District Court Judge Joe Hardy Jr. refused to impose a stay pending appeal on his denial of the NFL's request for anti-SLAPP dismissal, citing non-compliance with laws that would have automatically triggered suspension of the proceedings. Judge Hardy scheduled the matter for a five-week civil jury trial to begin May 24, 2027. Separately, Judge Hardy ordered that the issue of attorney fees and costs would be held in abeyance.

District Court Judge Joe Hardy entered an order denying the NFL's request for anti-SLAPP relief. The NFL responded with another appeal to the Supreme Court and again requested a stay. Gruden opposed, conceding the law allowed for a stay; but, that the untimeliness of the anti-SLAPP motion rendered it sufficiently inconsistent with statutory requirements. Judge Hardy ordered Parties to appear and argue the issue on February 25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. All avenues for dismissal having failed, the NFL defendants formally answered Gruden's lawsuit, denying all substantive allegations.

The NFL filed an anti-SLAPP special motion to dismiss, arguing Gruden's claims arose from protected speech activity. Gruden opposed, characterizing the disclosures of his private emails as unintended for public discussion.

District Court Judge Nancy Allf entered a final written order consistent with her oral pronouncement from the bench refusing to stay proceedings. The Supreme Court ordered a stay.

District Court Judge Nancy Allf entered a formal written order refusing to compel arbitration. In response, the NFL filed an appeal. Separately, the NFL requested a stay of proceedings pending a decision from the Supreme Court, which Gruden opposed. Judge Allf scheduled oral arguments on the issue for October 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Jon Gruden filed a lawsuit accusing the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell of intentionally leaking confidential emails to damage his career and reputation. Gruden alleged that, in response to media pressure, he felt forced to resign as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL asked District Court Judge Nancy Allf to compel Gruden to remove the case from the public courts and arbitrate the dispute, citing provisions associated with the NFL Constitution. In a separate motion, the NFL urged dismissal, on the basis that Gruden's claims were legally deficient. Gruden opposed, arguing that the arbitration provisions were unconscionable and asserting that his allegations entitle him to relief because at this early juncture they must be presumed true. Judge Allf also approved Our Nevada Judges, Inc.'s request to provide comprehensive electronic coverage of the proceedings.