NFL player Carl Nassib given personal day after Jon Gruden’s resurfaced anti-gay remarks
American football player Carl came out as gay in June.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Instagram/@carlnassib/Wiki
NFL player Carl Nassib was granted a rare personal day following coach Jon Gruden’s resignation over historic anti-gay comments this week.
Raiders manager Mike Matcock reportedly told reporters on Wednesday that Nassib had requested the day off.
He explained: “He just said he’s got a lot to process. There’s a lot that’s been going on the last few days. And, of course, we support that request.”
Fellow Raiders player Darren Waller later said he “100%” supported the move, telling reporters: “He’s pretty much a lone wolf when it comes to that. Nobody should be able to tell him how to feel. Nobody should be able to tell him how to grieve. He deserves to take time for himself because that’s a lot to process.”
According to multiple reports, Nassib returned to work yesterday (Thursday 14 October 2021).
“Embarrassed”
As reported by NYT, Gruben sent an email to Bruce Allen of the Washington Football Team regarding NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Gruden said that Goodell should not have pressured then-St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher to draft “queers.”
He was referring to former defensive end Michael Sam, a gay player drafted in 2014.
Other resurfaced emails included sexist and racist language, of which Gruben has told ESPN: “I’m embarrassed by what’s out there. I certainly never meant for it to sound that bad.”
In a statement released on Monday, Gruden said: “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.”
Nassib came out as gay in an Instagram video in June; earlier this month, the 28-year-old revealed he has a new boyfriend.