Tag: NFL

Jon Gruden resigns as Raider coach: Homophobic, racist and misogynistic emails do him in

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In the last photo of Jon Gruden as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders Gruden leaves the podium in the Raiders press room facility on Sun Oct 10, 2021 in a post game presser after coaching against the Chicago Bears. The media grilled Gruden about his emails to Bruce Allen which was the hotter subject than about the game the Raiders just lost. (AP News photo)

By Tony Renteria

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden resigned Monday afternoon as more emails were uncovered that showed that the Raiders head coach had sent comments about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, remarks about women and former St Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher drafting gay player Michael Sam as reported by the New York Times on Monday afternoon.

The Wall Street Journal as reported on Thursday that Gruden sent out a July 2011 racist email about NFL Player Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith when Gruden was working as an analyst on ESPN.

Gruden wrote about Smith in an email to former Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen that Smith had lips “the size of Michelin tires.” Washington is under discrimination investigation by the NFL and the NFL have requested all documents and emails forwarded to the league office and it was there the Gruden emails were discovered.

Smith responded by saying that Gruden had issues dealing with people who look like him in executive positions and “The email from Jon Gruden and some of the reaction to it confirms that the fight against racism, racist tropes and intolerance is not over. This is not about an email as much as it is about a pervasive belief by some that people who look like me can be treated as less,” Smith said.

On Monday afternoon the Times disclosed that Gruden had emailed Allen saying of Goodell was a “fa****t” and a “clueless anti football p****y.” On Fisher and his having Sam an openly gay player who was drafted to the Rams in 2014 at that time Gruden said that Fisher shouldn’t have buckled under by drafting “queers.”

Gruden also wrote that he didn’t like women referees in sports and players taking a knee during the national anthem protesting for racial justice. Gruden and Allen according to the Times said that Gruden and Allen exchanged photos of topless women including a photo of one of the Washington cheerleaders.

Gruden’s career as head coach in the NFL started with the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002-2008, he left to be an analyst from 2009-2017 for ESPN before coming back as head coach of the Raiders in 2018.

After this second wave of emails that was reported in the Times there was no way that Gruden could survived it and he knew it and had to resign. Gruden was in the fourth year of his ten year $100 million contract contract.

Tony Renteria does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders lose one at home to Bears 20-9; Las Vegas drops record to 3-2

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The Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) puts the brakes on Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Oct 10, 2021 (AP News photo)

Raiders drop one at home to Bears 20-9

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

LAS VEGAS-The Las Vegas Raiders (3-2) seemingly upset over the distraction of the week of Coach Jon Gruden’s comments up here, played just that way today losing 20-9 to the Chicago Bears (3-2).

Khalil Mack, the former Raiders linebacker, played another intense game against his former teammates making key sacks of QB Derek Carr when the Raiders needed some big plays made. For Carr Sunday 22-35, 206 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.

It was very apparent that the team was very distracted as they really sputtered on the offense today.

On the defensive side of the ball it appeared that the Raiders were pretty solid most of the game , they just had a few key opportunities where Bears quarterback Justin Field’s running backs made some big plays to score. Fields threw 12-20, 111 yards, and one touchdown.

The Raiders will prepare for the big game next week against the rival Denver Broncos , who came off a loss at Pittsburgh today.

Cardinals stay undefeated with 17-10 defensive win over 49ers

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyle Murray (1) looks for a receiver against the San Francisco 49ers defense at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sun Oct 10, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Marko Ukalovic

GLENDALE, Ariz.–It was a battle of the defenses down in the desert.

In the end it was the Arizona Cardinals defense that came through en route to a 17-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC West battle on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium.

San Francisco have lost three games in a row. Arizona remained the NFL’s only undefeated team as they haven’t started out 5-0 since 1974, and the fifth time in franchise history, when the franchise was in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Trey Lance, the third pick in this year’s draft, made his first NFL start due to Jimmy Garopollo’s calf injury. After a nice run for 14 yards resulting in a first down and completing a 16 yard pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. second pass attempt over threw Travis Benjamin as Cardinals safety Budda Baker was playing center field and made the interception.

