Aaron Rodgers is not worried about the email scandal surrounding Jon Gruden, saying he has faith in NFL locker rooms.
Aaron Rodgers has faith in NFL locker rooms despite Jon Gruden’s email scandal. That s*** doesn’t fly, the Green Bay Packers quarterback said. Read more in detail here: jon gruden.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has earned a reputation for being open and honest in interviews, yet he showed little emotion while addressing Jon Gruden’s departure as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
For good reason, the Gruden controversy has dominated the NFL news cycle. From a football perspective, the head coach was in the middle of a lucrative 10-year contract with the Raiders and seemed to have absolute job security. However, new allegations claim that the coach sent emails containing inappropriate language about ethnicity and sexual orientation, among other things.
During Week 5 of Monday Night Football, it was announced that Gruden had resigned from his job. Ironically, when the emails were received, Gruden was the main commentator for Monday Night Football.
Rodgers has been known to wax philosophical in recent interviews, and he did so again when addressing his feelings on Gruden and the NFL in general.
Aaron Rodgers believes that the majority of NFL players do not hold the views expressed in Jon Gruden’s emails.
What are our options now that we’ve received these Jon Gruden emails?
“Those views aren’t shared with athletes,” he says. “The locker room enables you to have great discussions, and that’s the best way to develop, learn, evolve, and improve yourself.” @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/NZk72hK79S @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/NZk72hK79S
October 12, 2021 — Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
The NFL pays attention when the MVP speaks. Rodgers, on the other hand, demonstrated that he’s the one with his ears to the ground and his finger on the pulse of NFL circles in this instance. According to Rodgers, the terminology and descriptions used by Gruden, as published by The New York Times, do not reflect the whole picture.
During his weekly interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers stated, “I can tell with true honesty and pride that I don’t feel like those are views that are held by players.” “I feel like we’re a close-knit bunch of men in the locker room, and we don’t treat anyone any differently because of the way they speak, where they’re from, what they’re into, or how they look.”
Rodgers went on to add that although the NFL must continue to promote empathy and listening, the kind of views allegedly expressed in Gruden’s emails have no place in the league.
“Maybe, we can all learn and develop as a league from this, and hopefully, it will put individuals on notice who share some of those similar views,” he added. “Like, ‘Hey, dude, it’s time to develop, adapt, change, and connect,’” she says. That nonsense isn’t going to fly.’
Rodgers wasn’t the only one who slammed Gruden. That’s not even close.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach, John Gruden, reacts during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bears | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Rodgers was far from the only NFL player who pondered Gruden’s departure.
Many people were outraged, and rightly so. This wasn’t a careless slip of the tongue on Gruden’s part. Years and years of emails emerged as part of an inquiry into workplace misbehavior at the Washington Football Team. Because he was communicating with then-Washington club president Bruce Allen, Gruden’s emails were brought into the discussion.
Gruden’s emails included racial remarks against NFL Players Association director DeMaurice Smith, as well as disrespectful remarks about other coaches, media members, owners, and even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Keyshawn Johnson, who won a Super Bowl with Gruden while both playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, believes Gruden has always been a con artist. The Buccaneers, speaking of Gruden, withdrew him from their Ring of Honor less than 24 hours after he departed from the Raiders.
These are just a few of the reactions, coupled with Rodgers’ remarks.
Rodgers believes that today’s NFL locker rooms are more diverse, which makes coaches and players more connected.
Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers warms up at Lambeau Field before their game against the Oakland Raiders | Dylan Buell/Getty Images
While acknowledging that there are certain to be exceptions, with Gruden being the most recent example, Rodgers did provide a glimpse inside the typical NFL locker room.
On the active roster, there are 53 players. When you include in inactive players, practice players, coaches, trainers, and all other kinds of personnel, the typical NFL team in 2021 will be made up of individuals from various walks of life who have a variety of views.
“I think today’s player, coach is a more compassionate, sophisticated, progressive, loving, connected person,” Rodgers remarked.
He also cautioned against being trapped in a “echo chamber” that promotes prejudices and hatred.
He said, “I believe we need to battle against it and listen to views that are different from the principles that we cling onto.” “Continue to develop and question our own beliefs.” Why do we believe the things we do? “The only way to develop is to ask questions.”
A league locker room is a microcosm of the nation as a whole. Yes, there are still many individuals who harbor hatred in their hearts. People that are willing to adapt, develop, and be honest about who they are are also available.
Although there is still a long way to go, the NFL has developed and evolved into a more inclusive league over time. The league’s composition has changed dramatically in recent years, which is a positive thing.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Rich Bisaccia, the Raiders’ Interim Head Coach
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