A Kiffin miscalculation?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, January 28th, 2008 at 12:51 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Interesting sequence of events as reported by Ira Miller of The Sports Xchange, who said Lane Kiffin fired Rob Ryan before first consulting with Al Davis.
Ryan, Miller reported, went to Davis to thank him for the opportunity, with Davis telling Ryan Kiffin had no authority to fire him.
If true, it was a huge tactical error on Kiffin’s part _ the same error Mike Shanahan made when he attempted to fire Art Shell in 1989. Davis rehired Shell, and when Shanahan was fired during the season, Shell became the head coach.
(I’ve been told things didn’t necessarily transpire in this order, but it’s worth mentioning because I have a lot of respect for Miller).
People who say the Raiders don’t have a general manager are in error. They have a G.M., and his name is Al Davis. Davis doesn’t own a rubber stamp. He needs to be convinced a change should be made.
To make a change without his consent is to invite conflict.
Lofton in town
Former Chargers wide receivers coach James Lofton was visiting with Kiffin in his office Monday morning, according to senior executive John Herrera.
Herrera had no information regarding an interview with Al Saunders. The Raiders, Bay Area News Group beat writer Steve Corkran reported, have made contact with Saunders. Bob LaMonte, the agent for Saunders, confirmed the Raiders had talked to the Redskins about speaking with Saunders before he was fired but that to his knowledge no interview had been arranged.
There is a chance Saunders could be hired by the St. Louis Rams as offensive coordinator before anything transpires in Oakland.
There are no press conferences scheduled.
Millard an issue?
One of the rumors making the rounds at the Senior Bowl is that defensive line coach Keith Millard was told by Kiffin he should explore job opportunities during the week.
The Raiders had a story on Millard on their Web site Sunday which detailed his unique perspective as having been involved in the Senior Bowl as both a player and coach.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
January 28th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
#497
Explain it to me Says:
January 28th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
God …you guys are literally “OWNED” by the media!
You fall for every bit of their crap. How sad.
Explain it to me….why would a fired coach be interviewing a new offensive Coordinator?
And you’re not “OWNED”? Where did you hear Lane is actually the one doing the interview? Outside of seeing it with your own two eyes you’re “Owned” like the rest of us.
Love it or leave it, there’s two sides to every story and then there’s the truth and the truth is only seen not told.
January 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
sorry for the repost, the truth can be seen here, we love this sh*t weather we like it or not…
January 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
3rd!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Kiffin was in HIS office this morning. hmmm? Sounds like business as usual.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
yeah it’s fun to argue with people. but I’d rather have a winning Raiders football team with passionate debate
January 28th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
HMMMM! Well I wonder what the agreement on personal was between Kiff and AL? Did he over step his boundaries?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hobs that would be great “a winning Raiders football team”
January 28th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
If all this turns into nothng more than a bunch of bs and rumor mongering, I’m going to be laughing my ass off at most of us, and laughing most of all at myself for taking any of it seriously.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I wonder if AL put him in his place and thinks are better now? Might explain why Kiff didn’t want to talk about it if he was the one that jumped the gun. And Al smacked him down.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Rut roh, Lane. Appears you did a no-no. Bit off a little bit more than you could chew uh? Never, I say never, mess with Allen Davis from Brooklyn. He’ll put you in your place - the unemployment line.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
That Kiffin is in the buidling is breaking news in itself…
January 28th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I would love to see Saunders in over Knapp. Hope there is truth to him coming for an interview.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
From John Herrera, a personal spokesperson for Mr. Davis. Believe me if he says it, it’s probably as close to the truth as yu’ll get. He represents the org. So Lofton is indeed being interviewed by Kiffin I think that puts to rest any speculation of Kiffin leaving. His interviewing Lofton is to assess Lofton offensive phylosophy and to make sure that it’s a fit.
So there you have it no more need for speculation or rumors it’s a done deal. Herrers reported that there was never any issue as to Kiffin being in fired and this as much proof as anyone with a brain should require but you just watch, that would put a damper on the medias spin that Kiffin was in truble and things got patched up. Here we go.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Well lets hope this story is it. I can except this one. Anyone who knows anything about the Riaders knows you don’t crap in that building without Davis giving his consent. You would think Kiffin would know that even if he was told he could make decisions about the personal.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
im actually glad i have the flu so i can stay home and listen to this stuff!!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Did you write your self a prescription?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
that’s what I mean guy’s how many outlets reported Kiffin being gone and here he is interviewing coaches.
Kiffin leaving Yeah right!! ……now you know why I don’t trust a word these jerks put out until it’s fact.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I see Kiffin as a naive young pipsqueak. He looked like he was about ready to pinch one off during the press conference when he was introduced. Big Al probably set him straight.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Al has lost it; 5 coaches is too much. I wish the league could step in and send this old fart to his dealth bed. Lane needs to stay in place for at lease 3-4 years so JR can get groomed. Oh that defense sucks and the Ryan boys needs to go. See the Raven would have won against NE if it wasn’t for Rex Ryan calling time out on that defensive stop by Ray Lewis and the gang. Ron defense is too vanilla. I live in San Diego and I’m tired of watching these fools rule the Raiders. Al, and Ron needs to go!!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
What about the 3 pm press conference? Is it still on?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hines - Your spelling is flat out atrocious. “dealth bed”, “lease 3-4 years?” Was Kiffin supposed to lease a vehicle? Get off of here if you can’t spell.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Seems like this rift between Davis and Kiffin is real, but was way overblown by the media. My thought is that Al Davis did send a letter to Kiffin informing him of who he could and could not hire and fire this off-season. A few feathers were ruffled because of this letter, but nothing like what the media wants us to believe. In any case, Al Davis is still a crappy GM, and I hope that the response of the Raider Nation to this ’story’ will make Al Davis think twice about his role with the Raiders.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I am a political buff as well, sounds too much like war room spin. Too many years of this crap have taken the toll.
The real tell here will be to see if Kiff gets an his contract extended. If he truly only has one year remaining, Al can save his money and exact his revenge then and no one will know. I just don’t trust Davis anymore.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I don’t know anything about press confrences but I would like to. Where can you find out? Where can you watch?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Well, then, if this is the case, then Kiffin certainly invited this entire episode. If he wanted to fire Ryan that badly, he should’ve gone to Al Davis and at least get his consent on this. If AD said “fine,” so much the better. If not, try to convince him that cutting Ryan will improve the team’s chances of success. If he couldn’t convince AD, then move on in the off season work or quit. You don’t do it like this, and let it build into a frenzy … it lacks simple courtesy, respect, and professionalism.
