According to Rotoworld and The Washington Post, if the 2011 season is played it will be uncapped.  Right now we are looking at some of the largest egos in professional sports battle for supremacy.  Yes, this is largely about money, but it is also about power and respect.  The owners want it all, and thought they had it.  This was until Judge Doty ruled the 4 billion dollars in TV revenue was not accessible to the owners in the event of a lockout.  For those that are unaware of the TV revenue situation, when the NFL renewed the deal with all of the stations and Direct TV, they had a clause added that stated in the event of a lockout they would still get paid.  If the stations declined, they would take their business elsewhere.  No TV station is going to stand up to the monster that has become the NFL.  If they lost the NFL, then they might never get them back... a risk none of them could take.  This was the owners sole bargaining chip, their ace in the hole going into negotiations.  When this was stripped from them, they continued to throw out a sub par deal thinking the players have no other choice.  The players union, seething and disrespected decided to push for terms that are seen as unrealistic and ego driven.  Now both side are puffing out their chests waiting for the other to flex. 

Let's face the reality, there is way to much to lose on both sides to let this continue and sacrifice all of the revenue that needs to be shared, as well as alienating a fan base that is already fed up with the current situation.  As the last few days have gone by, I have kept my eyes glued to the TV and to various websites waiting for some type of information that could give me a positive perspective on this.  There is an overwhelming general consensus that this will get done, and it will happen sooner rather than later.

Fans on every team SB Nation site are as pissed as we are here at Silver and Black Pride.  Twitter is over run with angry fans that can't comprehend this situation.  Sports bloggers are criticizing both sides, and ESPN announcers are baffled at the money being left on the table.  In the end, the reality is, this ship cannot be allowed to sink.

So, the point I am getting at is, everything will work out.  The latest reports from ESPN state that the $600 million gap decreased by half in the final hours, and the owners have given up on the 18 game schedule.  They still want a clause in the contract that allows them to revisit the idea in two years, but at least there is some give from these guys.  If everything gets worked out, the following things will happen:

1.  The 2011 season will be uncapped

2.  All franchise tags and RFA tenders issued before the deadline will be upheld.

3.  The draft will happen as scheduled, but signings will have to wait until the CBA is agreed on

The first two things were agreed on by both sides, and look to be upheld.  There should be a ruling on the injunction of the lockout in 3-4 weeks.

On another note, now we see why Al was not shy about spending cash.  He knew exactly what was going on, and now I don't doubt that other key free agents will be signed.  I wouldn't be surprised if we sign Nam to some crazy 4 year 60 million dollar contract.  Then if a cap does get reinstated at some point, Al could trade some high priced guys for good draft picks.  Without a cap, this team can be kept together, and can be VERY dangerous next year. 

If any new information comes out I will add it as time goes on, or do me a favor and post it below.

Edit: The way things are looking, next years requirements for unrestricted free agents will be the same as the 2010 season.  Players that are 6 years in can be unrestricted free agents, rather than 4 years.  This changes a lot of things.  Big names expected to hit the market will more than likely get the RFA tenders.  Some of these players include corner backs Johnathan Joseph and Antonio Cromartie, and wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Sidney Rice, amongst many others.

The union is also trying to block the top college players from attending the NFL draft.  Don't know where this is going, but it is a shot at the owners for sure.

I write this with a perspective from both sides of the fence.  I am a business owner and a football fan, so taking sides is a little difficult.  Especially when neither side is acting rationally.  I am going to do a quick breakdown, where as a total analysis would put everyone to sleep.

