Raiders contract, which ran through 2027. The former coach also alleges he lost endorsement deals, including one with Skechers.

  • In October 2021, Gruden resigned as Raiders head coach after the emails surfaced.
  • In December 2025, the judge denied the NFL's motions to dismiss the case.
  • The trial is scheduled to begin in May 2027.

The players

Jon Gruden

Former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders who is suing the NFL over his resignation in 2021.

Roger Goodell

Commissioner of the National Football League, who is expected to testify in the trial.

Clark County District Court Judge Hardy

The judge who scheduled the trial and denied the NFL's attempts to dismiss the case.

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What they’re saying

“In December 2025, Clark County District Court Judge Hardy denied several motions from the NFL to stall or dismiss the case, including one arguing he should dismiss the lawsuit under Nevada's anti-SLAPP statute.”

— KLAS 8 report

“Last week, Hardy scheduled the trial for May 2027. While it was expected to last several weeks and include testimony from high-profile NFL figures, including Goodell, documents filed Friday said the timeline was unknown.”

— KLAS 8 report

What’s next

The judge's decision to schedule the trial for May 2027 sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle between Gruden and the NFL, with the potential for explosive testimony from league leadership.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NFL and its coaches, as well as the league's handling of off-field scandals involving its personnel. The outcome could have significant implications for how the NFL manages similar situations in the future.