Can Davis save labor peace again?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, March 27th, 2008 at 6:52 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Al Davis has shown he has enough juice to reel in free agents and reshape his roster.
Not surprising, really, because Davis has always been identified as a player’s owner. He’d much rather spend his time dealing with players than fellow owners, none of whom has his background in football.
DeAngelo Hall told the Virginian-Pilot he spent between four and a half and five hours in his meeting with Davis and enjoyed every minute of it. Can’t imagine Pat Bowlen saying the same thing.
When the NFL owners convene Monday in Palm Beach, Fla., the labor agreement Davis helped broker along with former commissioner Paul Tagliabue will be an imposing backdrop. Judging from some of the saber rattling among some of the owners, Davis may have a hard time selling the agreement a second time.
There’s the possibility Davis may not attend at all. As he said in March of 2006 at the meeting which resulted in an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, “The whole idea was that no one was totally dissatisfied. We had to have labor peace. That’s why I came all the way here. I don’t make many of these trips anymore.”
Owners can terminate that agreement this November, creating two more years of salary cap football before going to an uncapped year in 2010. Union boss Gene Upshaw is convinced they will, and it could lead to a lockout in 2011.
Tagliabue leaned heavily on Davis’ counsel for the extension, crediting him publicly for helping soothe what appeared to be a stalemate. Not long afteward, Tagliabue appointed Davis to the eight-man selection committee to determine the new commissioner.
When Roger Goodell was elevated to the position, Davis told USA Today, “His loyalty and passion and love for the game have always come through.”
Goodell has been his own man since assuming control, taking tough stances on “Spygate” and regarding the personal conduct of players.
There is no way to know if Goodell will listen to Davis as Tagliabue did, particularly since most of the ownership seems to have developed a bit of “seller’s remorse” at having given away too much at the bargaining table in 2006.
It may be too soon for Davis to insert himself in the middle as he did two years ago, preferring to wait until the actual vote in November.
State of Kiffin address
A Raiders official said he expected Lane Kiffin to attend the media breakfast at the meetings, an event in which he came off very well last season as he discussed in depth his hiring and plans for remaking the Raiders with the cooperation and blessing of Davis.
Kiffin hasn’t been available for questions since the Senior Bowl, when he declined to answer any questions concerning about his status with the club and offered up a a lukewarm “Rob Ryan is under contract” when asked about his defensive coordinator.
Even if he chooses to keep private business private _ usually the wisest course of action where Davis is concerned _ Kiffin’s mere appearance will be a much-needed and welcomed public statement about a 2008 season which has been energized by the owner’s spending spree.
Whether the strangeness of the offseason compromised Kiffin’s ability to be an authoritative head coach will play itself out starting with the post-draft minicamp and through training camp.
What Kiffin can say is he is a little older and a lot wiser than he was a year ago, and that he has more talent on the roster _ regardless of who did the wheeling and the dealing.
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March 27th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
wow FIRST
March 27th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
WOW
March 27th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
first?
-WR
March 27th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
So close!
-WR
March 27th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
first!
Who cares? Keep up the good work Jerry!
March 27th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
“six-year extension
tag named al search committee
no one hit anyone. yeah, people were yelling a litle bit, but you know, it’s part of life. the idea is to go out and get something done.”
I’m not following you here …..
March 27th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
6 year extension for Nnamdi?
6 years for Kiffin?
6 years for Lamont?
i don’t follow…
March 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
No…Jerry left his short-hand notes on his post…
March 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
“six-year extension
tag named al search committee
no one hit anyone. yeah, people were yelling a litle bit, but you know, it’s part of life. the idea is to go out and get something done.”
that last bit is very strange
March 27th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I think it was a typo. Probably some sort of notes that he wrote with the intention to later delete and he just plain forgot.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
“no one hit anyone. yeah, people were yelling a litle bit, but you know, it’s part of life. the idea is to go out and get something done.”
Sounds like my honeymoon! oooooooh! I get no respect…
March 27th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Al is God.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
11th
March 27th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
or maybe notes for his next post?
March 27th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
six-year extension…tag named al search committee = “Tagliabue leaned heavily on Davis’ counsel for the extension”
March 27th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
just wishful thinking I guess
I am still waiting for Nnamdi to sign a long term deal.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
so when the hell are we going to cut schwei jordan and washington??
March 27th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
CP said they want to see how the 2dary plays out this year b4 they give Nnamdi his long term deal - I hope they just give him his extension right now right now - At least Nnamdi said he’s happy that DeAngelo Hall is onboard
March 27th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
“…no one hit anyone. yeah, people were yelling a litle bit, but you know, it’s part of life. the idea is to go out and get something done.”
-I think that was a Davis quote regarding negotiating the current agreement. Jerry was probably going to use it, but decided it did’nt fit the context.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
This may be the first labour dispute in the history of the world where the labour is actually caught in between differing factions on the management side.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Either that or Jerry is trying to Stir it up
March 27th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Time for Baron Davis to show brandon roy who the Real All Star should have been
March 27th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
#19 is right.
re the negotiating of last CBA:
Asked why the deal wasn’t struck until the 11th hour, despite years of consideration, Jones said, “If I’m going to get my fanny kicked, I can put that off to another day.”