The current CBA agreement has been in place since 1993, but has been extended on several occasions, the most recent was 2006.  This could have extended through 2012, but the owners opted out 3 years ago.  The owners believe the players get too much of the revenue, and thought the rookie wages were getting out of control (amongst several other issues, but this could be 10 pages long if we go into everything).  The NFL earns very substantial revenues, but, the clubs are obligated by the CBA to spend substantially more than half their revenues, over $4.5 billion this year alone, on player costs (4.3 is on actual paychecks, there is an additional 365 mil for medical insurance). The clubs must spend significant and growing amounts on stadium construction, operations and improvements to respond to the interests and demands of the fans. The owners believe the current labor agreement does not adequately recognize the costs of generating the revenues of which the players receive the largest share; nor does the agreement recognize that those costs have increased.  The breakdown is, the CBA doesn't take into consideration the rising cost to the owners in our economy.

The owners have a few other points that are worth mentioning as well.  The owners are set on increasing the NFL season to 18 games.  According the Jerry Jones, it's a done deal, and they can increase it to 20 or 22 games if they want.  With this comes a whole host of other issues need to be included in the deal, like insurance, injury prevention, and expanded rosters.  They believe it is within their rights, and they need the extra revenue from the expanded season to keep the league growing.  The owners also want the ability to recoup bonuses paid out to players that do not live up to their contracts, or breach their contracts.  Right now the courts protect the players, and the owners can attempt to sue, but it is usually a waste of time.  We saw this first hand with JaMarcus, Al attempted to recoup money advanced to him claiming it was an advance for a 6 year contract.  Since he did not play the full duration of time,a portion of the advance should be returned.  JaMarcus gets to keep it all, thanks to the current deal and the protection backed from the courts.

Currently, the top revenue producing teams are required to share the wealth with some of the lower revenue producing teams.  This helps keep everyone on an even playing field.  Well, these top teams no longer want to do this, and some have been very outspoken about it.  Jerry Jones and Dan Snyder have been the loudest when it comes to this.  The revenue sharing expired with the CBA yesterday, and 10-12 teams (both bay area teams) rely on this to exist.  The total amount of shared revenue was $220 million.  It will be interesting to see how they package a new agreement with the new deal.  One has to be in place, or the NFL will start to look like the MLB as the years go on.  Teams will have to relocate, and in some cases possibly file bankruptcy. 

The players were content with the deal that was in place.  They were set to receive 4.3 billion of the 9 billion total in payroll, plus 365 million for medical (not nearly enough).  The owners want to knock it down to 3.9 claiming their rising costs are making hard to do business, and there has been no mention from the owners side regarding an increase in medical coverage.  Now, the players take the risk, and entertain the fans, they should be taken care of.  Past, present, and future players need to know they have insurance to rely on.  Not all of these guys make tens of millions of dollars over their career.  Past players should not be living below the poverty line, more money should be allocated for them.  The NFL is largest sport in our country, it produces the most revenue, yet the players make less then baseball and basketball players(an argument for roster size vs cap space can be made, but that's another article). 

The players also want to get rid of the franchise tag, as well as make rookie contracts a maximum of 4 years instead of 5 or 6.  This of course goes with the rookie pay scale that was reportedly agreed on, but no numbers have been released.  They are against the idea of making the season 18 games.  They have many health and safety concerns that need to be addressed, but we do not know if anything has been put in place yet.  This will also be a serious point if the season does expand.  There will need to be more money for medical, expanded rosters, and research done when it comes to player health over an expanded season.

The players union has a hard line stance at the moment.  They have some legitimate concerns.  What puzzles me is, if the owners thought 4.3 billion was too much, why does the union believe 4.5 is realistic?  The union wants to see all teams financial reports for the last ten years, but the owners do not want to share this information.  I have never seen an industry where the employees demand to see the books, and then demand 50% of the profit.  They are being way to unrealistic in this current situation, and there has to be a middle ground.

According to ESPN, the two side are currently 600 million apart.  They were this far apart weeks and months ago.  There has been little progress when it comes to the finance.  This shows the owners are still at 3.9, and the union is still at 4.5, no one has flexed.

Yesterday, 10 players filed anti trust lawsuits against the NFL.  These players include Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees, the other 7 names were not mentioned.  Expect to see many more as time goes on.