It may be the reason why Kiffin said he hopes to be the Raiders coach for the 2008 season.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Jerry said there is not press conference. just more baloney being spewed by unresponsible writers.
thanks goodness for Jerry who shares his opinions with us but actually tells us its an opinion and not fact like other writers.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
and i don’t trust his moles
January 28th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
THERE IS NO PRESS CONFERENCE!!!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RAAIIIDDDDAAAAS FU@# THE HITERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Ek I agree.
Thanks Jerry for all you do for the Nation. If you can get around to it, let us know when there will be press coming from Raider HQ and where we can watch if broadcasting anywhere (TV, internet).
January 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I think someone said the NFL Network was going to carry the press conference at 3pm. I think it was on the other blog, something about Sanders and Lofton coming aboard.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
What’s a hiter?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I’m just curious as to how long it will take for all of the Chicken Littles to change their tune. I’m bracing for the “I know that’s what I said but now things are different” or even worse “I knew it all along, I was just yanking your chain” and on and on.
To all of those that said this was the final straw and that they would turn in their season tix and Raiders fanclub card should do just that. If you can’t handle the heat get out of the kitchen. This is the Oakland Raiders for crying out loud. So many of you eat up whatever the media tells you as “fact” and are so quick to run for the hills. Most of you obviously don’t have the stomach for this kind of thing. Thankfully this is sports and not life, I would hate to see how some of you handle real adversity.
Props to all of those that stayed aboard the ship throughout all of this. You know who you are. For those that jumped ship, we will welcome you back as we always do, but just you can expect plenty of heat from those of us that know better than to take rumors as “fact”.
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Why does Mr Davis do it to us each year? It’s Super Bowl week and all we can think about is our beloved dysfunctional Raiders. Forget the fact that the Patriots have an incredibly potent offense and the Giants are peaking at the perfect time. Who cares that this may be the one defense that can finally stop Brady and his freakish timing. No – all attention is on Al and the crap that is happening or not happening in Raiderland. We all get sucked into it each year. We scan, search, and wait for the next piece of gossip. What’s going to happen next? Each year it’s the same thing. What is Al thinking? What will Al do? How will Al’s next move affect our precious Raider team. The guy spins his magic and has us believing we are only one player away, one coach away. The guy is the ultimate in control freaks. Forget all other teams. Forget that there is a championship game this weekend. Another lousy season is over and all our attention is back on old man Al. Because Al has delivered us great teams in the past and maybe Old Man Al can do it one more time.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
RaiderDogg
AMEN BROTHER!!!!!!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
if kiff isnt the coach next season………we are screwed for 3 more years atleast
January 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Who’s to say that the Raiders offices were not flooded with e mail in support of Kiffin and threatening to pull their downs on season tickets which I don’t care who you are it will cause you to notice if your primary customer is unhappy. I know I e-mailed them my two cents worth. Maybe this was a way for everyone to save face and blame the media which we all hate.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
RaiderDogg, alot of us that are critical of AD have never considered bailing. We just believe the game has passed Al.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
shut up catt
January 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Why isn’t my post showing up???
January 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
maybe kiffin cant handle motivating men- just little boys- and wants out to coach college - along with a couple of million- and is purposefully making al fire him- who else would be so stupid as to not know to at least inform al before firing ryan????
January 28th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Funny how you try and turn it around I read most readers to say if Kiffin is fired they would not be returning as fans, Kiffin is still there dogg.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Why would a green 4-12 1st year coach, rumored to be interested in leaving the team, expect to make personnel changes without consulting a GM/Owner that has built 5 conference championship teams and won 3 league titles? How many GM/Owners have won more? After Kiffin wins a few playoff games, then perhaps the training wheels can come off a bit. Great coaches learn to work with team management.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
or maybe its all BS and ryan wants out
January 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
yeAH RAIDERDOGG!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
btw- why exactly do we have amy trask- isnt she supposed to fix all of this stuff- what does she do to deserve the title?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Davis wants to fire Kiffin and keep Rob Ryan.
That in and of itself is proof that Davis has lost it.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Sorry I have to break this up into separate post. It won’t let me do it all at once.
Here is some email correspondence with a friend of mine. Who is a fricken Dallas fan. But it might be interesting to see what happens. You heard it here first!
Man, I don’t know what to really say to all this… I talked to the former linebacker coach at UNR yesterday at the barber shop and he got let go. He said Oakland was looking at him as possibly their linebackers coach. If gets the gig his name is Charlie Camp, I believe.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Longevity gives us wins and losses. How come when we are talking about Al it’s never his fault for the losses?
January 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Yeah, no kidding huh. I don’t know if you recall or not but this is the same guy I almost got into a fist fight with this past summer. He says that him and the Raiders Head Coach Kiffen, go back about 3 years and Kiffen wanted to hire him but Al calls all the shots. He says he’ll know next week.
I only know this guy (Charlie Camp) from the barber shop that I go to. I’ve ran into him a few times up there while getting my hair cut. Like I said he was the one that I almost got into a fight with talking about Ohio State in comparison to UNR football. This guy was the D-lineman’s coach for UNR. Apparently he played a D-lineman’s position for the university of Arizona when he was in college. He also coached football for San Jose State, may of been a D-line coach there too. He coached for a some college up in Oregon too. I don’t know how good this guys is, apparently not great if UNR let him go. I’ll never see him again as when I talked to him yesterday he was either going to move to Oakland and get that Raiders job or he was going to move to Oregon and get back with his ex-wife and his kid. We’ll see if the Raiders head coach can pull off the job to hire him.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
she changes ALs diaper
January 28th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
[...] update on the Lane Kiffin situation was reported moments ago by Jerry McDonald. McDonald refers to an Ira Miller article from The Sports Xchange: Lane Kiffin fired Rob Ryan [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Kind of goes along with what they said about Millard.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
It’s just all so idiotic.