At times, the meetings got quite contentious.
“No one hit anyone,” Oakland’s Al Davis told The Associated Press after the owners added close to a billion dollars to the players’ pool in return for labor peace. “Yeah, people were yelling a little bit, you know, but it’s part of life. The idea is to go and get something done.”
March 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
-Pirate Arrrrggggghhhhhhhh-
Thanks for clearing that up
March 27th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
whats up nation?
March 27th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
fix the typo already
March 27th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
STR
Hope all is well.
Season can’t start soon enough.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
BREAKING NEWS
the raiders just traded for chad johnson!!
http://www.espn.go.com/raiders/2008/03/27/chadsignswithraiders-12332
March 27th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
is this for real?
-WR
March 27th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
BO-GUS
March 27th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
This just in:
http://www.espn.go.com/raiders/2008/03/27/bill-is-a-little-piggie-oink-oink-oink-12345
March 27th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
whats up dell, all is good. moved out of austin, been awhile since ive posted, been on just not commenting.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Cruel joke bill
March 27th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
28 and 31 trying to give me a heart attack!
March 27th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
seriously… don’t toy with me like that
-WR
March 27th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I got a little excited 2 but i knew there was no way
March 27th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
STR
Mini camps start soon, were getting closer.
The draft is the last remake of the team, let’s hope we draft well.
2008 will be better.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Mt gut feeling says we will have a successful draft will what picks we have
March 27th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Doesn’t look like Chad will be a Raider anytime soon. Hopefully never.
“The Bengals are in a tough spot if they actually intend to trade Chad Johnson. No way they’ll get fair market value if it appears they are up against the wall. And dream on if you think you’re getting a first-round draft choice and a starter for him. The time to trade him was last year, before he went completely off the rails and started boycotting workouts and talking about playing arena ball. But who could have foreseen this kind of meltdown?” — Dayton Daily News
March 27th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
This just in….
http://www.serioussportsnewsnetwork.com/2008/03/source-reports-al-davis-has-been-dead-for-three-years.html
March 27th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
That’s messed up!
March 27th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
#40 AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
breaking news!!
i am going to eat a turkey sandwich for dinner.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Yeah, sure you are.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Dokie Williams
March 27th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Does anyone remember the name of the former Raider’s kicker who tried to kill Siegfried and Roy in a drive by shooting?
March 27th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Cole Ford
March 27th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Thanks RaiderDogg.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
no prob
March 27th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Kind of quiet, uh?.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
shhhh, I am trying to sleep.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
my bad…
March 27th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Do not worry, Al Davis and Lane Kiffin are just fine, nothing to see here, please move along:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/IIM.jpg
March 27th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Regarding the stray remarks at the end, my reaction was that it refers to a six-year extension of the labor agreement. Accord post ## 19 & 23.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Whats that saying??
Instead of paying attention to what is said……..pay more attention to what is not said!!
What is not said by Kiffin……”I am very excited about my second yr as head coach of the Raiders…We have added some great players who will help this team get over the hump”
There is trouble brewing in Raider land!!
But, what else is new?? heh??
March 27th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Hi nation, Dogg, Dell, Bob, Dakota.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Hey John, how are you?.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Howdy.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
GO UCLA!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Rumor has it, you have been stripped of all authority at work and are not allowed to comment on any public forum such as this place….
March 27th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Go Portland!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
UCLA….NCAA Basketball Champs 2008!!
L.A. Lakers…NBA Champs 2008!!
Raiders….Super Bowl Champs 2008/09!!
2 outta 3 would not be bad!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Just kidding Dogg!
Night all.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Night Sr.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
If Ucla loses this game….I will shoot the first bronco fan I come across in NUTS!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Thats more like it!!
GO BRUINS!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
This reminds of me of Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson…only in reverse…both want to win…but want all the credit themselves
March 27th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Elite 8 BABY!!!
Go BRUINS!!!!
YEAAAA!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
college b-ball must have its own blog somewhere else!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Go Bruins!!
I feel like smoking a doobi and using steroids right now!!!
Kiss my Bruin ASS!! RDT!!
Go UCLA!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
LOL!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
JohnS
Good to hear from you.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
not much happening here Raider-wise I see…g’night
March 27th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
G’nite!!
AND GO BRUINS!!
You knuckle head!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
UCLA fan = SF 49er fan
March 27th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
This reminds me of the last scene in the Walton’s
Goodnight glory, goodnight dakota, goodnight Random, goodnight all.
My age showing right here.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
let’s hope for 2 out of three, as long as UCLA gets knocked out in the next round, hell, i’d settle for one, of course we all know the lakers are going to win the title, so all i have to do is hope for the raiders to win the SB, i won’t hold my breath but a playoff bid may be realistic
March 27th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
glory is passing out i think
March 27th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
hah hahhahhaha!!
Thanks RDT!!
Thats more like it!!
GO Raiders!!
F’ The Bruins!!