What does this mean for us, the fans?

Well, we get to watch the rich battle the wealthy while we are deprived of our entertainment.  Instead of watching free agency we are watching bickering and finger pointing.  The draft will still happen, but can they negotiate contracts with the players?  We can throw out tenders and franchise tags, but will any of it matter?  Will there be a tag, will the tenders even be in place?  This is info that one can only speculate on right now.  It is all included in the cluster#$% that is the collective bargaining agreement. 

Now, which side do we choose?  Should we even take sides?  Neither seems to be willing to give in, and this has been going on for 3 years.  It has just come to our attention recently with all of the increased media coverage.  The owners welcomed the lockout since they had the $4 billion in TV revenue locked up and in their pockets.  This was until a Judge stepped in and deemed the 4 billion was not available to the owners in the event of a lockout.  Now everyone looks to lose here.  Not just the owners, players, and fans, but all of the employees that rely on football across the nation to survive.  I just hope cooler heads prevail.

If I missed anything you feel is notable, please add it in below.

Al sits alone in his office watching video tapes of draft prospects running the dash with a stopwatch in his hand.

John Herrera enters Al Davis's office.

JH: Excuse me sir, I have a great O Line prospect in mind for our second round pick.  He is great in the power scheme and has expressed interest in the Silver and Black.  Would you like to see the info we have...

Al: Um...  John, stop right there...  What's his 40 time?

JH: Well, Sir, he's an offensive lineman, what does it really mat...

Al: JOHN!  I only asked for one piece of information...  What is this young man's 40 time. 

JH:  Well Sir, It's over 5, but he has great potential and...

Al: ENOUGH!  John, how long have you worked here?  Don't fuck this up for yourself.  Get me statistics and film on the fastest 3 players at every position.

JH: Yes sir...

Herrera waddles out the door with his tail between his legs like every other day.

As Al continues to rewind beta max tapes, Hue Jackson enters with a serious look and high hopes that have not been broken yet.

HJ: Excuse me coach, I wanted to discuss a few things with you.

Al: Did you get the new playbooks I sent? 

HJ: Yes coach, I did.  I am concerned that the new defensive schemes have no blitz packages.  Can we incorporate a few of these in the playb...

Al: HUE, we have man corners, there is no need for a blitz, we do a four man press just like Lombardi does.

HJ: Um... Coach, you do know Lombardi no longer coaches, right?

Al: Nonsense, I just spoke with him earlier today.  He agrees with me that Stanford was a steal, and also believes we should offer Mario Henderson a max contract for offensive linemen.  For god sakes man, it's 1972, football is the same as it always has been.

HJ: ???? Um Coach, that tape you are watching is 20 years old.

Al: So I see there is a OLB that runs a 4.2, maybe we should consider trading Kirk Morrison and picking up this young man.

HJ: Coach, Kirk plays for the Jags.

Al: We are the Raiders, not the Jags, are you the right man for this job? 

HJ: Yes coach, I am.  We have the fastest team in the NFL already, maybe we should put our focus elsewhere?

Al: What else is there?  MR. Plunkett needs targets, our LB's need to cover... ZZZZZZZZ........

HJ: Coach?  Oh crap...  What did I get myself into?

Al wakes up in a panic

Al: Shell, wow that nutrisystem works, look at you!  What's the word on your guy at the bed and breakfast?

HJ: ????

Al: So what's the news on Gene Upshaw and the CBA?  I had luch with Otto yesterday, and he has high hopes for this getting worked out.

HJ: ????

Al: I'll send Herrera a list of our draft prospects, if you have to trade up to get Andrew Walter then do it, whatever the cost!

HJ: ????

Al: Lane, you look a little lost, are you OK?

HJ:????

Al: Will there be anything else?  I have serious tapes to watch.  This is not a game, this is the AFL.  The city of Los Angeles is counting on us.

HJ: Um... coach, what should we do about Asomugha?

