A couple of days ago, I detailed evidence that would give you reason to believe that Head Coach Lane Kiffin had indeed gained Al Davis' confidence in his short stay in Oakland. Some applauded and others questioned my logic. For those that disagreed, the main reason of dispute to my article was the fact that Lane Kiffin hadn't made a single quote about any of the goings on this off season.
Of course, anyone that has followed the Raiders during this odd off season has read about these points more times than they care to count. What they haven't read are comments attributed to the young coach. Until DeAngelo Hall signed late last night, the following are the only comments that anyone has read:
“For whatever it’s worth, I just wanted to let you know that the part about me being out dancing was 100 percent inaccurate,”
“I’m not saying I wasn’t at a bar,” Kiffin said. He added that his wife was not too pleased with the report because she hadn’t seen him dancing in five years.
“Nope,” he said. “Just wanted to let you know I wasn’t out dancing.”
Kiffin hasn't been quoted speaking of anything football related in over two months! In this day and age of media harassment, instant media, and twenty four hour sports it's really quite an accomplishment that he's been able to avoid having his name put to ANY quote let alone one about his high profile job. It is admirable that he's more fearful of his wife than he is of his boss, Al Davis, fearful enough to break his silence long enough to set the record straight about dancing. Excuse my A.I. moment, but we're talkin' 'bout DANCIN' ya'll!
So, after a really boring first night of watching the NCAA College Basketball first round (no upsets), I was shocked to not only find the Raiders made a press release so quickly after signing DeAngelo Hall, or that it mentioned that Hall spoke with Kiffin prior to signing, but that Kiffin actually had something to say...on the record!
Maybe the Raiders are tired of reading the same press clips that Raider Nation has grown weary of, or maybe they pulled Kiffin out of the doghouse long enough to feed him, but I think that these quotes are further evidence that the rift between he and Davis was not only overblown, but also inaccurate.
So what did Kiffin have to say?
“We’re very pleased about the acqusition of DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders."
“This, following offseason signings of Tommy Kelly, and Gibril Wilson, we feel have one of the most talented defenses in the league.”
Granted, I don't know if Coach Kiffin was wearing a Raiders shirt or not and it's not a lot of public speaking, but it's more than we've seen since the end of the season. What it tells us is that Kiffin will be coaching the Raiders to at least start the season. Even though I think he'll coach the whole season, I'm not going to try and guess what Al Davis is thinking at any given moment. It also tells us that Big Al has forgiven the young coach enough to allow the comments to be put on the site because anyone that follows the Raiders knows that if Mr. Davis doesn't like you, it's as if you've disappeared from the planet.
So for now, Raider Nation can breathe a big sigh of relief. Their coach will be back, they now have maybe the best corner back tandem in the league, and their owner is only 'mad' in the amount of money that he's spending. So I guess the next big controversy will be who wears #21 next season? Will it be Hall or Asomugha?
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6 months ago
I questioned your logic, I cited the fact that Kiffin hasn't said anything football related.... If you had written your last article just a couple days later I wouldn't have had to comment! I'm not as optimistic, still think he could be gone, but this is the only sign in the last two months that he may stay. If he does let's hope the players will still listen to him... I'M IN!
6 months ago
The Oakland Raiders defense looks downright scary with the addition of Dante Hall. If they can get their offense together and JaMarcus Russel under 300 pounds, they could be the Dark Horse of the AFC.
from 6 months ago
When did Dante Hall switch to cornerback? I thought he was returning punts and kicks for the Rams.
6 months ago
We signed Dante Hall? And he plays defense now?
6 months ago
You can't question any ones logic "Anonymous" Who are you? or How many... Put up your Monique at least dude or question nobody... Jeeeeeezzzzz!!!!!
Who cares what happened. All I know is what I see and i see us fighting for the division championship. Denver is still reeling from losing Elway, The Chef's HA HA HA HA HA!!!! They got Herm Edwards as coach... Enough said! And the Chokers got Norv and a La Damien who will have the injury bug haunt him from now on so they (like NE) are toast.
We are the only team on the rise BABY...
That's what I see and That's the way it is playing out!!! Long live the RAIDERS and long live the NATION!!!!
BY Snoopy
6 months ago
hey nation, do you notice the only rumor the raider's disputed this offseason was about kiff out dancing (non football related).. The Raiders are cooking something up and not telling the media so they (the media) are trying to stir the pot to find out the secret recipe, so don't worry Al's gonna start serving his dish out come august in the form of WINS..
6 months ago
Hey, please don't even go there about who wears 21. It's Nam's number until he is no longer a Raider. Hall cannot possibly think about wearing it. I just hope Nam gets his money.
