When we do “respect in the workplace” training for employees, one of the lines that typically gets the best response is: “Email is forever.” It just is. And the lawsuit filed by former Oakland (and now Las Vegas) Raiders coach Jon Gruden against the National Football League (NFL) demonstrates precisely why before anyone hits “send” on an email (or text), we typically advise you to ask two questions before pressing the button:

  • What would you think if that email/text was published in The Washington Post?
  • What would you think if your mother read it?

Why is this important? Here is the backstory.