Al:  Nam deserves to make 20 million a year, since we cannot do this, we will not even try.  Besides, CJ is faster.

HJ: Coach, Cj has all of his guaranteed money, we can cut him free and clear.

Al: Do you want to work here?  I was thinking of trading our second round pick for DeAngelo Hall.  I heard the Falcons want to get rid of him.

HJ: Hall plays for the Redskins coach. 

Al: I would never cut a deal with Gibbs, where is your head at son?

HJ: At this point, I have no idea coach.

Al: Well get it out of your ass then, I want Robert Gallery with our second overall pick.  That Fitzgerald looks like a bust.

HJ: Coach...  Oh jeezus...  Gallery it is...

Al: That will be all, tell my secretary I need a new stopwatch, this one is worn out.

I write this with good intentions, if you can believe it.  Sometimes we all just need to let go and remember this is a game.  I love this team, and truly think we are heading in the right direction.  Some of the deals puzzle the hell out of me, but in the end this is Al's team, and Al's money to spend however he wants.  Don't approach the ledge after the Routt signing, just drink enough to try and understand it.  I'm 6 deep and still don't.  Our game is approaching a point of uncertainty, and I hope everything works out for the best.  I think Al is just reaching for anything he can to continue the upswing our team has been on.  These deals sound ridiculous to us, but for billionaires cutting a ten million dollar check is nothing.  If Al wants to be 50 mil over the cap and pay the penalty, then right on, do it brother.  Just show us some results.  8-8 is progress, but we are looking for more here in the land of no titles.

Long live the Nation.

According to ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Pro Football Writer, Champ Bailey has signed a 4 year 40 million dollar deal with the Denver Broncos.  This comes to a little bit of a surprise to many since Champ has expressed his desire to play for a contender, and the Donks are not even close to being that.  He stated that the uncertainty of the CBA had a part in it.

On another note, Ronde Barber also signed a 1 year deal with the Bucs, and is now off the market.  So boys and girls, where do we go now if we want to pursue a DB?

So it seems one of the many sticking points of the CBA hinges on the franchise tag.  The players union is fighting to do away with it, which is no real surprise.  It does not benefit the players (especially the ones that get injured during those contracts), but it plays favor to the owners that want to keep a player around for another year without paying out the behind for their services for years to come.  I just wonder if there is a median ground they can come to without doing away with it totally.  It appears we will franchise Seymour again (to the tune of 14.9 million), and I am sure he will be an unhappy camper because of this. 

What do you think?  Should the tag remain in place?  Should there be a minimum two year deal put in place to replace it?  Players want 4-6 year deals, even in their old age.  Is there a median ground that can be reached? 

It hits home for us here in Oakland.  Seymour obviously wants a long term deal, but would it benefit us to lock him up for 5 years?  More than likely no, but an alternate franchise tag plan could make both sides content instead of favoring the ownership with a year to year deal.

Without the tag, Seymour will be a free agent, as will Peyton Manning and many others.  This could get interesting.

On another note...

I fear our beloved sport is facing a financial collapse.  The haves (the top money making teams) do not want to share revenue with the have not teams (we are one of them).  Without shared revenue, which is another sticking point of the CBA, teams like the Raiders would not be able to function.  We would be the A's, and the Cowboys would be the Yankees.  Al may spend money like crazy, but imagine if the well ran dry.  It is a real possibility here people.  I hope for a reasonable agreement, but we all know money talks.  For those of you that do not know what the hell I am ranting about, the top revenue teams share a portion of their profits with the rest of the league.  This keeps everyone on an even level.  The Cowboys and Redskins (amongst others) want this deal to disappear.  If it did, both of our bay area teams could disappear as well.

I love football, the way it is.  I do not want an 18,20, or even 22 game season.  A rookie pay scale would be a great thing (see "."), but the owners will need to flex in some other way to appease the union.  I feel our owners are trying to do too much at once with way to little time to negotiate.  While I do not see the lockout actually happening (too much money to lose), I see a frustrating battle of billionaires vs millionaires that makes us, the fans, sitting in wait saying WHAT THE FUCK!