KNBR, Rod Brooks was just reporting that Kiffin isn’t in the interview with Lofton! LMAO! We should boycot any reporters who were willing to feed us crap during this whole experience as reported facts.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I wonder if Al Davis said to Kiffin during the season; ” Hey Kiff, you’re here to stay, but lets show that Adam schefter whos the bosses” “lets spin this, let that Adam say you’re out, while we both know you are not” “Lets see how many reporters we can fool”
Kiff: “i’m game”
January 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Kirt, we don’t know that. All we know is what the media tells us and they lie to us.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Rod was on ESPN radio the other day. When asked how the Oakland fans put up with the things Al does. He basically said we were all sheep. That we think Al does no wrong.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
first he he fires ryan, then millard behind Al’s back– i think kiffin is realizing its not so easy to impress/ motivate guys richer than you are- and trying to bail– hopefully he learns something and stays put- but maybe hes right about getting some dline coaching help- someone needs to motivate Sands- i think that was the biggest letdown of the year- instead of seeing the emergence of a giant monster runstopper - he got his paycheck and played with no heart or head or anything-
January 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Patriots | Moss restraining order extended
Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:53:36 -0800
The Associated Press reports lawyers for New England Patriots WR Randy Moss and the woman who accused him of battery, Rachelle Washington, agreed to extend a temporary restraining order she obtained against Moss. A court hearing was scheduled in Florida for Monday, Jan. 28, at Washington’s request for a permanent restraining order. The temporary order required Moss to stay at least 500 feet from Washington. “The restraining order will be continued by agreement of the attorneys,” Tim DiPiero, Moss’ agent, said in a statement. “The parties won’t be there.” Moss’ attorney, Richard Sharpstein, said he would appear at the hearing on Moss’ behalf and agree to the extension of the restraining order until both parties can appear in court or the matter is resolved.
….>>>>>>>>>>>>>>……………..>>>>>>>>>>……….Moss must of had a restraing order here in Oakland to, “it read to stay away from all thrown Footballs”
within 10 feet”
And never run any faster than you had to.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
knowing AL i wouldnt dout it
January 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Ocho perhaps on his way to miami..
January 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Raider Dell and drray -
Right on bros, sorry to hear that you have the flu doc.
KoolKell -
whats wrong? Have you been forced to use another name because you will be banned again? Don’t worry I always know its you no matter what name you hide behind. I would be hiding too after all of the nonsense that you have perpetrated over the last couple of weeks. It is because of you that they will be implementing a registration at this site. No more adopting other people’s name so you can slander them when they don’t agree with you. I wish that you could hear my laughter.
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
The Giants are going to buy Miss Washington a ticket to the Super Bowl. Her seat will be on the Patriots side 50 yard line.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Okay,
We really need some damage control here. If Kiffin is still going to be the Head Coach we need some verification of that other than a John Herrera statement.
Yeah, I know, why should the Raiders respond to a non-story or media BS? I’ll tell you why, because Lance Briggs, Dansby, Haynesworth, Faneca, Starks and every other free agent target and every Raider player watches ESPN. They don’t come to this blog to get the truth from Jerry, they rely on ESPN. So if this stuff is not true and Kiffin will be our coach next year, we need to see Al Davis and Lane Kiffin at a press conference holding hands and singing kumbaya. If not, most of those free agents and the agents of every college player coming into the draft will have no idea what the heck is going on in Oakland. We need a display of solidarity so that we do not ruin the little bit of respect Kiffin brought us in 07′.
Can’t the Raiders see that? Can’t the AD sheep see that? This story will not die until we hear from the Godfather. If they fail to address the issue it will grow into a monster that will break down the players and the Raider organization in 08′. Frankly, AD can’t afford to ruin any more years due to his ego.
Since they have displayed the ability to try and squelch an issue (see the Rob Ryan public announcement) they need to do so for Lane Kiffin. If they fail to do so in the next couple of days things are going to get worse and worse. The speculation will grow and no quality player, coach or executive will want to touch our organization with a ten foot pole.
PS: Kiffin is an idiot (or trying to get out) if he really tried to fire RR without consulting Big Al. Big Al, give your next head coach the power to hire and fire his assistants.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
i hear you catt
January 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
where are you guys getting all this from? links please?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
This is the silliest moment I can recall in the 34 years I’ve been a Raider fan. I thought the benching of Marcus Allen and Steve Beurlein was ridiculous and undermined a good team.
I like Ryan, but his defense has underperformed 3 of his four years. Personnel is probably more a problem than his coaching. Personnel is on Al. Can you say Marc Wilson and Jay Scrhoeder?
I love Al, but he may have lost it. His vindictiveness overcomes all the goodwill he has generated by looking out for old Raiders. It started with Marcus Allen and Steve Beurlein. Karma’s a bitch when you act like one for as long as Al has been acting like one.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
WHO THE HELL WANTS TO PLAY FOR RAIDERS, LOOKING AT AL DAVIS AS GM MAKES EVERYBODY SICK.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
agree Dakota, except Kiffin is not an idiot. With his connections he knew exactly what he was doing and how Al would respond if that was the case.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I think we should really focuse on geting some key players like mr “ocho Cinco” and stop thinking about these rumors that are going around….
January 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I second that (post #62) RaiderDogg.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
AZ,
Basically it’s from BHP the mole feeding us our agenda
January 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/01/28/raiders.situation/index.html
Another perspective, interesting article if true about Lane pursuing other opportunities.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Dell, that’s funny.
I don’t know what to think any more, but I’ll admit all of the rumors and stuff drive me up the wall.
How would Rod Brooks know whether or not Kiffin was in the interview?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
You’re not going to hear from Mr. Davis anytime soon unless it’s a HC change he rarely gets involved, contrary to popular beliefs he’s not the media whore the media likes to make him out to be.
Coach Kiffin will hold the press conference and the maybe John Herrera. The media however would love to smoke Mr. Davis out because it gets ratings and sells the bird cage liners.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
If none of you guys believed the earlier rumours why do you believe that Kiffin actually fired Ryan without Al’s approval?
The inital rumours made it appear that Al was at fault and crazy.
The new rumours indicate that Kiffin is unpopular with the players and now pulled a fast one and fired Ryan without Al’s blessing.
The scales are now suddenly tilting and seem to be looking like evidence justifying Kiffin being fired.
