Raiders put their foot down on Gruden issue, disgusted in press release while Dennis Allen deals with father’s death

The Oakland Raiders may not be having a good season, but they do have character in the front office.

Looking out for their Head Coach Dennis Allen, who is dealing with his father’s death, they sent a strong message to rumors of Jon Gruden as a possible candidate for Allen’s position.

It was inexcusable to put Allen in the spotlight while he was rushing to his father’s side. That’s all he needed to hear, that former Raiders coach Gruden wants his job.

In a prepared statement, Raiders director media relations Zak Gilbert wrote (via Jerry McDonald of the mercurynews.com):

"There are two people on this planet that have the ability to make talks happen between Jon Gruden and the Raiders, with regard to him allegedly taking over the football operations, and/or the position of head coach.

Each of those individuals, owner Mark Davis and general manager Reggie McKenzie wanted me to communicate that this rumor has no validity whatsoever."

"And for the record, I'm personally disgusted that Hub Arkush would spread such an untruth on the day our head coach, Dennis Allen, had to determine with his mom, his brother and sister, whether to take his dad off life support or wait and hope that he would regain consciousness.

Dennis didn't have an opportunity to say goodbye to his dad, but he did have an opportunity to take a phone call regarding Hub's story."