6 months ago
Regarding the secret recipe, my theory is this: Al told Kiffin to shut up about personnel changes, and get to work creating a truly special offensive playbook. That is, after all, what Al hired Kiffin for. He's supposed to be a back-room strategic play genius, or at least that was his MO at USC. So the best scenario has Kiffin working night and day designing better plays, while Al brings in talent. That could be what's really been happening. Or maybe I've just had too much kool-aid. Either way, it time to win now!
6 months ago
There is always one thing you can count on. The Mediots jabbing at Al and the Raiders. I can't believe all the negative remarks about Big Al from the Nation. We are lucky to have an owner that gives such an effort to winning. I'm not saying he's always right, but try rooting for Arizona, or Miami, or Buffalo. Talk about no Frickin hope!
6 months ago
I want Kiffin to be signed to a long-term contract. I hate all this hanging over us.
Al Davis just shocks the H#ll out of all of us fans. The man can't pay a winning leader like Shanahan or Gruden, but he can give out several millions for disgruntled cornerbacks like Larry Brown or Hall and those two guys deep down could give a sh*t about us and our team we support **over the long-term**.
I'm looking forward to this talent to get out there next season, but if Lane's just going through the motions or his contract year and fleeing afterwards, then it's all pointless once again. If that old b@stard Al still has any money left, why not pay the brains of the playbook and keep him around.
Jealously is Al Davises largest sin.
I see the late 90's again, when we had all the talent in the world, but Al Davis directing his puppet coaches on the field only created havoc and plenty of defeats.
If Lane and Al Davis don't fix this up, like yesterday, then it's another year of crap for professional football's losingest team six-years running.
Raidehz
6 months ago
I meant the late 80's, but it doesn't matter. Al Davis has built one of professional sports worst teams today and he'll take them down and to his grave in the process.
I wish Lane good luck in Kansas City or San Diego in the future.
Raidehz
6 months ago
A very good article. It looks like we also just signed some more ERFA players too. Big Al is up to it again. Go Kiffin!! Go Raiders!!
6 months ago
AL is trying go out on top hes doing whatever it takes to bring in some playmakers and haul in the best talent out in free agency,defensively i think we got a major upgrade and adding another year together for R Ryan and his young D will help. Kiffin looks like hes going to start the season as head coach , Jamarcus should be in great shape by the time traing camp begins,and adding Walker,Carter, Harris, resigning Fargas and Rhodes offensively we have some fire power to kick the donkeys,chefs,and dischargers in their mouths. Al just has to make one more chess move at this years draft and maybe he'll have one more trick up his sleeve.......GO RAIDERS
BY R.A
6 months ago
al davis is an idiot i think he thinks john madden is still coaching the team he is freakin clueless and as for jamarcus russell can you say BUST?
6 months ago
deangelo hall was a good pick up but the rest of the raiders free agent spending spree is going to end up being wasted cap space they need to learn to gauge value a little better and not overspend for players that dont produce like javon "im hurt all the time"walker
6 months ago
by the way mr. anonymous you said raider fans should be content with al davis and that rooting for a team like buffalo or arizona would be worse? are you forgetting that both buffalo and arizona have had better records than the raiders the last 2 years running lol get your story straight man also by the way they got dengelo hall not dante hall,dante hall is still with st louis and no he doesnt play defense now he is still a wr/kr
6 months ago
im sorry raider fans but how are you people holding faith in jamarcus russell? first off he holdsout misses all of training camp then he doesnt do crap all season then he reprtedly balloons to near 300lbs in the offseason whats he trying to do replace warren sapp? he has no dedication all he wanted was a fat contract to go along with his fat gut and now he will be the bust that i figured he would be you guys should have drafted brady quinn but ole well a little late for that now guess you will just have to endure more losing till you get a "real" qb not a qb trapped in a ol/dl body
6 months ago
You really can't tell yet with Jamarcus, so no.
Actually he has at least shown a couple flashes of greatness, along with inexperience. About to be expected. This season will tell much more.
6 months ago
Well being here in the bay area. I got to see 2 #1 draft picks go Qb. 1st the 49ers with Alex Smith. Now the Raiders with J. Russell.
With what I've seen from both I'd call Alex Smith a BUST! It took him until what the 16th game of his rookie season to throw a TD!?! Or something like that. i don't think he played all season can't remember...these bad season make you want to black them out as soon as they are over. But anyways.
J.Russell tossed a TD in his FIRST START! So I'd say he has a LOT of upside. Where Alex Smith is over I've giving up on him.
By the way David. What team{S} in the NFL do you call yourself a FAN of?