G’nite!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
G’ Nite Dell!!
G’nite Trojan!!
Go Raiders!! LOL!!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Indy, San Diego, Patriots are coming back to the back….Raiders are rising up…maybe passing them all!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Raiders, Lakers, Trojans are the only teams that matter
March 27th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Glory
Live and prosper, go Raiders.
Peace.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
out
March 27th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Stopped watching NBA when Dr J retired….GO Hoyas and Marquette….Oops, they’re out
March 27th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Random
I hope the NFL schedules the Patriot game sunday night or Monday.
The HOT is alway more colorful at night, especially against a top team.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Raiders don’t need Prime Time…we need to sneak up on people and BITE THEM IN THE ASS with our D and our quick strike offense!
March 27th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I root for UCLA in Basketball, but I definitely prefer the Trojans when it comes to football. Something about the mystique of either team in those respective sports.
But, I absolutely hate the fakers! GO DUBS!!!! WE BELIEVE!!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
FOOTBALL - RAIDERS, TROJANS, & FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS
BASKETBALL - LAKERS, WARRIORS, CLIPPERS
BASEBALL - A’S
March 27th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Football - Raiders, Hurricanes, USC
Basketball - Dr. J, Larry Bird, Magic, Isaiah
March 27th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Football - Raiders, Hurricanes, USC
Basketball - Dr. J, Larry Bird, Magic, Isaiah
Baseball - Yankees, Expos
March 27th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
RDT,
That’s an ecclectic group there…
March 27th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I can dig most of those….
But I hate the Spankees….and I can’t believe anyone outside of Detroit likes CRY-saiah Thomas.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Raiders, Spurs, Stars, and Desperados
March 27th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I might be from TX, but thank the Lord I’m not a Cowboys fan…
Now the cowgirls on the other hand…
March 27th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Yeah…Cowboy Cheerleaders are legit….but so are the Raiderettes!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
But do yourself a favor and check out the Bucs Cheerleaders. Uhhhhhhhhhhh yeah. H O T!
http://www.buccaneers.com/cheerleaders/cheermain.aspx
March 27th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I wasn’t talking about the cheerleaders, although I do like both the Raiders and Cowgirls.
I was talking about the girls in TX period!
March 27th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I have been to LA though, and might I say…
“DAMN SON!”
March 27th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I lived in Tampa for a year. Plenty of hot babes there as well.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I’m out. Later…
March 27th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
K-rock, what’s the expression, cowgirls do what cowboys like…..
Hey let’s all be honest here, between the Dallas and San Diego Cheerleaders, no one else in the league comes close. Sorry. Maybe Philly. But still a distant third.
So……no one understood the profundity of Davis and the CBA?????? Once again, am I the one who has to explain this, or can someone else come forward and give the nation the proper explanation to this very excelllent post Jerry has provided here????? Can someone, other than me, do this???
March 27th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Glenn
Davis won’t be able to save this crisis.
the owners with all the dollars don’t like the arrangement and want to scale back the share for the players.
To top all that , the owners in the high revenue stream don’t like the smaller markets receiving extra revenue from them.
This will get nasty, Upshaw and the union will dig in and not have anything less, than they are receiving now.
The owners who helped broker the deal with Davis, are now siding with the other owners, the sticking point will be to make sure the smaller market teams don’t lose the extra revenue, if the consent to stay on the side with the large market team owners.
The NFL will will strike in 2011, count on it.
Check out the link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/03/27/snap.judgments/index.html?eref=T1
March 27th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
thanx for the fix jerry, keep up the good work.This is the best blog for raider fans.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
The Mayan calendar ends soon enough, no need to worry about 2011.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
That will be right when we are in our prime with Russell….we better not have a strike during our return to glory!!! That would Blow!
March 27th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Unbelievable. Now why would I NOT THINK that Dell would come in here and break this down appropriately! And this is the guy that GOT BANNED. AND THIS IS THE GUY THAT I PROBABLY GOT BANNED!!! Un effing believable. You guys should all give Dell a standing O. Once again Dell, thank you, I don’t know what this blog would be without people such as yourself.
Now, Dell brings up an interesting point. Which is Davis is not going to be able to save this crisis as he has done in the past. I completely agree with that. Now, again, I am not going to elaborate. Maybe someone else can come forward and dissect this for the nation. But let me add this, due to Al Davis coming in and brokering the most recent deal, the league had enjoyed unprecedented popularity. Every where I go fans everywhere cannot get enough NFL. Look at everyone here on this blog. And it’s not just here. It’s everywhere. THE NFL IS THE PREEMINENT SPORTS LEAGUE IN THE WORLD. And Davis from the very effing beggining, REPEATEDLY has had a HUGE hand in that.
Can someone come in here and break this down further for the Nation????
March 27th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Nice M. forgot about that!!
March 27th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Dell’s got the labour info, I just bring in the eschatology.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Hey Dell!,
man, were you really banned? For what? You are ever the gentleman hereabouts.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
M, didn’t know. So what, you are now Doctor Death??? And Dell got banned most likely because of me. I have to take responsibility for that. Which irks me beyond belief.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Glenn
I remember the last players strike, and the owners decided to sign and play the rent a players.
