Trump Praises Ex-NFL Coach Gruden After Racist Slur Resignation

President Donald Trump recently played golf with former NFL coach Jon Gruden, whom he praised as a "really nice guy" and a person of "true character," despite Gruden's resignation in 2021 amid scandals involving racist, sexist, and homophobic emails. Trump shared photos of their outing on his social media platform, Truth Social, which also helped dispel recent rumors about his health following a period of public absence marked by speculation about physical and mental difficulties. Gruden, who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2003, resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after reports revealed emails with offensive content targeting NFL figures, which led to widespread criticism and his departure. Since then, Gruden has expressed a desire to return to coaching, with speculation about a potential position in the SEC in 2026. Despite the controversy, Trump has publicly supported Gruden, emphasizing his personal character and downplaying the impact of the leaked messages. The incident underscores ongoing debates about accountability and redemption in public figures involved in misconduct scandals.