Arizona (5-0) capitalized on the turnover. Quarterback Kyler Murray led an eight play, 66 yard drive that resulted in a one yard touchdown run by James Connor. The touchdown was set up when Murray threw a swing pass to Rondale Moore end around run for 26 yards to the 49ers one yard line.

San Francisco (2-3) had their second possession stalled at the Arizona 33 yard line when Lance’s quarterback keeper was stopped by Arizona’s swarming defense.

The 49ers were also without their Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle as the team placed him on injured reserved with his own calf injury that will sideline him for at least two more additional games.

Arizona went up 10-0 late in the first half when Matt Prater kicked a 21 yard field goal with 5:27 left in the second quarter.

Lance didn’t get any help from his receivers during the first half. Deebo Samuel wasn’t able to catch a ball thrown to him behind the line of scrimmage that resulted in a big loss. Mohamed Sanu dropped a pass through his hands that would have been a first down on the 49ers fourth possession.

The 49ers had a chance to tie the game early in the second quarter as Lance led the offense on a 13 play, 93 yard drive where they had first and goal inside the five yard line. On fourth and goal, Lance scrambled to right but was stopped at the one yard line by Cardinals linebacker Isiah Simmons as the Niners turned the ball over on downs.

Nick Bosa recorded his fifth sack of the year when he sacked Murray for a 13 yard loss with 26 second left in the second quarter, that helped stop the final drive of the half for the Cardinals. Arizona tried a 61 one yard field goal to end the half but Prater missed badly wide right.

Penalties plagued the 49ers on offense in the second half. They had five holding penalties, (three on the first drive in the second half that resulted in a punt) and a false start.

San Francisco finally got on the board late in the third quarter. Lance pitched the ball Samuel and the wide receiver made nice move to run for a 13 yard touchdown to cut Arizona’s lead to 10-7.

Lance led the six play, 59 yard drive with 1:42 left in third quarter.

San Francisco went for a fourth and one near midfield with under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter but a sneak by Juszczyk who took the snap under center was stopped a yard short the Cardinals defense.

The Cardinals defense had pressure on Lance for most of the second half altering his throws and tipping balls to the ground.

Arizona scored a late touchdown in the fourth quarter when Murray found DeAndre Hopkins on a fade route inside the end zone as Hopkins leaped over 49ers corner back Josh Norman to put the Cardinals up 17-7 with 5:13 left.

San Francisco received a 47 yard field goal from Joey Slye with 4:12 left to cut the lead to a one score game. However, the 49ers never got the ball back as Arizona made two first downs on their ensuing possession to close out the game.

Lance finished 15 for 29 with 192 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He led the 49ers in rushing 89 rushing yards on 16 carries as head coach Kyle Shanahan tailored the offense with plenty of run calls for the rookie quarterback.

Murray finished the game 22 for 31 with 291 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Hopkins led all wide receivers with six catches and 87 yards with one touchdown. Samuel led the 49ers in receiving with three catches for 58 yards on nine targets.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco was 3-11 on third down conversions. Arizona was 3-10.

Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams was injured in the second quarter after a reception with a lower body injury after receiving a tackle by Emmanuel Mosley. He was carted off the field and did not finish the game.

This was the first game that Arizona’s offense had back to back three and outs.

UP NEXT: San Francisco has a bye in week six. They return to action on Sunday 10/24 as they host the Indianapolis Colts at 5:20pm at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco 49ers week 5 podcast with Joe Hawkes: Lance to start today for injured Garoppolo; Murray throwing lights out for Cardinals

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance and head coach Kyle Shanahan converse on the game plan during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks on Sun Oct 3, 2021 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Lance will start against the Arizona Cardinals Sun Oct 10, 2021 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. (photo from AP News)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, San Francisco 49ers (2-2) quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo rested on Thursday sitting out practice as the 49ers get ready to face the Arizona Cardinals (4-0) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan Garoppolo will rest for today’s game and Trey Lance will get the start .

