Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden on Tuesday was critical of cornerback Rashaan Melvin when speaking with the media.
Melvin went from starter to taking a small role in the Raiders’ 27-3 blowout loss to the Seahawks in London on Sunday. The demotion was part of major changes that also saw cornerback Gareon Conley benched.
Melvin was demoted because he has had a tough time adapting to the Raiders’ “motor” technique since they signed him to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal in the offseason. Melvin wondered after Sunday’s game why the Raiders tried to change his style when they knew what he could do playing the style he has in the past.
“Film is a player’s resume. Once a player gets here, you want to change that, and a player takes a decline. You have to take a look at certain things. ‘OK, why is this player doing this? Why is this player not being this type of player, whatever he might have been?’ And you can tell the difference,” Melvin said, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Melvin also tweeted Monday that he was done trying to change his style.
I’m done trying to change my style. It’s not me. Back to what I know and what got me here!! #22
— Rashaan Melvin (@Rmelvin30) October 15, 2018
What was Gruden’s response? He took a jab at Melvin about being on his seventh team and therefore being “confused” about his technique.
Gruden was aware of Rashaan Melvin's tweet/unhappiness: "Melvin is on his seventh team. Maybe he is confused about what technique he is using. He is frustrated. I can't blame him … He is a good kid." #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 16, 2018
Maybe Melvin is trying to get traded, and it sounds like Gruden wouldn’t miss him much.
It’s become clear over his tenure that Gruden has no problem throwing some shade at his players when he feels like it.
