
The entire Raiders organization could stand an intervention. Hardly news, I know, just reiterating the obvious after the latest from NFL.com's Adam Schefter. He reports that things are so unbearable in Oakland that players are actively seeking to get DeAngelo-ed.
Players in Oakland are so unhappy with the environment, the losing, the instability, that many would prefer to leave. This is not entirely uncommon around a losing team, but it is more extreme in Oakland than anywhere else.It's worse than we thought, which seems impossible, frankly, when talking about the circus freaks masquerading as Raiders front office types. Earlier in the week, I mentioned Asomugha's reluctance to sign a long-term deal but that'll probably just lead to him getting re-franchised. Assuming, of course, the Prince of Darkness didn't come back for the Raiders before then.
It is thought to be one reason that Nnamdi Asomugha has been so apprehensive about signing a long-term extension with Oakland, why free-agent acquisition Gibril Wilson would welcome the opportunity to get to choose a new team again, why Walker considered leaving last summer.
Fact: It has gotten so bleak that, just this past week, at least one prominent player actually considered quitting, taking a leave of absence, just because he feels like he cannot take it anymore. He wound up not doing it, but chances are he is hardly the only Raider thinking it.
In the wake of DeAngelo Hall's inglorious exit from the team, there had been rumors that it was just the beginning of a roster purge. But here's the thing: who's going to want to play in Oakland? I mean, Hall says he regrets signing a seven-year, $70 million two months after doing it because the organization is so dysfunctional (of course, Hall also got $8 million for eight weeks of getting torched, so maybe he's not the most reliable source).
Sure, there will always be players looking for work; but stocking the roster full of undrafted free agents and veteran castoffs isn't exactly a blueprint for building a winning franchise. Sorta like now, I guess, except with a much lower payroll. Glass half full, people.





















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-09-2008 @ 1:19PM
Wade said...
I'm guessing the NFL, Goodell, and other owners don't have any possible way to push Davis out the door because of something like this? Davis would have to do something truly crazy to get them involved, right?
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11-09-2008 @ 7:28PM
Mike said...
Just think it in baseball terms. It took racial overtones to get owners, managers, and broadcast out of regualr operations. However, in football seems nothing is reason to dismiss an owner past his prime or ability.
11-09-2008 @ 4:42PM
Steve said...
As long as Al Davis runs the Raiders the Raiders will always be what they have always been loser!
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11-09-2008 @ 5:48PM
Gabba Goop said...
Well first I got to say this can't be a lie if adam is reporting this. He's usually on the nail with everything around the NFL, and second I wouldnt blame the players. Everyone has potential and they get fucked over by Al "I can't die for some reason" Davis. I mean no offense and hopefully I won't affend anybody, but the day Al Davis goes in anyway I think will be the first signs of life the Raiders get because this guy has killed a once playoff bound organization and has made them the laghing stock of the NFL. If Al doesn't go then the Raiders should die as an organization. They have had losing seasons since 2003 and they've always been 4-12's or 2 and 14's they are terrible. It's like I always say... THE OAKLAND RAIDERS ARE THE BLACKHOLE FOR AN NFL CAREER!!!
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11-09-2008 @ 6:09PM
Punch Rockgroin said...
So - are the players deliberately sucking because they want out, and holding/jumping offsides/dropping passes/generally sucking so they can get out? Is that what Hall did? At what point are you going to blame players for poor playing?
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11-09-2008 @ 6:34PM
Albert said...
Thank you Punch , I am a 2nd generation die hard . So many people are pointing the finger ( me the middle one) at Al "Dr. Evil" Davis because he thinks if a coach can't turn around a losing organization in 1 year he is not a good coach , and said coach can't pick his own coaches , players , plays . Crap , I went off track and vented . Bottem line Al needs to go and Rob " Prevent " Ryan needs to go . The Prevent Defence needs to be outlawed
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11-09-2008 @ 6:42PM
M said...