#2 Garoppolo’s practice sessions if any has been very limited and Garoppolo has said that his calf injury still hurts to the point where he can’t push off and throw a pass.

#3 Shanahan said he wants to protect Garoppolo and George Kittle telling the media “sometimes you have to protect them from themselves” Shanahan said that Kittle is doubtful for today’s game in Arizona as well. What will it be like without Garoppolo and Kittle in the line up?

#4 Lance has looked good in practice and the few snaps he’s taken in the regular season how much of a test will this be with Lance being under center and starting the game against the Cardinals today?

#5 The Cardinals as a team that are a big test in of itself as they are 4-0 and quarterback Kyle Murray has been leaving defenses flat footed when he runs the keeper. Murray in Sunday’s last game against the Los Angeles Rams threw for 268 yards, two touchdowns and wasn’t intercepted and won the game convincingly 37-20. Missing some of the players to injuries will the 49ers be headed into a hornet’s nest today?

Joe Hawkes does the 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Will coach Gruden lose his job over racial email slur regarding NFLPA boss DeMaurice Smith

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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden (left) says he’s sorry about the email he sent July 2011 to former Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen saying NFLPA Executive director Maurice Smith (right) “has lips the size of Michellin tires” (photo from Sports Illustrated)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden it was uncovered sent decade old email to former team president of the Washington Football Team Bruce Allen on July 2011 Gruden was a ESPN analyst at the time. The players’ union voted against the collective bargaining agreement setting Gruden off against Union Chief DeMaurice Smith emailing Allen saying ““Dumboriss Smith has lips the size of michellin [sic] tires.” 

#2 The email turned up as the NFL is conducting an investigation on discrimination by the Washington Football Team and Gruden had said he was sorry while being interviewed by the Wall Street Journal saying he meant “Rubber lips” meaning people who are lying.

#3 The NFL condemned the email saying, We condemn the statement and regret any harm that its publication may inflict on Mr. Smith or anyone else.” The NFL did not go onto say what steps if any there would be about the Gruden email.

#4 Rich, It’s too soon to say but how much something like this could be a distraction for the players, assistant coaches, and organization as the Raiders try and prepare for Sunday’s game against Chicago in Las Vegas?

#5 Rich, the Bears are coming off a ten point win against the Detroit Lions 24-14 from last Sunday their starting Justin Fields who threw for 209 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The Raiders are coming off a 14 point loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Tell us how you see this Sunday’s match up.

Rich Perez does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders will depend on Jacobs ground game as Barber out with turf toe; plus more

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs seen holding helmet during warm ups against the New England Patriots on Sep 27, 2020 will getting more reps against the Chicago Bears Sun Oct 10, 2021 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News file photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony how running back Josh Jacobs came back last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jacobs carried for 40 yards averaging 3.1 yards how important was his return knowing his potential.

#2 Tony, running back Peyton Barber is has minor turf toe, will an injury like this keep Barber out for some time. Tests showed no fracture, Barber is still going through tests to see how to proceed.

#3 The Chargers proved to be a formable opponent last Sunday when they opened the first half with a 21-0 lead. Seeing the Raiders defense let down was this just one bad game for the defense or is this a concern for head coach Jon Gruden.

#4 Raiders quarterback Derek Carr couldn’t get much offense he and the Raiders couldn’t get on the scoreboard for the first, second and third quarters but scored 14 in the third quarter. How concerned will Carr have to be trying to score on the Chicago Bears this Sunday?

#5 Tony the Bears got a ten point 24-14 win over the Detroit Lions last Sunday now their at 2-2 .500 and Bears quarterback Justin Fields 11-17 for 209 he threw for no touchdowns and one interception but got help from his running backs and receivers.

