Raiders' Nassib takes 'personal day' in wake of Gruden resignation

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders' Carl Nassib takes 'personal day' in wake of Jon Gruden resignation

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/13/21

Shortly after it was learned on Monday afternoon that now former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden used racist, misogynistic, and anti-gay language in emails sent from 2010 through 2018, many immediately thought of current Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib, who made history earlier this year by becoming the NFL's first openly gay player on an active 53-man roster.

Gruden, who resigned on Monday night, offered support following Nassib's announcement in June:

From Jon Gruden regarding Carl Nassib: "I learned a long time ago what makes a man different is what makes him great."
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) June 21, 2021

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Raiders general manager Mike Mayock publicly backed Nassib while speaking with reporters Wednesday.

"He requested a personal day today," Mayock explained about the pass-rusher. "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."

Raiders owner Mark Davis also offered full support for Nassib in June but seemed irritated on Wednesday that Gruden is no longer associated with the club because of the league's investigation of the Washington Football Team's workplace environment that uncovered a reported 650,000 emails in total.

"I have no comment," Davis told ESPN about Gruden on Wednesday. "Ask the NFL. They have all the answers."

The 3-2 Raiders play at the 3-2 Denver Broncos this Sunday.

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