What ever is happening there is a lot of crap flying around from both sides. Where does all this information coming from? To be honest it sounds like Al is fighting back and positioning himself quite nicely.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Sure hope Kiffin is able to stick with the team. I see flashes of an offense similiar to what the Broncos have had for years with deep threat potential with Russell’s arm and a new WR or two. Defenese can be decent with a few key players as they have shown ability to shut good teams down. Just not on a consistant basis. Seems like we either shut teams down or they run us over. More consistancy would be nice and will give us alot of wins.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
John S:
That’s exactly my point. how would Brooks know who’s doing what and where and when at the headquarters? Sometimes these guys seem willing to speculate on almost anything as if it were an established “fact.”
January 28th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
RAIDER_FAN,
It is very difficult to go back to talking draft, free agency and current players under these circumstances. We need answers to the large picture questions, like who the heck is going to be manning Al’s ship next year before we can focus on the little things, like players. =)
January 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
BHP…you’ve been holding back quite and bit and playing your “let’s see the evidence before we comment”. For real man, what do you think is really happening?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
RaiderDogg
Your a fellow Govt Mule bro.
I am not going to tell you what to do, just some advice
and by no means “I don’t blame you for your actions”
KK is what he is, and you are just playin into someone
goating you into his fantasy world.
Just to let you know, I believe your better than that.
It’ just not worth responding to anymore.
It’s up to you, as always.
As you can see I haven’t responded to Soul Patrol 2, Revenge of Moses and all the other user names he uses, it’s just not worth the time.
Just some friendly advice.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Around the Horn is doing a bit on who is more Clueless, Dan Snyder or Al Davis. LOL!!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
AL DAVIS for President 2008
January 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
JohnS
I got you to laugh, that’s good because I owe you about 50 more.
Thanks
January 28th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Cope,
You are positively right. It’s a push and shove, the “Al Bashers” v “Al’s God”
The nation is divided, who knew Al could be compared to GWB
January 28th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
hey dakota fanning. didnt know you liked the raiders
January 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
How many Superbowls does Snyder have?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Dakota -
I’m not as worried about free agents not being attracted to playing for the Raiders. The reason being most of these guys would play for the Timbuktu Terrors if the money was right. Unfortunately most athletes today are only loyal to one thing: MONEY.
“I know that the Raiders are dysfunctional and crazy but look at all of those zero’s!” - Albert Haynesworth
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Dakota -
Take a guess who “I Hope So” really is. Take a stab in the dark…
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
He won’t tell you his real opinion, loyalty requires he remain sunny side up (BHP)
January 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Gnarly ..yeah BHP is pretty quiet and diplomatic these days ha ha
January 28th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
repost - Didn’t see new thread. Sadly, still applies
Ray Ratto said to effect that too many people have brought up the resignation letter for it not to be true but the problem is that too many media people is meaningless.
To Wit:
Adam S comes up with the Under Armor “scoop”
Maylock, Dilfer and Charles immediately repeat it
Jerry Mac mentions it here
Profootballtalk mentions Adam S saying it
Cockran picked it up in the Times
Ira in the Chron mentioned it
It was mentioned several time on this blog, on the radio and add the Sac Bee
Now, since Adam S came up with pure speculation to fill time during a halftime show they knew Raider fans would be watching, it has been “reported” by no less than 10 media members.
It must be true then. Right? Wrong! It has no more credibility now then the moment Adam S (who has admitted fueding with Davis) pulled it out of his a$S during the Senior Bowl.
Watch this: How long before some idiots start with, “KNBR is reporting that Kiffin was not in the Lofton interview” as fact? Why? Because Brooks throws it out and the lazy writers (they’re not reporters, they’re fiction writers) jump on it to fill space before the next deadline.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I was hoping to hear what you had to say about Post #48 and #50. Anyone?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Where is Oakglenn…he promised to be the one to unify the great Raider Nation schism?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
All of the Around the Horn guys talked just like the “Letter” was for real. The Host guy (The smug New York jerk) even said that Kiffin acknowledged the “Letter.” When did that happen? I still am not sure I believe anything involving the “Letter”.
They also praised the job Kiffin was doing in Oakland and believe he will be a good coach.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I heard that Lofton was wearing Raiders gear (and no Underarmour gear) and also ignored Kiffin in the hallway as he was heading down to Al’s office> Also, Ryan picked Lofton up at the airport. They’ve known each other for years.
(not really, but we know how these rumors get started)
January 28th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Sac Bee reported Saunder Interview Today:
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=842&line=112010&spln=1
January 28th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
HellRaiderrrrs
Seems like a good coach
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics
Charlie Camp
Football
——————————————————————————–
Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics
Release: 10/11/2005
Charlie Camp is in his second season as a San Jose State University assistant coach. In 2006, he will be coaching the defensive ends.
Last season, he coached the outside linebackers. One of his players, junior Matt Castelo, is the top returning tackler among Western Athletic Conference players returning from the 2005 season.
Camp joined the Spartans after two coaching stints in the Pacific-10 Conference at Oregon State University and the University of Arizona.
In his 10th season as a football coach, he began his coaching career in 1997 at Sahuarita High School in Tucson, Ariz. His first collegiate position was as a graduate assistant at the University of Idaho in 1998. Camp was promoted to an assistant coach position at Idaho in 1998 and stayed through the 1999 season. He was an assistant coach at San Diego State University during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Camp spent the 2002 season at Arizona and before going to Oregon State for 2003 and 2004.
A member of Dick Tomey’s University of Arizona teams from 1991 through 1995, he was a starting inside linebacker and led the Wildcats in tackles as a senior. Arizona’s “Desert Swarm” defense was among the nation’s best ranking among the national leaders in total defense and rushing defense. As an undergraduate, he was a three-time winner of a “Bear Down Award” for superior effort and achievement. He went on to play the 1996 season with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
The 1997 Arizona graduate majored in ecology and evolutionary biology. He has furthered his coaching career serving National Football League summer internships with the Miami Dolphins in 2000 and the San Diego Chargers in 2001.