That was disasterous football and many high school teams looked better.
Imagine a room filled with lawyers, both sides, represented by rich owners and the NFL, versus the players union represented by lawyers, by rich players of the union, with a past agreement to receive 60% of the revenue, somebody is going to get hosed and if you guessed right, it will be the fans.
This will be ugly and guess what the TV contracts are up for bid soon, I believe before next year, the biggest loser first will be the fans then the small market teams.
The press is having a field day with Davis supposedly overpaying for the free agents, believe me those contract by 2010 will be small.
The uncapped year in 2010 will be interesting to watch.
Jerry Jones,Daniel Snyder, Pat Bowlen, Both New York teams will buy whomever they want.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
M
Check out post #1440.
West’s best offense, this will help explain all.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
McDonald is an idiot.
“Goodell has been his own man since assuming control, taking tough stances on “Spygate” and regarding the personal conduct of players.”
Goodell has taken a “tough stance” on Spygate?
Go to hell you crappy arse mediot.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
RaiderDell,
I did as you requested and returned to the last blog post 1440. Wow. Perhaps the Moderator was having a bad moment or just really hated that particular phrase. Seems quite innocent versus what often passes through here.
Oakglenn,
Dr. Death, no, great player nickname wasn’t it? Just a perspective on what transpires.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Raiderus Prime,
I had the same thoughts about Goodell and the cheats. He definitely tried to sweep that baby under the carpet and then to stonewall… not really what I would call manning up.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
M
Thanks for the shout.
I’m going tom head home, long day at the office.
Glenn didn’t get me banned, I guess my choice of words was not appropriate, so it seems.
For me three weeks to go, g’night.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Night RaiderDell, good to hear from you.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Jerry,
I read your articles reguarly and have never written to you before but have a question I would like you to address. Why is there so little written about Michael Bush? He was a projected top ten pick before breaking his leg and was even a Heisman consideration. Most draft “experts” considered him a steal in the 4th round and yet everyone is talking about Darren McFadden. The Raiders had the luxary of resting and letting him heal for a year. It seems to me the last thing they need to be thinking about is Darren McFadden. We need a dominant pass rusher.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:29 am
Hey everyone sorry I have been out of the loop the last couple weeks. What is going on with our search for a backup quarterback? Has Daunte signed with any other team yet?
March 28th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Come on Jerry do you really think anyone will listen to an old man who has seen the game past him by? It breaks me up the way the media does so many double takes on Mr. Davis. Now you think the NFL will need him to save future season from labor un-rest, while 99.9% of the media thinks he is an old meddling fool. That is some industry you guys have there.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Jerry
If Goodell had done his job…Bellicheat would have been banned from the NFL for life…are you kidding me??? NE lost their 1st round pick and paid a wimpy fine…BFD…they are one of th erichest families in the world…(Kraft)…and probably paid Bellicheats fine…and apologized to him for not being able to hide their cheating better and thus protect the team image.
Goodell did what was expedient in order to protect the NFL brand…thats all there is to it…
March 28th, 2008 at 5:56 am
where is the news on Trent Dilfer ??? didn’t he sign yet ? Are we seriously going into the season without a mentor for Jamarcus Russell….you can be sure that Kiffin is not going to be very pleased with the job of holding Russells’ hand…not with everything else he has on his plate right now…
March 28th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Raiderettes are hot but those Philly cheerleaders are the hottest, they have video profiles of each cheerleader on stage and on the beach in bikinis, all are beautiful and intelligent, check out the video profiles at link below they are on the bottom part of the destination page, not a eagles fan but love their cheerleaders.
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/cheerleaders/multimedia.html
March 28th, 2008 at 6:48 am
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/28/raiders-sign-ex-lions-de-kalimba-edwards/ Another addition to the DL points towards McFadden being the pick.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Kalimba Edwards DE now a Raider !!! I hate to say I told you so…but boy did I nail that one last week or what ???
March 28th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Calling on the NATION to represent on Bleacher.com
http://bleacherreport.com/sections/Oakland%20Raiders
This site rocks and the Raider Nation lives.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Eyepatch
dude I called this one last week…noting that he was one of maybe 3 available DEs that were any good that we defintely should zero in on him…esp if we are taking DMAC…and wow I am feeling a little scared about my AL ESP….
I am stoked…this guy is a beast waiting to explode on impact behind the line…this is huge…because he is another young stud…this roster is really gearing up for a long term division domination !!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Jerry
why didnt you scoop this deal ??? I am dissapointed that you did not have this last night !!!
It goes to show how little Alameda favors you..in their “Royal” court….LOL
March 28th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Ya know AD has made so many positive contributions to pro football and shaping it into what it is today that he deserves to be elevated within the pro football Hall Of Fame or at least recognized in a special way. Unfortunately, this may not happen until his passing.
Sadly, he may not be around long enough or have the presence of mind to work his magic again and solve the looming disagreement between the owners and players association. We are in for a real fight and this time the Raiders and lowere income franchises are in trouble if the richer owners are able to rid the NFL of the salary cap once and for all.
