I am going to come out and say it. The Las Vegas Raiders have had a great season for them when you consider everything that happened surrounding the team. Did anyone even predict them to have a chance at the NFL postseason going into week 18? Derek Carr and Co. have outperformed expectations and ignored everything around them to give themselves a chance at the Playoffs.
Jon Gruden’s emails
Early in the season head coach at the time Jon Gruden had his emails from 2011-2018 released. These emails sent to someone who was a part of the Washington Football Team front office included disparaging racist, homophobic, and misogynistic remarks. The Raiders originally held on to Gruden, but more emails were released and Gruden ultimately resigned from his position. “I love the Raiders and do not want to be a distraction… Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Raider Nation. I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone.”-Jon Gruden on his way out. The Raiders were 3-2 before Gruden resigned.
Henry Ruggs III DUI
Arguably the bigger distraction for the team. Less than a month after Gruden’s resignation Henry Ruggs III was drunk driving and hit a car. Tina Tintor was driving home when Ruggs III hit her from behind at 120 MPH. Tintor was trapped inside her car with her dog as the two were burned alive. Ruggs was charged with a DUI resulting in death and reckless driving. If he is found guilty Ruggs will be sentenced between two to 20 years in prison. The Raiders terminated his contract less than 24 hours after the crash.
Damon Arnette Threatens Fan with Gun
Less than a week later Raiders CB took to Instagram and threatened a fan with a gun. In his Instagram story, he held his phone in one hand and his gun in his other telling the fan to “pull up”. Raiders GM Mike Mayock said that the conduct was unacceptable and Arnette was released. Within the span of a week, the Raiders released their two first-round picks from 2020.
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves currently at 9-7 with a win or go home game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. This team could find themselves in the playoffs after losing their coach early in the season and losing one of their better WRs and CBs in the middle of the season. Will they get the job done this weekend and do it for John Madden?
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