CHARLIE CAMP facts
Born: April 26, 1973, in New Orleans, La.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2005 San Jose State University outside linebackers coach
2003-04 Oregon State University linebackers coach
2002 University of Arizona linebackers coach
2000-01 San Diego State University linebackers coach
1999 University of Idaho linebackers coach
1998 University of Idaho graduate assistant
1997 Sahuarita High School (Tucson, Ariz.) assistant coach
January 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Kiffin has made mistakes, just wondering why he wanted out in November. He is right about concerns on defense, we could not tackle and players questioned the way the 4-3 was being taught. Kiffin was conservative and it costed him, the opening game included. i bought into it because it what we had and it was expected. but getting tired of building 3 year expectation plans. Year 13 of Raider return to oakland coming up. My daughter asked me over the weekend, “How many more 4-12 seasons am i going to see?”. Good question.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Charlie Camp played with Teddy Brusci then?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Ira Miller’s story isn’t credible. Loser Ryan was seen by millions of TV viewers saying goodbye to his players on the sidelines against the Chargers. Ryan knew then that Kiffin wanted him gone and there is no way, in the weasel infested world of Alameda, that Davis didn’t know either. Something changed after the Chargers game…..
As for not telling Davis, Lane Kiffin may be young but neither he or Mark Jackson are stupid enough to fire a coordinator without checking with Davis and Trask.
As for Bucky Brooks sermon on loyalty. He has no proof that Kiffin (or his mythical associates) approached any college - just more anti-Kiffin spin from the increasingly desperate Davis disciples. Al Davis loves these fawning sycophants. He doesn’t want loyalty, he wants blind adoration. The Brown-nose Raiders.
The die is cast. Davis is finished.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Can anybody tell me what the hell happen during the Senior Bowl that the South won? My DVR stopped recording after Ellis got the sack on the QB with a few minutes remaining in the quarter.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Yeah I think there was a letter too. Make no mistake the situation is still volatile. Both sides had to diffuse the situation but it can’t be good for Raider business needing to get done. We’ll see but personally if Kiffin does a good job this year and if he only has this year on his contract and he is not renewed either his choice or not, I will have my answer
January 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I heard that a copy of Al’s letter to Kiffin was being circulated around Raider’s HQ, so a copy should be available in no time at all.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
What coach or player would want to come to Oakland under these circumstances??
The Raiders have always been looked at as one of the toughest places to work, but this latest lunacy has probably scared off any shot we had at adding decent free agents or coaches.
Thanks a lot Al. Do us all a favor and get lost…even most Raider Fans think you’re a senile old jerk now.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Well I wonder if this talk about the D line coach going was Al giving him something. You can’t have Ryan but you can have the guy that coach the players that failed.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
raiderdogg says
Dakota -
Take a guess who “I Hope So” really is. Take a stab in the dark…
Raiders for Life…I’m In
Please keep my name out of your trap! By the way werent you were permanently humiliated by the Man you idolized and everybody else despises. Do you still have any respect on this blog. Go pick on some girl your on size.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Terrapin
The south faced a fourth and 14, pass was completed.
Two more passes were completed.Short variety 6-10 yds
Screen to south player down to the two yd line.
Rivers missed tackle three pass attempts for a touchdown failed.
Martz called for a Z reverse on fourth down, TD
D-end did not stay home went for the run fake.
That’s my account and I’m sticking by it.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Terrapin -
Kiffin foregos a chipshot FG to make it a 9 pt game because he wanted to test the players on both sides with a “game winning drive” situation he said. QB Angie led them down and Caldwell ran in on a reverse on 4th down with 8 seconds to play.
Raider fans recognized the two minute defense from last season and Jerry’s, “they score when they need to” echoed through Mobile.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
LMN, is Black Hole Priest the team chaplain or something? If so, he’s not allowed to comment on what he hears in confession, is he?
BHP, are you?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Hobs…
btw, i’m from Denmark.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
# 107 confirms that I Hope So is FIRE KIFFIN.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hell Raiderrrs
To be honest, if any of the rumours are true Davis wouldn’t concede anything to Kiffin!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
[...] RaiderDell wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on A Kiffin miscalculation? by RaiderDell”Here’s ONLY a quick extractHe has furthered his coaching career serving National Football League summer internships with the Miami Dolphins in 2000 and the San Diego Chargers in 2001. CHARLIE CAMP facts Born: April 26, 1973, in New Orleans, La. … [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Just got back Cope. Here, let me unify. Let’s start with Rod Brooks from KNBR. KNBR, the SF Phony Whiners flagship station. Rod Brooks, who does pregame for the Phony Whiners, just like Greg Papa and Jim Plunkett do for the Raiders. The Raider Nation is unquestionably the greatest single fan base in the known universe. The Boston Red Suck Nation wants to be the Raider Nation. Shoot when Edmund Hillary ascended Mount Everest two of his Tibetan Sherpas were wearing Raider gear. The Phony Whiners WISHES they have the unquestioned loyalty and passion of the Raider Nation. When I went into the stadium for the first game this last year, as the 2-14 Raiders came on the field, there were 65,000 lunatics all standing on their chairs, screaming their heads off!!!!! OVER A 2-14 team!!!!!!! Other organizations would do ANYTHING to have that kind of fan base!!!! And NO, this wasn’t 34,000 Detriot Liar fans that made the trip from Saginaw, Michigan.
Let me ask you all something, would the Phony Whiners benefit from the demise of the Raiders?? The Whiners want to move out of Candlestick and have someone else pay for it. Would the SF press plant something not quite right about the Oakland teams to benefit the SF teams?? Is Nancy Gay, Ray Ratto, and Ira Miller part of the SF Press??? Are the Kennedy’s freaking gunshy????
January 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Copenhagen, all I can say is what I’m hearing is nothing concrete. I don’t want to put my signature on anything that’s not factual that I know for sure. I think Big Al really likes Kiffin but he wants Kiffin to LOVE the Raiders. It’s just the way he is and I can’t explain it any other way. If Kiffin would make his intentions clear then Mr. Davis would relax. That’s how I know him to be he wants his coaches to be like Rob Ryan in love with that team. Then he knows he’ll get their best work.
You can’t describe the passion he has for the Raiders and if someone that he relies on doesn’t give him that it just doesn’t compute with him. That’s why it’s so tenuous. But my gut feelings are that Kiffin is here, Lofton is his insurance that if Kiffin is somehow gone that he has a capable replacement.
I just spoke with John Herrera and for a fact Kiffin is conducting the interview with Lofton. But things still need to be worked out with respect to what his responsibilities are. Now this was while I was writing this post so take it for what it’s worth.
And I never give info like this but something needed to be done. Hopefully it doesn’t bite me in the rear.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Al Saunders agent said Saunders has had no contact with the Raiders about interviewing for a job.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
[...] Hell Raiderrrs wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on A Kiffin miscalculation? by Hell Raiderrrs”Here’s ONLY a quick extractWell I wonder if this talk about the D line coach going was Al giving him something. You can’t have Ryan but you can have the guy that coach the players that failed. [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Raider Dogg -
Where did you get that quote?