Lets just hope the Raiders are able to compete financially lest we become a farm team much like the Oakland “A”s who are continually feeding the Yankee organization with it’s top players.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:22 am
with all the signings on defense and now kalimba edwards
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jim_trotter/03/19/raiders/index.html
March 28th, 2008 at 7:32 am
NATION, What up? Edwards is a good signing. Only question mark is his inconsistency. If he can bring it every game full motor this will turn out to be an excellent addition.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:38 am
With the 4th selection…Oakland Raiders select:
“Wide Receiver - Darren McFadden!”
March 28th, 2008 at 7:40 am
why does some idiot always have to talk about basketball or other sports on this blog? Dont get me wrong its nice.
Too see the Warriors play good for a change.
But I come on here to read about the raiders. If i want to read about other sports I will go to a blog dedicated to thoes sports.
Also you fools that always feel the need to put first.
BFD!! I thought I had no life. Jimeny Christmas people! Stick to the damn fourm topic football in the case of this blog the raiders in particular!!
March 28th, 2008 at 8:00 am
135th!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 8:07 am
D mac tempting but, d-line ,oline, and a play maker at wide out is more of a need. Dealing the 4th pick would make more sense in a trade or for more picks since we lost picks in the HALL deal
March 28th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Tom Flores- I really don’t care for Belichick, however do you really see any other owners/coaches saying that is was wrong?
No one as far as coaches/owners are really talking about this because they know they’ve cheated one way or the other.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:13 am
r8r4fer- You are right about how much sense dealing down would mean, however like one GM said, “Al would only trade down if you are willing to give up your first-born son as well.”
March 28th, 2008 at 8:16 am
According to #131 says the raiders believe that Sands and Kelly can hold down the middle. I wonder who’s doing the talking. We’ve got Weekend at the Raiders III going. Has Amy Trask taken ventriloquism lessons?
March 28th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Why are the cheerleaders in Oregon so much better looking than the ones in SoCal? I mean, the USC cheerleaders look like they lost a fight with a shovel.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:18 am
so be it
March 28th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Even though we signed 2 more QBs I still think that Culpepper will end up in Oaktown, I havn’t seen any interest in aquiring him and the price would be right
March 28th, 2008 at 8:23 am
blat- I’ve always wondered why Oklahoma & USC, both states with really hot chicks, their cheerleaders are always the ugly ducklings of cheerleading?
Look at the cheerleaders at UCLA or Oklahoma State and you’ll be quite happy.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Calling on the NATION to represent on Bleacher.com
http://bleacherreport.com/sections/Oakland%20Raiders
This site rocks and the Raider Nation lives.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Raider Nation kings of the internet
March 28th, 2008 at 8:36 am
The hottest cheerleaders are from Oregon & ASU. As for SC, their dance girls are smoking hot…but they are hardly ever shown on TV
March 28th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I’ve seen the cheerleaders at Oregon, dude, and they look like they come from good lumberjack stock. I hear they will be prominently featured in the next Playboy pictorial, “Ruggedly Handsome Girls of the Pac 10.”
March 28th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Raiders sign DE Kalimba Edwards to a 2 yr deal
March 28th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Al helped form the NFL and will help save it from itself
March 28th, 2008 at 8:44 am
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/
March 28th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Looks like we go for McFadden
March 28th, 2008 at 8:47 am
blat Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Why are the cheerleaders in Oregon so much better looking than the ones in SoCal? I mean, the USC cheerleaders look like they lost a fight with a shovel.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
do you know where the USC campus is???
it is not a place you would want your daughter to visit… let alone attend…
UCLA, however, is in Westwood… a very nice place… that is where you want your daughter to attend…
USC = skank city…
UCLA = beav-a-licious…
March 28th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Not so fast EX La this draft is rich in rbs and We havn’t even seen what Bush can do yet. Plus there are bigger needs
March 28th, 2008 at 8:52 am
if k edwards its our d burgess version of 2008, and we can trade some players to pick trevor laws, then DMAC, welcome to the Dark Side!!!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 8:53 am
This Kalimba Edwards signing is only for depth; don’t be surprised to see him cut in training camp. He was inactive for the last 10 games in DET last year…one word: CASTOFF
March 28th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Less need with every AD move.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:55 am
But, if for a strange reason C Long its here for us in the 4, there is no way we can pass on him.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Hells yeah C.Long BABY AL has 2 make it happen 1 more time!!!!4 the greatness of da RAIDERS
March 28th, 2008 at 8:58 am
The only thing for sure its right now we are a better team than 2007, by far.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:00 am
and f denver & kc but we still gotta get past sd
March 28th, 2008 at 9:00 am
f them 2
March 28th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Cant wait to see my team, and believe me; it doesnt matter if we see DMAC, C Long, Gholston or Dorsey in Silver and Black, we are going to see our team winning 9 games or more, and we are going to see our team in Playoffs…..Nice
March 28th, 2008 at 9:06 am
and we r gonna see our team winning the chargers, chiefs, broncos and patriots!!!!!!!