Join Tony for the Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Garoppolo possible to return this Sunday; Lance ready to step in at moments notice

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is possible to return this Sun Oct 10, 2021 against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Garoppolo appears in this photo standing on the sidelines from last Sun Oct 3, 2021 after getting injured against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Dave, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffering from a right calf injury is a good chance to play this Sunday in Arizona. The diagnosis was less severe with just bruising issues that would not be a problem by game day.

#2 Dave, talk about Trey Lance he overthrew last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks but settled down on a moment’s notice how ready do you see going into State Farm Stadium in Glendale against the Arizona Cardinals.

#3 How much time does Lance get with the offensive line to protect him will head coach Kyle Shanahan allow him to run the ball something we didn’t see too much off during pre season and some of the snaps he’s taken in his first few games.

Join David for the 49ers podcast each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Chargers expose some flaws in Raiders defense winning 28-14

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tevaughn Campbell can’t make the catch after the Las Vegas Raiders defenseman Hunter Renfrow breaks up the play during first half action at So Fi Stadium in Carson on Monday Night Football Oct 4, 2021 (AP News photo)

Chargers expose some flaws in Raiders defense winning 28-14

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

Sports Radio Service

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns versus the Raiders leading the Chargers to a 28-14 win over the rival Las Vegas Raiders. The rivalry which has been going on for many many years started as Oakland versus San Diego.

Today of course it is Las Vegas versus Los Angeles. Regardless the Raiders slipped into So Cal slipping a few times. All happening in the new So Fi Stadium Stadium in Carson. The rivalry which has been going on for many , many years started as Oakland versus San Diego.

Today of course it is Las Vegas versus Los Angeles. Regardless the Raiders slipped into So-fi Stadium with an undefeated record. For a while the Raiders hung in there …but Jared Cook broke free over the middle and Justin Herbert hit the former Raider tight end with a touchdown pass.

That lead the Chargers to three more scores. Derek Carr did a pretty good job today but wasn’t effective when the Raiders needed it. The simply could not get into the end zone when they needed to …and as often as they needed too.

The Chargers QB Justin Herbert took advantage of every opportunity and scored. Winning the game 28-14. The Raiders prepare to play former LB Khalil Mack and the Chicago Bears back in Las Vegas this Sun Oct 10, 2021 at Allegiant Stadium.

Rich Perez Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

Seahawks take down 49ers 28-21 as SF anchor the cellar in the NFC West

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo watched from the sidelines during the second half after injuring his calf against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Oct 3, 2021 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SANTA CLARA, Calif—It was a tale of two halves and two quarterbacks.

The San Francisco 49ers contained Russel Wilson in the first half but the Seattle Seahawks quarterback shined in the second half to lead his team to a 28-21 victory on Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium.

Seattle is now 2-2 on the season and in third place in the NFC West. San Francisco’s (2-2) second loss in a row has them anchoring the cellar after starting the season 2-0.

San Francisco jumped out to a good start scoring on their first possession. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was six for six for 70 yards that ended with a 21 yard touchdown reception to backup tight end Ross Dwelley.

The 49ers defense looked like the championship caliber defense it possessed that went to the Super Bowl two years ago.

They made life hell for the Seahawks offense in the first 27 minutes. They forced five straight three and outs and sacked Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson three times to force punts. Dee Ford led the way with 1.5 sacks and Nick Bosa also registered a sack.

Seattle after five offensive drives had a total of minus seven yards of offense.

However the Seahawks defense kept them in the game as they limited the 49ers to just seven points in the first half.

Wilson gave the Seahawks a spark just before halftime when he led a six play, 80 yard drive that resulted in a 12 yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf with 1:54 remaining in the first half.

“It totally felt like that,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carrol regarding their first score as a momentum turner. “Because we had been playing well on defense. It’s like we kinda really need something to hang our hat on.”

Garoppolo suffered an apparent right calf injury during the first drive of the game. He played through the pain to finish the half. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan replaced him in the second half with rookie quarterback Trey Lance.

Garoppolo finished 14 of 23 for 165 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a rating of 79.1.