“I know that the Raiders are dysfunctional and crazy but look at all of those zero’s!” - Albert Haynesworth
January 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
JohnS
ahwhatnow? regarding what
January 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Kiffin was smiling after the game - appearantly pleased at reminding Al Davis and Raider fans why Ryan should be canned as his defense gave up a 4th quarter lead. That’s the rumor I just started of course but hey, it’s as credible as the “Letter”.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
yeah Scottish I agree Davis is finished. I have never seen so many against him.
Now imagine if he wants to move again.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
# 112 confirms that JohnS is KoolKell’s toilet paper
January 28th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Guy’s I just put my ass on the line for you. And you better appreciate it because it wont happen again.
Quite frankly I’m pissed at myself for doing something that stupid.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
wrong Dane…my bad.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
We appreciate it, Priest
January 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Like I said earlier, all we know is what the media tells us and they lie to us.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
BHP
We won’t tell anyone!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
John S…
LOL… though Copenhagen fan is an american..
January 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
BHP
Is john H aware of the hatred and spin during the last 96 hours.
Thanks for your input.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
” Shoot when Edmund Hillary ascended Mount Everest two of his Tibetan Sherpas were wearing Raider ge”
LOL How’d they score Raider gear in 1953? Seven years before the team began. Man those sherpa are crafty!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Aw he’s already caught, Al has moles everywhere, even in that light fixture in your room. Damn you _____ fill in your own blank.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Oakglen…oh..the old creating a common enemy approach ha ha….
Blackhole….:-)
I’m in agreement. I want and NEED any coach of the Raiders to LOVE the Raiders with a 100% commitment. This was the whole idea with hiring a young guy who wasn’t a retread. If Kiffin doesn’t love the Raiders and put everything into this team then he should be gone.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I just listened to Around the Horn and Pardon the interuption.
They did not have anything concrete. They just ragged on Al and the Raiders.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Dell it’s not hatred! Hatred is Charger, we are part of the nation, albeit one that is divided as to what’s best for it
January 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
BHP:
I’m relatively new to this site, but thanks for putting that out there.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
According to Rotoworld:
The Rams have begun contract talks with former Redskins assistant head coach Al Saunders.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Oh I don’t know about that. I want them to win, that’s all I care about. Who cares if it’s not silver and black blood in their veins, I will take it
January 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
John S..I’m no Dane…I’m just a “guest” here in Copenhagen according to Pia Kjærsgård
And yeah I wanted to hear what BlackholePriest had to say on the matter. His virtual silence was a telling piece of evidence that he had a good feel for the situation.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Coach on wheels you hit it right on the head with your blog, Ive been preaching the same thing all weekend, it amazes me how much havoc can be created by medias “sources”. No where did Lane ever say he wanted Ryan out it came from the media and now everyone is quoting Kiffin as saying it. and so forth and so forth. But you know what I love it. What other team gets this much hype during superbowl week!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
That guy Brooks on KNBR just dogged one of the members of the Raider Nation! He sounds like a smug prick.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Thanks BHP, I didn’t know you were on the inside.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
lol we’re not supposed to believe that people who are payed to report the news are being truthful, but you will believe a blogger just spoke to john herrerra? this is comedy
January 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Copenhagen…
How much coaches bleed for their teams when they first come in? That takes time and history… Unless ofcourse he was a fan from the get go. You bleed it when it becomes part of you and that cant happen instantly… Give him his time and let him build more ties with the players and fans and he will die for the Raiders. Well that may go far but u know what Im saying.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Brooks dogged us all the other day. Saying we will sit back and eat what ever Al feeds us.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
CopenhagenFan…
Muhahhahhaha, yeah Pia is the main thing thats wrong with this country. I think she have to much influence, but she’s under control =)
January 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
raiderwill1980 it’s better than “source close to the team” ain’t it?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Hobs
My hatred comment was the media, and please don’t tell me they love the raiders.
Most of the media grew up seeing their favorite team getting pasted by the raiders.
The grew up seeing Atkinson hurt Stingley with a clean hard hit and there is many more stories of raider players and events to be pissed about.
I come to this conclusion when I travel to other states and they let me kow why they can’t stand Davis and the raiders.
You don’t have to be a Rocket Scientist to see the age of Schefter,Mortensen, Smith, Clayton, King, and many others.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
LMN what about the weather? ha ha
January 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
BHP…
What about Saunders?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
it’s no better, if you could talk to anyone at raiders HQ anytime you wanted and get the story, would you be on here reading jerrys blog? does that make sense to you?
January 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Thanx BHP your risk is much appriciated. Its good to hear some sanity and truth.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
RaiderDell that was Tatum that put the hurt on Singley ha ha
January 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Folks face facts -
If you eliminate speculation, 90% of sports shows would be off the air. Since NFL games can’t be broadcast on-line, half the on-line sites including PRT and Footballsfuture etc would be gone. These guys live on speculation and speculating about speculation.
Key words:
Reportedly
Allegedly
Speculates
Believes
Appearantly
It is all a way out for reports who have no sources to back up rumors and guesses. EVERY ONE of these stories contain these words and as such, carry little weight.
This isn’t Kinko’s. If Al wanted Kiffin to resign do you really think he’d send him a letter to sign? This stuff doesn’t even make sense.
Shoot WE, US the folks on this blog started the Ryan should go debate. Jerry Mac followed it up by questioning Ryan. Kiffin may not have a single problem with Ryan for all FACTS we’ve been told.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
raiderwill1980> It’s an entertaining blog that grabs you by the nuts……..that’s a pretty good reason in my book. Especially when’s there’s a crisis in the Raider Nation.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
”I spoke with Al Saunders’ agent Bob LaMonte and he said he’d heard nothing from the Raiders as far as interviewing his client.”
J. Jones, sac bee 2:27 pm today.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’m signing off B4 I do something else. Because I do care that you guy’s are hardcore Raider fans and we get kicked constantly by the media and I just got tired of it. C ya’
January 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Marley there was a link earlier here to the Bee stating that Saunders IS meeting with the Raiders today. They can’t even get their story straight within their small organization.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I worked in construction before i retired. I would purposely tell someone that the raiders picked up a certain player and by the end of the week everyone was talking about it. I would also tell someone something about someone, and not to tell, by the end of the month Id be at another job and would here the story I started but spun into a different story, my point being media or not when shit gets going it can get spun any way the person wants. I just cant believe how many people take rumor for gospel.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Brooks at one time was a sideline reporter for the Raiders when the Raiders flag ship was the ticket.