Hopefully Goodell and his cronies can get something done.  Have a good Superbowl Sunday everyone, I hope it is a great game.

According to JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer, the Raiders have began searching and interviewing candidates for the coaching position.  I think we all assume Hue Jackson is the front runner (I'd say it's 99.9% in the bag), but Al likes to get as much insight into other teams as possible.  Of course our favorite executive Mr. Herrera has stated “The interview process has begun, but no candidates will be named at this point.”  I think this will go on for a week or two, then we will end up exactly where we all know we are going.  Hue knows the team, he runs the offense well, and this is the easiest way for the team to continue moving forward.  I have high hopes for this team, and I believe this is man for the job.

Hello fellow Raider brethren, I know it seems like a tough time here at the moment, but lets all relax and take a breath.  Please step back from the ledge and look at the bigger picture. 

First things first, Nam has not left the team, nor is there any indication he will.  Free agent signing has not begun, the football season is still very much under way.  Al loves Nam, and I see no indication that he will not be well compensated for his third pro bowl season.  This guy will have the brinks truck parked on his lawn at 12:01 when free agent signings start.

Second, I know a lot are upset with the Cable dismissal.  We all knew that Hue was the next head coach, if you didn't then you just were not paying very much attention.  Cable did a good job during a very trying time.  I respect the man and appreciate the heart he has for the game and this team.  Overall, there were far too many missteps to overlook.  Our clock management was horrible in just about every game.  We wasted challenges that we could have used later in games (Jacksonville), and out team had very little discipline or player accountability (5th most penalties in the history of the NFL).  Hue is the future, we need to accept this.  His offense trumps anything we have had in place since 2002.  We had 3 500+ yard games this season, there have only been 3 in the entire history of this franchise before this year.  We are moving in the right direction.

Now, all of you "Al must die" people need to take this somewhere else.  I personally think there is no place in this world for shit like this.  Every year some whack job "fans" come out of the wood work and wish harm or ill will on Al Davis.  He is a human being, like you and I, and deserves no such wrath.  So do us all a favor and do not reproduce, we have enough hate mongers out there.

As for the rest of the free agents, see paragraph 2.  Al is known for taking care of HIS players, whether it's contracts or medical bills for the retired veterans.  Yes Lechler and Gallery are upset, there will always we players unhappy with a situation.  Gallery has a personal connection with Cable since he ressurected his carreer.  He was seen as Kwame Harris #2 (who Cable also thought he could bring back to life), until Cable put him at the guard spot and he thrived.  When it all comes down to it, this is a game to us, but a business to these guys.  Money talks, and Al loves to pay his guys.  While I do not see Bush wanting to come back, I think we can retain a good majority of these guys.  The FA market is also looking good all around the NFL this year. 

So, before we all jump into the abyss hand in hand, lets wait and see what actually happens.  If Al lets everyone walk and signs "not so super mario" to a 10 year 100 million dollar contract then we can push the panic button.

To no real surprise, the Donks have fired the arrogant Josh McDaniels.  According to the AP football writer A. Stapleton, no replacement has been named, but the orginization spokesman has confirmed that McDaniels has been releived of his duties. 

If Bowlen had not been so drastic, this team could still have Rat boy Shannahan, Cutler, and Marshall.  Not to mention Peyton Hillis, a RB that has dominated in Clevland.   Great move here Donks, love to see someone else in turmoil for once!

Edit: Adam Schefter reports that running backs coach Eric Studesville will take over as interim coach.

I can see we are all not in agreement when it comes to the Raiders off season progress.  According to Saints article, there are fans that give the Raiders an "A" so far, and and some that give them an "F".  Now I think these grades may be a little based on anger and/or blind faith and hope, and the true "grade" lies somewhere in the middle.  While our team has been making moves by trading for a good player in Wimbley, and cutting a lot of dead weight at the same time, our rivals have been trying to improve themselves as well. 