“I don’t know exactly what happened,” said Garoppolo. “Tweaked the calf. It hurt initially. I thought I’d keep trying, keep trying to go and just (it) just kept getting worse and worse, traveling down to the Achilles a little bit. Hoping for the best right now.”

Seattle carried that momentum over to the second half as they scored two touchdown in a span of 1:24 in the first five minutes of the third quarter.

Wilson rushed for a 16 yard touchdown where he turned the corner on the left side and made a diving effort for the pylon to extend Seattle’s lead to 14-7.

On the ensuing kickoff, Trenton Cannon fumbled the football and turned the ball over to the Seahawks inside the 20 yard line.

Two plays later Russell showed showed off some Houdini skills as he spun around to avoid being in the grasp of Bosa and looked to the right side and fired a ball into the endzone where Freddie Swain made a tough catch for the touchdown.

San Francisco didn’t go down quietly as they took advantage of a missed defensive assignment for Seattle.

Lance found Deebo Samuel all alone thanks to a blown coverage along the right sideline at the 50 yard line and Samuel raced the rest way of the way to pay dirt for a 75 yard touchdown reception that cut Seattle’s lead to 21-13.

“We had to make some moves on the fly, do some thing that he (Lance) was comfortable with. Thought we got better as we went,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan regarding Lance’s performance.

The extra point was taken by 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky, due to kicker Robbie Gould’s groin injury he suffered earlier in the game. Wishnowsky sent the kick wide left for the failed extra point attempt.

Seattle gave them selves an insurance score when they completed a 10 play, 81 yard drive capped off by a 14 yard rushing touchdown from Alex Collins with 12:07 remaining in the fourth quarter.

While Lance was able to extend plays with his quick feet, he also made some poor throws in the second half that resulted in stalled drives for San Francisco.

The 49ers cut the lead to a one-score game when Lance found Samuel in the end zone from eight yards out for Samuel’s second touchdown of the afternoon. Lance then rushed up the middle into the end zone for a successful two-point conversion with 1:20 left in the game.

Seattle was able to recover the onside kick and closed out the game leaving town snapping their two game losing streak.

Wilson finished with a respectable 16 of 23 for 149 yards, two touchdowns and a rating of 116.0.

Samuel was the lone bright spot for San Francisco as he finished with eight receptions for 156 yards and two TD’s. Lance ended going 9 of 18 for 157 yards and two touchdowns and a rating of 117.1.

GAME NOTES: The 49ers activated defensive lineman Maurice Hurst to the active roster before the game.

K’Wuan Williams, Elijah Mitchell, Josh Norman, Aaron Banks and Zach Kerr were inactive for San Francisco.

Dee Eskridge, Benson Mayowa, John Reid, Brandon Shell, Jamarco Jones and L.J. Collier were inactive for Seattle.

Seattle leads the all-time series 29-17.

Wilson has never lost three games in a row in his NFL career.

Tackle Trent Williams left the game in the 4th Q with an elbow injury and did not finish the game.

UP NEXT: San Francisco travels out to Arizona to take on the Cardinals on Sunday 10/10 at 1:25pm at State Farm Stadium.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: How will Shanahan approach Seahawks after Green Bay loss

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan meets with the press following the loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sun Sep 26, 2021 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe how much of a concern is it for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to lose on Sunday Night Football in a game they worked hard at in the second half only to lose it by two points?

#2 Is the loss to the Packers going to change how they will approach the Seattle Seahawks on today at Levi Stadium.

#3 49ers backup quarterback Trey Lance exhibited his talents last Sunday night with a keeper to score it turned out to be a crucial carry as they shaved off points against Green Bay in the final analysis.

#4 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be facing a different defense today the Seahawks were crushed by the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday 30-17 do you see Garoppolo getting more time in the pocket today against the Seattle pass rush?

#5 Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson went 22-32 for 298 yards and a touchdown after last week’s game against the Vikings how much work do you see Wilson having against the 49ers today?

Join Joe for the 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com