These players are paid to do a job. I'm sick and tired of these cry babies players. They make more money than you and I will ever see. Player's today are spoil little babies who think they can get away with anything. It's time for the fans to boycott some games to let the players and the owners and the NFL we are tired of the baby games they play. NFL isn't like it was in the past that was real football. Let's bring that back.
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11-09-2008 @ 7:23PM
Mike said...
The other owners of the Raiders should get together and OUT Al Davis.
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11-09-2008 @ 7:39PM
Knute said...
Grew up outside Oakland and in my youth it was fun to be a Raider fan. Even attended games at Frank Yuell Field (pre Collisium) Al Davis lost what ever Football sense when he went through all those law suits with the league. I now live in LA, and with no team watch what is happening to the Raiders!!!! Al please sell the Fn team! You are an embarrassment to the league, and no, it's not your coachs who in their right mind would want to coach for you!!!
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11-09-2008 @ 10:08PM
Richard said...
Why do people say that the other team owners should unite and get rid of Al Davis. Why should they, not only do you get a bye weekend , but a practice game when you play the Raiders in that season. I agree that fans should not go to the games and show Al Davis and the ad companies that if no fans no market means no ticket sales, NO revenue. What the Raiders should do is to cover those silly slogans that say anything to do with Excellence, cuz they are far from that.
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11-09-2008 @ 10:42PM
PJ said...
If you keep doing what you have been doing, you will keep getting what you have been getting. Is Al Davis mentally ill?
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11-09-2008 @ 11:52PM
Jeromino said...
Two instances where the leagues need to step in and take over a franchise. The Oakland Raiders and The Los Angeles Clippers. I am so happy the Raiders left Los Angeles. The Clippers are a big enough embarrassment. Imagine still having the Raiders in Los Angeles. Even back in the 1980s I used to cringe when Jim Plunkett was in the pocket or was going to through a pass. The 1984 Superbowl was a phenom. NFL, NBA take over the franchises please!!!!
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11-10-2008 @ 3:30AM
gary h. said...
Who owns the Oakland Raider's? Every stallion has it's day, and now it is time for Al Davis to be put to pasture!
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11-10-2008 @ 8:31AM
Kevin said...
Always hated the Raiders but I now truly feel sorry for them and how they have disgraced the league.
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11-11-2008 @ 9:35AM
"SMOKE" said...
Fans of my Oakland Raiders, i agree... Dr. Evil can't live forever... but at the same time why not... why the other owners vote Mr. Davis OUT ?? Aren't you people tired of loosing games - players & good money ??
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11-11-2008 @ 9:23PM
AMart said...
Probably just delusional thinking on my part, but the Raiders are one good OT and a 1st round WR from having an explosive offense. The defense needs just one huge DT and a DE and will be a great unit. Raider fans will see better times even before Al Davis dies. I hope to god Nnamdi stays
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11-12-2008 @ 8:05PM
Jeff Weber said...
get rid of al davis.and then we will have direction and better spirt.and of course win games...
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11-13-2008 @ 9:24PM
AlDavisFan4ever said...
Who owns the Raiders? yes, Al does....so, gripe all you want...buy your own team. The NFL will not step in due to the fact that the Raiders (which is Al Davis) are still bringing in money for the NFL....so they are not going to do anything about Davis...but as for the article..."there will always be players looking for work; but stocking the roster full of undrafted free agents and veteran castoffs isn't exactly a blueprint for building a winning franchise."...........except for the Raiders.....duh! They have done it before and has won Super Bowls with that formula......so get over it.
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11-14-2008 @ 2:38PM
TMACK said...
Its been very disapointing lately and unbearable to watch. Marcus is not a starting quarterback yet and overpaid - he has no movement, to big, can not hold the ball, etc... and for Cable - just quit. He is not a HEAD COACH, he seems to be a one man show. ISN'T THIS TO BE A TEAM GAME OR A ONLY PLAYER OR COACH TEAM???????!!!!!!!! TO PUT A COACH IN CHARGE AND CALLING ALL THE PLAYS why have any other coachs?
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