Interesting he was a home boy back then. Always defended the team and players with an ocassional smack down of some.
Oh well he now is a home boy to the Niners, I guess your loyalty lies from your paycheck.
Brooks is loyal only to dollars.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Coppenhagen
My bad , thanks
January 28th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
i find it fascinatingly sickening that the only news people choose to belive is that which soothes their ears, I’m not so naive to think reporters tell the complete truth, they do speculate, but I’m also not going to sit here and belive they completely make this stuff up, and someone with absolute zero credibility who uses a ficticious blog name is bringing me the facts either
January 28th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
toocharp> when you weren’t spreading utrue rumours did you spend a lot of time making cat-calls to hot chicks in hotpants? ha ha
January 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
That’s the way it should be, Priest. Sure a football guy has to work, so he has to take the jobs he can get. And on one level it would be an honor to coach any N.F.L. team. But, if you don’t love the Raiders wholeheartedly, if you don’t bleed silver blood and think black thoughts than you’re just another mercenary nomad picking up a paycheck. On THAT score, Davis is absolutely correct. That’s not insane, that’s complete sanity. If you don’t respect the history, traditions and personality of a franchise, then you’re basically just a robot; an employee picking up a paycheck. The Raiders deserve much better than that.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
RaiderDell no problem….George gave Swan the forearm shiver that caused him to squeal in pain! And knocked Sammy White’s hat off………almost as good as pounding Stingely into submission!
January 28th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
COW-
I totally agree with you. Thats the way it the media works they speculate. What makes me mad is why they always make the Raiders look so bad. Maybe they are unorthadox in alot of their workings, but thats part of what makes us so special.
I just think the media needs to be held accountable at some point, especially the bigger outlets like ESPN. Its not fair to us fans and is definatly not fair to Al Davis. He gets alot of flak alread. He has critics everywhere and now even more in the Raider Nation. I heard/read countless things of people giving up till he is gone EVEN IF IT PANS OUT TO BE LIES. Im sick of being picked on and portrayed in such a negative light…and I mean the team/orginisation/fanbase.
SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE…
January 28th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Cow-Kiffin also was asked why he didn’t kick the FG and part of his reply was”let the def win it”.Why should he be loyal when he can see that things are done in this org. that hinder winning?If AD cared about winning as much as he says,why is R Ryan still employed,just cuz he loves the Raiders?hell nobody loved the Raiders more than A Shell.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
The spin is working and the tide in turning with the Media rearing it’s ugly head as the culprit.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Copenhagen…
Yeah, the same guy reported Saunders interviweing earlier.
The difference?….
1.- ”THERE ARE NOW REPORTS the Raiders would like to talk to recently fired Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders.”
J. Jones Yesterday, 4:58 pm
2.- ”I SPOKE with Al Saunders agent Bob LaMonte and he
J. Jones, sac bee 2:27 pm today.
That´s believable because the guys is quoting the agent and taking responsibility.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I got invited to a Gov Arnold campaign rally a couple years ago and a CBS guy leaned over my son and I as we shook Arnold’s hand to ask him about campaigning with GW Bush.
I watch CBS 5 that night to see my son on there and the whole news story was about Arnold not campaigning with GW. Something that was never mentioned the whole rally. The reporter didn’t tell voters anything about why Arnold should be elected or not, just went on about how unpopular GW was. That’s how the media spins things to suit their own agendas.
It’s Socrate’s cave and we’re all watching the shadow puppets baby!
January 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Did alot of high rise work in hawaii, sf, and Oakland, the only hot chix were usually 100 to 300 feet below
January 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
As a die-hard, silver and black blooded Raiders fan since the late 60’s, I’ve seen it all. I’ve lived the good times, the bad and the transitional.
BUT, if these stories turn out to be just mere rumors with little fact behind them, and the armageddon sequence predicted on this blog doesn’t come true, that’s it. I’ll be done with this team!
If all of the following don’t transpire this season:
- Al fires Kiffin and then battles him over his due pay in courts citing abandonment of team loyalty and attempts to sabatoge team success
- Al gives Rob Ryan a 12 year contract extension that includes, in writing, explicit directions on exactly how to run his defense and what type of talent to hire
- Denny Green is brought in to be Head Coach. At the Press Conference announcing the hiring, Denny denies all rumors that he has been contacted by Al since 2003 but then states that, “Ahh, what he hell. Since we’re all gathered here anyway, I guess I’ll take the job.”
- James Lofton, Al Saunders and Art Shell are all brought to the team as Consulting Assistant Head Coaches. Their first act is to put in place a policy prohibiting wearing of anything that displays the Under Armour label in public.
- Al trades up to #1 to take the most athletic but unproven athlete in the draft. He then begins discussions on how he is better suited at the position furthest from his college experience and puts in place a 3 year plan to retrain him at his “natural position”
- Amy Trask is officially promoted to General Manager. However, her title also carries the phrase: Executive Assistant to God
- All players currently on the roster that have thus far only shown that they can play effectively and produce results but that can’t back it up by possessing freakish physical attributes and speed are released this off-season
- Jamarcus Russell’s development is intentionally stalled as he is required to learn four different offenses this offseason and told that he might be running one of them
- Ryan Leaf is brough out of retirement to bring some “real competition” into training camp for Russell
- Tom Cable is moved to Kicking Coach and Barry Sims is put in place as the Offensive Line Coach while also being promised the starting Left Tackle position for the duration of this decade
- Ken Stabler is brought on staff as the Assistant Trainer and tasked with pharmaceutical distributions and teaching how to play through hangovers
- All references to “Committment to Excellence” within the Coliseum and Raiders facilities have the last word X-ed out and replaced with “Mediocrity”
- Practice sessions are altered to begin with a session of show and tell and will have mandatory “nap time” breaks where mats are rolled out and milk and graham crackers are distributed to the players. Reportedly, players will also receive extra consideration for starting roles if they demonstrate exemplary skills in coloring their playbooks
- Al’s ego is given it’s own exhibition in the Hall of Fame
- All of the beat writers and national reporters that have ever covered the Raiders are given 15% ownership in the team and a vote in all aspects of management
- The team is moved to the new hotbed of NFL fandom, Juneau, Alaska where reportedly they can get guaranteed max box office receipts each game if they install heaters inside the luxury booths
- The Raiderettes are replaced by a troop of ‘mature’ dancers where they are selected from representatives of the Las Vegas Retired Show Girl union, from which Al is revealed as a private sponsor
Without all of the above moves that have been hinted at taking place, I’m done being a fan of this team. I just can’t take all of this information without the corresponding actions. I’m too worn out by reacting to each “insider” story and then having to go through the emotional roller coaster of dealing with the grief that is wasted on non-events. I’m going to throw out every bit of my Raiders paraphenalia and take up wearing a nice nuetral gray color to represent that blandness that was missing in my life as a Raiders fan.
