Madden 22 removes Jon Gruden, still features numerous domestic abusers

Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is being removed from Madden 22. Following Gruden’s “resignation,” EA has announced that they are taking steps to remove him from the game. He will be replaced with a generic likeness via an upcoming title update within a couple of weeks.

In a statement on Twitter, EA wrote:

"EA Sports is committed to taking action in maintaining a culture of inclusion and equity."

Once one of the most recognizable names and faces in the sport, Gruden resigned earlier this week after several offensive emails, containing racist, homophobic and misogynistic remarks, were made public. A Super Bowl-winning head coach and marquee analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, Gruden’s fall from grace has been swift and fierce. And certainly deserving. Gruden returned to the NFL sidelines in 2018 to lead the Las Vegas Raiders.

While I stand by EA’s decision to remove Gruden from their game, their reasoning of “maintaining a culture of inclusion and equity” has drawn some backlash from NFL fans who rightly call out the developer for continuing to include a number of players in their game who have been arrested for domestic violence.

Personally, I think if the NFL and EA truly cared about this culture, they’d also remove domestic abusers from both the league and the game. But if this league and industry have taught us anything, it’s that if you have enough skill and can help a team win a Super Bowl, they are willing to make exceptions to that culture of inclusivity.

I suppose the difference is a lot of players accused of domestic abuse are still playing in the league and therefore, it’s okay to feature them in Madden. Whereas Gruden resigned so they can remove him from the game immediately. This seems to be the case, especially as it applies to former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.

As it turns out, Gruden isn’t the first person to be removed from Madden. In 2014, EA removed Ray Rice from the game following his suspension from the NFL after a video of his domestic violence act was made public. Because he was cut from his team and suspended from the NFL immediately, it was easy for EA to make the decision to remove him from the game right away.

Still, there is definitely some validity to the double standard argument. I’ve got no problem with them removing Gruden for his reprehensible comments or Ray Rice for the horrific abuse. They certainly deserve it.

I just want some consistency. Either you care about fostering an environment that’s inclusive and equal for everybody, or you don’t. The league, and EA, seem to be picking and choosing.

What do you make of Jon Gruden’s removal from Madden 22? Sound off in the comment section below!