6 months ago
nfl freak im a dallas cowboys fan and though it is only an oppinion that russell is going to be a bust i do believe in it and i am entitled to it true he may have thrown a td pass in his first start yippy good for him i believe many other qbs that ended up being busts threw a td or 2 as well all i am saying is that it is kinda hard to have confidence in a qb that holds out for a big contract misses his rookie season training camp(which is quite important for any rookie to attend i think you can agree on that) then doesnt play till near seasons end and didnt look like such a superstar when he finally did play then he responds to his first ever nfl offseason by ballooning to nearly 300 lbs how many 300 lb qbs have you seen in the nfl? all im saying is this doesnt breed confidence he clearly is not taking his weight seriously and obviously isnt doing much in way of any offseason training if he isnt careful he will eat himself out of a job and be the next ryan leaf by the way jamarcus russells stats for last season where as follows in 4 game appearences his final stats where 36 completions, 66 attempts, 373 passing yds, 54.5% completion %,5.65 avg yds per pass,32 yds longest pass,2 passing tds, 4 ints, and was sacked 6 times, with a final season qb rating of 55.9 which is not very good and if you think im lying look it up yourself http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8255 its from espn sports stats sheet so i wouldnt be getting too confident in russell just yet
6 months ago
nfl freak im a dallas cowboys fan and though it is only an oppinion that russell is going to be a bust i do believe in it and i am entitled to it true he may have thrown a td pass in his first start yippy good for him i believe many other qbs that ended up being busts threw a td or 2 as well all i am saying is that it is kinda hard to have confidence in a qb that holds out for a big contract misses his rookie season training camp(which is quite important for any rookie to attend i think you can agree on that) then doesnt play till near seasons end and didnt look like such a superstar when he finally did play then he responds to his first ever nfl offseason by ballooning to nearly 300 lbs how many 300 lb qbs have you seen in the nfl? all im saying is this doesnt breed confidence he clearly is not taking his weight seriously and obviously isnt doing much in way of any offseason training if he isnt careful he will eat himself out of a job and be the next ryan leaf by the way jamarcus russells stats for last season where as follows in 4 game appearences his final stats where 36 completions, 66 attempts, 373 passing yds, 54.5% completion %,5.65 avg yds per pass,32 yds longest pass,2 passing tds, 4 ints, and was sacked 6 times, with a final season qb rating of 55.9 which is not very good and if you think im lying look it up yourself http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8255 its from espn sports stats sheet so i wouldnt be getting too confident in russell just yet
6 months ago
sorry about the double post oh and by the way the raiders lost both games that jamarcus russell started more food for thought on your "franchise" quarterback dont get me wrong if you can get back the LSU version of jamarcus russell you will be ok but right now it looks like you have the jamarcus russell thats using his huge contract money to buy a few too many fastfood burgers
6 months ago
Hey David,
This is a period(.). This is a comma (,). This is a capital I (I). Just in case they don't teach that in Texas.
6 months ago
Its ok mike dont be so upset about no one teaching you all how to win in oakland, by the way moron just because im a cowboys fan doesnt mean im from texas. Also why dont you go look up some stats and back up what crap you try to talk, like your buddy trying to back up jamarcus russell being so good well I shot that down with his stat sheet real quick now didnt I. If there is one thing that I hate its idiots who post in forums like this acting like they know so much about sports that cant back up anything they say,so untill you can show some stats that show oakland doing anything but losing dont try to talk crap and yea here is the "real" raider bashing you were asking for
6 months ago
the only (upside) jamarcus russell has is his weight lmao
6 months ago
mike let me get this straight your dissing my grammer pissed me off some but i have no beef with ya or any other raider fan so i appologize for the post bashing you i dont want to come across as the kind of person who comes in forums looking to bash other teams and there fans cause im not i was only expressing my oppinion i appologize again if that offends you i just dont feel like oakland is ready to contend in there division not with the chargers or broncos anyway sorry to offend you or anyone else id love to talk sensable football on here with anyone and in closing happy easter everyone
6 months ago
I did not know I would upset you so bad david. You must be a closet Raider Fan to be spending so much time here. If you don't follow the team near your home town or state, I'm sorry you can't even go see your Cowgirls games in person.
6 months ago
this is david t posting under anonymous (its quicker than logging in) contrary to popular belief it was not I that posted that last jamarcus russell weight joke under the anonymous name later everyone and again happy easter
6 months ago
like i said mike chill with the dissing i have no beef with you and my home state has no nfl team so no i cant pull for my "home" team
6 months ago
im from virginia by the way and yes i know the redskins have a facility in va but i dont really count that i guess the closest team to my state would be carolina but i just dont like them much though i did used to play rec league ball with there tight end jeff king and he used to live next to me also shayne graham kicker for the bengals went to my high school pulaski county high former redskin gary clark did as well
6 months ago
DeAngelo Hall are you high?