Thanks for the ride Al, but it looks like I’ll be getting off at this next stop.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
scooby doo where are you?
January 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
EXACTLY BOB
1) REPORTS (no source)
2) I SPOKE source named
Somehow the rumor got far more run than the facts though. Funny how that works.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I hope so…scooby doo is slurping his gonads right now…what are you doin’
January 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Bob
LaMonte was Gruden agent that started rumors about his interest also in College openings.
We found out later from Gruden himself he never sought those jobs, LaMonte just pushed his name out there.
The source that started the Notre Dame rumor was Mortensen, ESPN regarding Gruden.
LaMonte is the Agent for Saunders, let me guess who put Saunders name out there also as a possible interview with the Raiders.
Timing is everything, he just got fired the night before by Washington(Saunders).
What a load of crap.
Drive up interest for your client, maybe the rams will hurry and interview him quickly before the Raiders.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I went to the Walk for life in SF (pro-life walk) and there were 25-30 thousand people there. The media showed it like there were only a few of us there and then when they showed the pro abortionists they made it seem like there were thousdands of them when there were only hundreds. They definatly have an agenda to sell. Wording things a certain way and showing only certain angles can make anything look anyway you want.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Remember what I said yesterday you guys. Saunders was literally a water boy on Al Davis’ first Oakland team. Literally. Not kidding. He’s definitely here, whether he is here to interview, or maybe talk football, maybe talk old times, don’t know. I’m not in the room, but certainly he’s here.
I stick by what I’ve said the last few days, actually Jerry now has backed me up, that there was a power play and the Godfather put Kiff in his place. I posted that here what three days ago?? There’s more to it, but we’ll save that for some other time. Right now what has to be decided is, does Kiff want to be here for the long haul, and does the organization have the confidence this is the guy to lead the team??? I think as of right now, both those questions remain unanswered.
As for all of us here, the question is are you in or not, regardless of what happens???
January 28th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Give me a ticket on an airplane! I aint got time to take the B.A.R.T train. Schefter say im gone, im a goin home! Al Davis just wrote me a letter.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Im scratching mine. If my tongue was longer I might lick em once in awhile.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
bye bye Kiff
January 28th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
OAKGLENN I’m in and will always be in…as long as I can bitch about and ridicule when I observe incompetence.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Scottish is on the war path (post 101-Davis is finished). The other day he called for a civil war…I think we should take him very seriously.
“The limbs of the Highlander are strong and sinewy, the frame hardy, and of great physical power, in proportion to size. He endures cold, hunger, and fatigue with patience.” Source unknown.
You should not mess around with the Scottish. In WWI the Germans referred to Scotland’s Royal Highland Regiment as the “Ladies from Hell” due to their ferocious bayonet charges in their kilts. In the Napoleonic Wars Wellington used the Scottish Highland Regiments to help whip Napoleon all over Europe and through the battle of Waterloo.
When the Scottish get their blood up you better watch out…that’s all I’m saying.
Watch out Al Davis.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I might puke this week trying to watch NFL Network.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Just as long a Scottish doesn’t accuse Al Davis of being cheap then I’ll respect his opinion
ha ha
January 28th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
dakota… you read post #116?
January 28th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
can we draft d.fanning?
January 28th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Cope we’re a family here. A BIG family. Doen’t mean we have to agree on everything, but it does mean we look out for each other, and there’s only one way out.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
There’s too many holes to plug in this sinkng pirate ship…this is reported today on Yahoo sports;
Jan 28 - Jason Jones, of the Sacramento Bee, reports Oakland Raiders players have begun calling managing general partner Al Davis to express their displeasure with head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin’s insistence on wanting to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, defensive line coach Keith Millard, linebackers coach Don Martindale and defensive backs coach Darren Perry is considered a reason for the players’ displeasure.
We can only hope Captain AD goes down with the ship.
Thanks for nothin’ AD…YOU SUCK
January 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Krowlz,
I am not going there.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Oakglen
I’m in as a fan and always will be. My name is on the PSL Wall of Shame
BUT
Over the 2003-2006 seasons a funny thing happened; missing games became no big deal. The blackouts proved I wasn’t alone.
Raider fans love their team but Al has made us into a bunch of fools who refuse to leave because we think 1) he loves the fans back and 2) it’ll get better. After the move to LA I knew #1 wasn’t true. In recent years Al has shown things will only get better if he can take credit for it.
Al demands loyalty but he has never learned the simple truth: Loyalty is a two way street.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I dont even listen to Jason Jones.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Dakota…Just wonderin… put you in mind when i read it. If true I think its cool of him to do.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I’m telling you guy’s it’s that former donco beat writer from BSPN. Adam Sehfter has no inside info on the Raiders. He and Al Davis don’t like each other. Just like that stuff he started during the senior bowl about Kiffin not wearing Raider gear. But none of those other idiots said nothing about coach Nolan not wearing niner gear.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
SEE? Now the Bee’s friggin’ rumor is on Yahoo. It never ends.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
a raidermutt was purchased from vick’s doghouse
January 28th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I think that Jason Jones is turning into a drama queen who’s trying to get the scoop a bit too quickly for my taste…….I prefer Jerry who tells the facts that he knows and adds his OPINION as to what he feels is taking place.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’m having some trouble with this talk about “loyalty” being the issue here. Let’s say Al is concerned about Kiffin’s Loyalty (and I have no reason to doubt this). I still think it’s a misguided way to run a team. Who is more loyal to the Raiders than Art Shell and Tom Walsh?