To review, here is the sequence of events that led to owner Al Davis trading coach Jon Gruden to the Tampa Bay Bucceneers:
1. The Raiders start the 2001 season 10-3, but hit a rough patch late in the season, losing three down-the-wire games against Tennessee, Denver and the New York Jets. It is during that streak Gruden’s agent Bob LaMonte agrees to suspend contract negotiations until after the season is complete.
2. The Raiders, AFC West champions, beat the New York Jets in the wild card game but lose to the New England Patriots 16-13 in overtime in the `Tuck Rule’ game.