Let us start with the Denver Broncos. 

Josh McDaniels came into Denver last year and made waves immediately by trading away the franchise in Jay Cutler and distancing himself from the other main star player Brandon Marshall (soon to be wearing a Seahawks uniform).  The trade of Cutler to the Bears made the football world stare blankly at the television in shock.  McDaniels swaggered into town, younger than a lot of the fans and even some players, and shipped out the next John Elway.  This guy looked like a total jackass, the team was gutted, and the future looked bleak.  Most predictions put these guys at 2-4 wins, and a last place finish in the AFC west.  Instead, they shot off to an astounding start after one miracle (and madden like move) by Brandon Stokley vs the Bungles.  Only to collapse in the second half of the season and return this ship to earth where it belonged.  The D was good, but the offense was all over the place and lacked constancy.  The Jekyll and Hyde syndrome, aka, the Kyle Orton Effect.   

Now, the Broncos have done little so far in the off season.  They resigned players like Josh Barrett SS, and Brandon Lloyd WR, but have cut some dead weight as well.  Casualties include Chris Simms, Andra Davis LB, J'Von Parker DT, Mitch Erikson G, and Kenny Peterson DE (there are more, but not worth noting).  They also trade away Peyton Hillis, a RB whose future looked bright from time to time.  In this trade, they bring in a QB that could have just as well been sporting the silver and black.  He was crowned the most NFL ready QB coming out of the Notre Dame offense (Clausen fans beware), and we passed on him and CALVIN FREAKING JOHNSON to take none other than Jamarcus Russel.  Now we will get to see Brady Quinn two times a year as he rocks that putrid orange and blue jersey.  I hope this does not come back to haunt us (I'm sure it will).  The other key acquisitions for the Broncos are Jamal Williams, Jarvis Green, and JJ Arrington.  Nothing too noteworthy or shocking. 

I give the Broncos a solid C so far.  Nothing has been done that will return this team to a contender, but nothing too insane or crippling has been done either (see this time last year).  Moves or no moves, we need to keep this team directly in our sights, Josh McDaniels is a crafty guy, and can make a dollar out of fifteen cents.

Next - The San Diego Chargers

So, it appears we will have the same 3 QB's on the payroll this year as we did last.  It is inevitable that JaFlopus will return, much to most of our dismay.  BRUCE G signed his second round tender, even though he has already been at the facility for weeks working out and working with the receivers (specifically Darrius Heyward Bey).  Bruce G's tender signing gives him a paycheck of 1.759 million for the next season.  Charlie Frye has also resigned for 1.226 million for next season.  I do not need to speak on JaMumbles contract numbers, as they haunt every one of us on a daily basis. 

Bruce and Charlie both played well last year behind an anemic line and dealt with absolutely horrible play calling, but some how put together impressive perfomances.  I am glad to see them return for another year here in Oakland.  I just wish we could get a worth while third QB option in the mix.  I am exited about a "true" open competition between these three, and remain very positive that BRUCE G will win out and emerge as the leader of our OAKLAND RAIDERS.

OK people, we are all reasonable sports fans, and we all share the same goal.  We want our team to win, period.  MessageToAl is planning on going a little overboard soon.  It appears they plan to put up 100 more "hire a gm" billboards in the near future.  These cost over $5,000 each...  Yes, that is real, they plan on spending $500,000 on freaking billboards.

Now, we all get frustrated with our sports teams, regardless of the cities we live in and teams we follow.  Some things are just not within the scope of reason.  There are so many other things that could be done with that amount of money.  Al Davis does not care about your opinion, he never has, and never will.  If you were true fans, you would know this.  He does things his way, end of story.