And after that R Moss its over
March 28th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Do DMac fans really understand football or just love to be part of the hype??
DMac fans say Bush is unproven…well NO SH!t…so is DMac! Bush is essentially a rookie after rehab.
Bush is bigger and stronger..think Eddie George with better feet and speed.
And if we draft DMac…I hope he lives up to the hype, as he will be in a rushing competition with nearly every well known and No-Name back that runs thru our turnstile of a D-Line, pass our over pursuing Linebackers, and out of place safeties…
Yeah, DMac is just a great idea…love to see 16 rushing competitions each year until we finally fix our D-line.
Brilliant…simply brilliant..
March 28th, 2008 at 9:11 am
beav-a-licious…I love it!
March 28th, 2008 at 9:11 am
NFL labor negotiations -
“I want more!”, say the rich.
“I want more!”, say the ultra rich.
Greed’s eternal quest.
With only the Raider’s Al Davis and Gene Upshaw standing tall the during the last negotiations, who’ll it be this time around?
March 28th, 2008 at 9:13 am
http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/messages/chrono/7363831
This is from a couple days ago…
Haven’t heard much about it on this Blog. I would be happy with this, but it doesn’t sound likely.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Note to Players Union and to Owners:
institute rookie salary cap. Better for everyone except for a few agents.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:17 am
BoJack’s Hip,
thanks for the link. Very interesting idea.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Man….we would definitley have some speed….and be able to use Russell’s arm!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Bo,
I love that deal-here’s to Al Davis wheeling and dealing to make this team better. I guess Davis is sick of the loosing and frankly so am I…
March 28th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Yeah….the only question is would we be able to keep Russell on his feet to be able to hit all his weapons.
Oh yeah, and would we be able to stop the run?
March 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Al’s got juice.
Just Win Baby.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
After last season’s Defensive shortfalls the team will continue to address STOPPING the run. Another year under Cable and with the additions of Walker and Carter, not to mention Russell’s strong arm we should look a lot better on Offense. Here’s to scoring points on Offense.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:43 am
we signed another….some defensive end from detroit
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/28/raiders-reel-in-another/
March 28th, 2008 at 9:44 am
sorry it’s already been posted……….
March 28th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Kalimba Edwards, great one week and riding the pine the next. Maybe he can help, but needs to be more consistent.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Does anyone know when this media breakfast is usually held? Monday? Tuesday?
March 28th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Raiders signed Kalimba Edwards from the Detroit Lions. I knew they were going to sign him! Told guys!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I dont think CJ is a good idea we need baby HOWIE!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:13 am
The more D line the better, if we can stop the run the more the offense can stay on the field and substain drives. that was a problem last year especially in the 4th qtr
March 28th, 2008 at 10:17 am
r8r4fer, I like your thinking on this. Keep the other teams O off the field, and run. this could force teams
to “try and pass” on us.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:25 am
If I could analyze the recent activity from Alameda in the same token as the wall street index it would be pretty clear to predict a Darren McFadden pick with the fourth overall pick in this yrs draft. Michael Bush is the key to deciding if we go for McFadden. I love Fargas and his hard running style, but he is not built for that kind of contact and will get hurt again its just a matter of time. I get nostalgic when thinking about Bush/McFadden ala Wheatly/Kaufmann. However seducing that thought might be, I’m anchored by a glaring sense of realism that the more important position of need is DE/DT;Gholston/Dorsey.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:25 am
wooow… post #179 is a troll, probably the fool from yesterday
March 28th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Edwards has great physical tools just doens’t know how to use them. As I have said repeatedly on this board, great pass rushers, (which we, and every team in the league needs) are born, not found. Pass rushing seems to be something that just can’t be taught. Either you can do it nor not.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:31 am
true
March 28th, 2008 at 10:31 am
What’s the word on Takeo Spikes? anyone heard anything?
March 28th, 2008 at 10:34 am
well, I can’t find other glaring needs, except MLB, I think our LB corp is looking weak. especially in run support
March 28th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Raidersith…
this is the latest news containing him
—”In addition to the 49ers, the Patriots, Browns, and Saints are reportedly interested in free agent LB Takeo Spikes.
The Saints can never have enough injury-prone linebackers. The Pats would likely provide Spikes his best chance to start, but may be offering the least money. The Niners are said to be unconcerned about Spikes’ balky shoulder. Mar. 27 - 8:58 p.m. ET”—
March 28th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Sith, I was asking the same thing about spikes. Maybe his shoulder injury was really serious.
On another note, i dont think AL is done. I wouldnt mind seeing some more shopping done. Spikes and CJ would be nice.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Edwards , another quintin moses ?
March 28th, 2008 at 10:44 am
LMN, thanks for the info Bro !!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Oakglen, Not sure about the system they used in detroit, could that be an issue? what do we know wbout his work ethic?
