The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Thursday that former coach Jon Gruden has been reinstated to the team’s Ring of Honor.
‘Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during his seven seasons as our head coach and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise. Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor,’ the team wrote.
Gruden had been removed from the Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2021, after the emergence of emails of his that contained homophobic, misogynistic and racist language. The scandal led to his resignation as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Explaining his removal from the Ring of Honor at the time, the Buccaneers said they ‘have advocated for purposeful change in the areas of race relations, gender equality, diversity and inclusion for many years. While we acknowledge Jon Gruden’s contributions on the field, his actions go against our core values as an organization. Therefore, he will no longer continue to be a member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”
Gruden, Tampa Bay’s head coach from 2002-08, was first inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2017. He has the most wins in team history (57) and was at the helm when the Bucs won their first championship by defeating the Raiders in Super Bowl 37.
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