**Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce Faces $28 Million Judgment Over Wife’s Bankruptcy**
Antonio Pierce, head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is facing significant financial issues amid an important offseason for the franchise. After a disappointing 2023-24 season that ended without a playoff appearance, Pierce was promoted from interim to full-time head coach, following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels.
Known for his enthusiasm and defensive expertise, Pierce now has another concern—his finances. Recently, it was revealed in court that Pierce’s wife, Jocelyn, filed for bankruptcy in Arizona. The filing states that lenders, including Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation and Hyundai Capital America, who hold judgments of $23 million and $4.5 million respectively, have attempted to garnish Pierce’s wages from the Raiders.
According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Pierce was persuaded to become a “passive investor” in car dealerships during the 2010s. Personal guarantees were later produced in his name, and when these businesses defaulted on their loans, the lenders secured judgments against Pierce, totaling over $28 million.
**Optimism for the Raiders’ Future**
On the field, there is cautious optimism for the Raiders’ future. They used their first-round draft pick to select tight end Brock Bowers from the University of Georgia, who had a stellar college career and helped the Bulldogs win consecutive national championships in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The Raiders’ biggest question remains their quarterback situation. Currently, Aidan O’Connell is set to be the starting quarterback for the 2023-24 season. Pierce named O’Connell as the starter last October, replacing Jimmy Garoppolo, who has since joined the Los Angeles Rams as a backup.
Last season, O’Connell displayed the expected inexperience of a young quarterback but also showed potential flashes that could develop further this coming season.
The Raiders’ season is set to begin in early September.
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