NFL analyst addresses “troubling” potential for Antonio Pierce’s bankruptcy to affect earnings from Raiders
Antonio Pierce seemingly has had the backing of the majority of NFL fans and analysts since he emerged onto the scene last year. However, Pierce might be inching into his first controversy since taking over the Raiders as the permanent head coach.
According to NFL analyst Mike Florio, Pierce is facing up to $28 million in debt concerning an investment deal that went bad with an automobile dealership. Speaking on Wednesday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," the analyst explained the "mess" Pierce finds himself in.
Mike Florio: [00:00:43] "It's just a mess. ... You're getting ready to start your first year as an NFL head coach, and you got this $28 million liability hanging over you where there were actually, according to the paperwork that was filed, trying to garnish his wages from Mark Davis to satisfy this debt. ... this just looks troubling.
"It makes you wonder... how big of a distraction will it be to the job that he's trying to do? When you go all in as an NFL head coach, you're worried about them coming to repossess your car. ... This isn't going to be wrapped up. ... When it's time for him to go to training camp, he's going to have to figure out how to spin those two plates."
Pierce's wife was also implicated in the paperwork filings.
Of course, some players like Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff and the highest-paid athletes in the game can weather any storm. However, even some of the most successful players in sports can go bankrupt.
Antonio Brown, who drew a salary from an NFL team for more than a decade, has filed for bankruptcy. The problem is an ongoing one, with seemingly no end in sight.
Antonio Pierce's situation could be Raiders' second head coach scandal
Antonio Pierce is heading into troubled waters with his financial issues coming to light. However, if the story were to blow up into a massive offseason talking point, it would not be the first time in recent years the team has had trouble with one of their biggest leaders.
In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders were pressured to part ways with head coach Jon Gruden. Despite handing the head coach a previously unheard-of 10-year contract, the team was forced to part ways after controversial emails were leaked. Gruden was accused of racist and homophobic comments in the emails, which created a story too big to weather for the team.
Without Gruden, the team managed to wrap the year with a 10-7 record and its second playoff berth since 2002. Will Antonio Pierce be able to lead the team while managing his financial crisis to their first playoff performance since 2016?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.