$500,000 could help keep our struggling Oakland schools open.  It could help fund our outdated and over run childrens hospital to provide care to many kids that are in desperate need of attention.  It could aid in Nnamdi's scholarship program for the Oakland youth.  It could open homeless shelters. It could help provide training to the 46% of Oaklands residents that are unemployed and living well below the poverty line.  The list is endless.

I ask you as an OAKLAND RAIDER, to use better judgment here.  Spending this amount of money on something of this nature is so beyond irresponsible, it is borderline criminal.  Think of the headlines if your group did something of consequence.  You want to get your message out?  DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERS WITH THAT MONEY!  If you take this route, your message will be everywhere.  Not just in the local media, but nation wide.  I do not support your group, but we are all welcome to our own opinions.  This is what makes our country great.  Please, do the right thing, do not squander this much money on something this pointless.

We all sit at the same crossroad...  Waiting, hoping, wanting; just a glimmer of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel.  Where is our franchise going?  Not a one of us knows...  Only one man in a wheelchair can answer that question, well, maybe he can, if he knows...

I read all articles on this site, and I understand all of your woes, your thoughts, and your hopes for the future.  Through all of life's trials and tribulations (Saint, we all hope and pray for you and your friend, may he rest in peace), in the end we have this site to fall back on.  I must say I enjoy reading all takes on our team.  From Sons methodical takes to Mike and Rats rants back and forth at each other, we all love this team and hope for it's return to glory. 

Let's reflect for a moment, on everything, from 1960 to the present.

There are 10 owners in the hall of fame, Al is one of them.  Al marked himself as a young coach with the LA Chargers (that's right SD fans, THE LA CHARGERS) and worked his way into the Raiders whom had a 9-33 record over 3 years at that point.  Al led the RAIDERS to a 10-4 record in his first year and was unanimously named coach of the year.  Davis then led the RAIDERS to a 23-16-3 record over the next 3 years before being named AFL commissioner.  Old Al then started an aggressive campaign against the NFL by signing some of their highly skilled players to contracts knowing that the AFL was superior. Then the AFL and NFL owners (Old Al not inculed) had merger meetings and created what we know now as the NFL.  Al was against this, since he Knew the AFL was a far superior league, and it was  After this, Al purchased a 10% share in our OAKLAND RAIDERS and was one of three managing parters with Wayne Valley and Ed McGah. He was also named head of football operations.

With Davis in control, the Raiders became one of the most successful teams in all of professional sports. From 1967 to 1985 the team won 13 division championships, one AFL championship (1967), three Super Bowls (XI, XV, and XVIII) and made 15 playoff appearances. Though the Raiders' fortunes have waned in recent years,, they are one of two teams to play in the Super Bowl in four different decades, with the other being the Pittsburgh Steelers. Along with appearing in five Super Bowls, the Raiders have also played in their Conference/League Championship Game in every decade since their inception.

In 1992 Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Team and League Administrator, and was presented by John Madden. Davis has been chosen by a record nine Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees to present them at the Canton, Ohio ceremony: Lance Alworth, Jim Otto, George Blanda, Willie Brown, Gene Upshaw, Fred Biletnikoff, Art Shell, Ted Hendricks, and Madden.  (Yes, this is chronicled info).

Our franchise is like no other.  The spoiled diaper babies across the bay can scream 5-0 as much as they want, but their team was not built by blood sweat and tears like ours.  They are the product of an owner with a rich mommy and daddy that gave anything that little Eddie wanted.  Old Al is a ruthless business man that turned an idea into a reality, a culture, a lifestyle.

The truth is, we have a long way to go.  I love my team, and all of my fellow fans.  We all may not share the same opinions, but we are lucky that this site exists so we can voice our pains and frustrations with each other.  I just ask, as an OAKLAND RAIDER, that we cease and desist with the common crap and focus on the future.  The draft is just around the corner, and there does not appear to be a "Heyward-Bey" type of player on the board, so my hopes are once again high.

I hope all members of the nation are doing well...  Let's go Oakland...