March 28th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Speaking of Detroit Roy willaims is on the market
March 28th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Thec…
no problemo! this competition we have on the D-line is going to be something else
March 28th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Why draft D Mac when we haven’t seen what Bush can do ? Unless they can parlay the pick into more depth in the draft. I still think we need more skilled players at wide out to stretch the field
March 28th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Dont know if the link above about the supposed trade the Raiders put out for Chad Johnson holds any truth or not but if it does it would be a good trade for us if the bengals have any interest at all in it
March 28th, 2008 at 11:08 am
With the signing of Kalimba Edwards to platoon with J.Richardson at DE opposite D.Burgess, looks like a good time to repost this from a few days ago:
# Pirate Arrrgghhhhhhh Says:
March 26th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
We’ve now reached the point we did last year when it became clear who we would draft but many could not accept it. Last year it was JaMarcus Russell. This year it is Darren McFadden.
Every possible argument against them comes out, no matter how twisted. The most unrealistic trade scenarios proposed. Every fringe website disparaging the player gets a link. People link to articles on various fan websites as to why this person or that person should be selected instead. The arguments get personal - he’s not smart, isn’t motivated to be a great player, bad character, etc.
With a month till the draft, it’s going to get very tedious. Like it or not, we are drafting McFadden. Get used to it. Learn to like it.
But the tedium will be worse this year. Last year we picked #1, so you could legitimately argue whether we take J.Russ or C.Johnson or whomever. In contrast, we pick #4 this year yet that won’t stop endless arguments about who we really really really really really need C.Long and will be doomed if we don’t take him, even though he clearly won’t be on the board.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:14 am
DarkKnight01…
you said: “….and then you have a DT rotation of Warren,Sands,Kelley and Joseph…Shaw and Hawthorne fight to make the team.”
I know Anttaj Hawthorne was released in september, i took a trip across the bay, but didn’t make the team. He haven’t been in the game since… to my knowledge, that is.
How or why did Hawthorne resurface?
March 28th, 2008 at 11:15 am
bo 157:
If this happens i will be glad
ocho cinco, en negro y palta amazing
March 28th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Pirate Arrrgghhhhh,
I wont get use to us drafting DMac, until he is a RAIDER. With that said, I can only hope you are wrong.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Thec, not really a system problem over in Detroit, drafted in the 2nd round by them, good size and speed, just hasn’t developed as expected for them. Rod Marinelli, the Detroit Head Coach was the Defensive Line coach over in Tampon Bay, so you figure he knows something about defensive linemen. So, that kinda scares, ya!! Now, maybe with Burgess on one side, he can’t be doubled up, and he might turn into Chris Clemons for us registering 10 sacks conceivably. Someone up above said this and I completely agree, right now, we can’t have enough defensive linemen!!
Pirate, I’m looking for a trade up from the #4 overall to #1 overall and grabbing Chris Long.
Here let me do it for you all, roger Godell goes to the podium, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a trade. The Miami Dolphins have traded the #1 selection to the Oakland Raiders. With the number one selection, the Oakland Raiders select Chris Long, Defensive End, Virginia….”
March 28th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Kalimba, btw, had 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in game 1 against the Raiders last year.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Good, then Kalimba will be able to do that against McClown in Miami this year.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:26 am
roger Godell goes to the podium, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a trade. The Miami Dolphins have traded the #1 selection to the Oakland Raiders. With the number one selection, the Oakland Raiders select Chris Long, Defensive End, Virginia….”
and then Oakglenn wakes up from his nap and sees McFadden being interviewed with a Raider cap pulled down low over his eyes while Mike Maylock babbles something in the background about legs going dead on contact and crying about how M.Ryan should have been drafted first overall.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I seriously doubt that the Oucho Sinko trade holds any water, it would be cool but as many times as Marvin has said he ain’t going no where I would say it’s safe to assume he isn’t. Plus just aquiring Javon I don’t see it happening, although I am not sold on Javon Walker and would rather have CJ. If the bengals really get fed up and want to take this deal I say welcome aboard!
March 28th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Pirate, not that I am against Dmac, he’d be exceptional here in Oakland, I just see more pressing needs. But here I can help you out:
Roger Godell goes to the podium, “And with the fourth selection, the Oakland Raiders select,… Darren McFadden, Running Back, University of Arkansas…..Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a trade. The Oakland Raiders trade RB Darren McFadden to…..”
March 28th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I’m sure the Raiders have inquired into 85’s price, but the Cinncy bung-holes are not gonna let him go cheap. Plus 85 is little. he’s not a big guy and Davis likes bigger recievers. Right now we have one of the bigger receiving corps out there.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:36 am
So, Kalimba Edwards, uh?…some recent assesments on him:
”When you break down Edwards, everything points to a potential Pro Bowl pass rusher. The guy has excellent speed off the edge, great lean and balance and has added some good counter moves.
He’s a good kid with solid character and a strong work ethic. So what’s the problem? No one has been able to figure that out, but head coach Rod Marinelli is absolutely convinced that he can turn the corner (pun intended) with Edwards.”
Tom Kowalski, Lions beat writer and ”insider” written last offseason.
Obviously Marinelli wasn´t able to do it.
”In four seasons, the former second-round pick has 20 sacks and is a pure edge rusher, capable of beating a lot of tackles with his first step. Edwards might never be a full-time player, but he might be good for six to nine sacks if he’s in the right situation.”
Len Pasquarelli, espn.com, that´s from 2 years ago when he was a FA and re-signed with Detroit.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I like DT as the pick …
With Edwards signing, we now have a replacement for Clemmons, who is actually a slight upgrade according to some “experts”.
Burgess, Richardson, Edwards, and Kelly will get the reps at DE …
Kelly, Warren, Sapp, and Dorsey/Ellis will get the reps at DT …
I just can’t get past a healthy Bush on the squad. Bush, Rhodes, and Fargas will get it done in the backfield. Bush will be money in the Red Zone, which was really our only issue last year.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
trading up to no. 1 way too rich for our blood after all the fa signings. Trading down seems to be more conventional but we are the RAIDERS
March 28th, 2008 at 11:44 am
SAPP ?
March 28th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Uh …. duh ..
Sands, not Sapp.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:44 am
20 sacks in four years? how many or should I say how few sack did Brayton have for his entire raiders career?
March 28th, 2008 at 11:45 am
hey OG,i really cant see us drafting c.long,there
would be too much of a comparisn too his dad .If he doesnt live up to that status his career may well be goosed.It all sounds nice and “romantic” but aint gona happen.IMO. Im no fortune teller so may be wrong.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Jhill…
I believe Sands will surprise us this season, I think he will play, up to what his contract gives him =)
March 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Honestly Mac, I don’t think Howie Long and his legacy has anything to do with it. I think people will get effed up with that, thinking Davis is going to pick Chris based on some long lost loyalty or devotion or something stupid. I think they would trade up to get Chris because it makes sense, and he’s exactly what we need here: an every down solid pass rushing end, and we have players that can help Miami get better, that are not going to see the field here in Oakland. JMHO.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I think the only way Al doesn’t go after C. Long is if Chris and/or Howie don’t want Chris to go to the Raiders. I also think this would be secretly talked about to Al and Al would do his best to change their minds. But in the long run, Al would grant their wishes and not draft Chris.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:52 am
“The Oakland Raiders have continued their effort to upgrade the talent on the roster via the expenditure of enormous amounts of money by signing free-agent defensive end Kalimba Edwards. The deal, per Adam Schefter of NFL Network, is for two years and pays $5 million. Edwards was released on March 13 by the Detroit Lions. He visited the Titans a few days later, but otherwise generated not much interest.
A second-round draft pick in 2002, Edwards spent six seasons with the Lions, appearing in 87 games and starting 22. He has 26 career sacks.”
I knew it! ha! I told you guys weeks ago that the S & B would sign this guy! I really wanted him too. This is a series upgrade for the Raiders.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:52 am
new thread guys
March 28th, 2008 at 11:52 am
LMN, Brayton had a sack????? when?? just kidding. Sands lost his mom last year and that might have effected his play. I don’t want to make excuses for the worlds largest invisible man, I just want someone on the effing D line to get it done.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:53 am
LMN,
I think we agreed on that a few weeks back. I just have warmed to the idea of Dorsey or Ellis, especially since Kelly can rotate between DE and DT.
I think this may be Warren’s and Burgess’ last year with the Raiders so I’d like to see Kelly paired with another bona fide stud. Sorta like we like Odom to be the 3rd option on the Lake show, I;d like Sands as the 3rd guy on the DL.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:53 am
New post clowns.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
wow einstein you are actually right this time, imagine that
March 28th, 2008 at 11:58 am
224 not me… but I agree =)
March 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
219 not me either :/
March 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
226 not me either :p
March 28th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I believe that the CBA will be reworked before the 2011 season. The one reason that I think this will happen are the huge contracts awarded to rookies. The owners will not have to go through all of the contractual problems and the older players will get more of the cap money if a cap is in place for rookies like the NBA. This should be sufficient to get the Players and the NFL talking.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Calling offensive lineman, calling offensive lineman, where are you? They better sign Newberry before he is gone and we end up with Grove, OUCH it hurts to say his name. Currently we have the great starting lineup on the left side of Harris, Gallery and Grove at center. Doesn’t that sound great? Jamarcus better watch out, because they will be coming from his left side so he better learn to sprint to his right side so he doesn’t get smashed on every passing down. Kiffin will need a baseball bat with him on the sideline, so whenever Gallery or Harris miss the snap count or are called for illegal procedure they can look over at the sideline and see Kiffin with a raised bat looking right at them and his other hand will be raised and have his middle finger pointed in their direction. I can see it now, both of them putting their hands on their helmet and acting like “how could I miss the snap count”..this could get real ugly if we don’t get some offensive lineman. Well for Kiffin it won’t be to bad because it will allow him to use his dink and dunk system because of no time to set up for anything down field.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
230th ya baby!
March 29th, 2008 at 3:31 am
everyone must be asleep!
March 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
how about RAIDER PEACE!
Al give Kif a hug!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Good article on raiders and Darren Mcfadden
http://bigbenlivingroom.blogspot.com/