6 months ago
Ah... David, you sure have a lot of time on your hands... Cowboy fan huh? Well I guess Al Davis was right ... Everyone wants to be a Raider, that's why you dedicate so much of your time to make tons of comments on a team that... YOU DON'T FOLLOW?!?!?!?!
What's wrong with that picture? Ahh Are you high, or a masoquist? I know the Raiders have the largest following in the whole world even now when we're not winning...
And that the Raider Nation has the largest internet presence of any NFL team bar-none. I can understand your obvious envy of this but come on dude, please... you gotta have some form of a life???
I don't know??? Maybe you should find a girl who can give you a little comfort and warmth dude, you know, a lil sum, sum...
But then again you follow CowBOYS.....(?!?!?!) So who knows what will float your boat but what ever it is bro... Make sure it entails a cigarette at the end because. I worry about guys like you...
It is a sad thing to watch... I don't know maybe you can find one of those funky, freaky deeky sites that will help you alleviate your tension coz son, cheering for cowboys sounds... Well it sounds too "Broke Back Mountain" for most of us regular folk...
I tease, I tease but really... You should look into some therapy maybe... Either that or start cheering for the Frisco 49'rs
Just remember dude... we love ya, don't ever change!!! and...
Please, don't go away mad just... GO AWAY!!!!
PS;
What do you care what happens to JaMarcus? Unless you have... JaMarcus Envy... hummmm I wonder???? LOL!!!
I'm kidding, I'm kidding... Now please... GO do your BOYS!!!!
6 months ago
Who is the idiot that said Daunte Hall????
6 months ago
Who is the idiot that said Daunte Hall????
6 months ago
Al is the man do not hate on him like the rest of the world. I have never seen him with a head set on, drop a pass, jump off side, call a bad play, miss a field goal, etc. He is a owner that strives to win. He wears Silver and Black just like I do. Raider Nation do not Hate on the one true person that stands for us all!!! RAIDERS FOR LIFE.
6 months ago
well Mr your "love" of al davis is precious i knew he walked bow legged for a reason maybe cause him and his #1 fan are so close if you know what i mean at least us fans of "real" teams actually know what we are talking about you idiot raider fans dont even know who your own team is signing for your info you traded for deangelo hall not dante hall and there isnt even a daunte hall in in the nfl unless your old sorry qb daunte culpepper and deangelo hall got together which wouldnt be surprising as messed up as your team and players are lmao
6 months ago
im no raiders fan but al davis isnt as bad as he gets made out to be daniel snyder now there is an idiot of an owner for ya trying to "buy" a championship how is that working out for ya snyder lol
6 months ago
i also notice that not only do raider fans not even know what players are on there own team but they also cant seem to figure out if they are raider fans or 49ers fans not that it matters cause both teams suck!!!
6 months ago
why aer you on this site?!!!! cowboys? so you must love that your coach/owner is so often compared to 1 of the greatest owners of all time? do you have a bo jackson jersey? do you wanna be a part of The Nation? va? why not be a redskin fan ?? ohh i know you ride bandwagons well we are REAL fans we live & die silver & black, and i disagree with the guy that wanted you to ho please stay kick back and enjoy as al brings the raiders back to glory.... and everyone knows that al is just the minority owner,wait that has to say something about his ability to lead .
and just to add to your jealousy i personally played a game @ TEXAS stadium it was fun but not as much fun as knowing that al is better than jj
6 months ago
AND FUCK THE 9ERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that comment lets me know that you dont know shit about bay area football!
6 months ago
i will pull for whatever team i choose to pull for and as for not knowing anyting about the 9ers i dont want to know anything about the 9ers cause they SUCK and by the way i wasnt the one who posted about them to begin with talk to your pal Mr. about that post he is the moron that cant seem to make up his mind if he is a raider or 49er fan also for your info i came in to simply have football critisim and chat THATS ALL and i was attacked and called a fag and so on just for coming into a raider fans chat area well guess what its a free country ill come and go as i please and if you hadnt noticed all your shit talk doesnt affect me because i can dish as well as recieve if you all want to have a legit talk about actual football without getting all torn up over not everyone in the world loving your precious raiders then lets do it if you want to make it a shit talking forum im fine with that too i can go either way but get your stories straight i did not come in to bash the raiders or there fans i was chating with fans offering oppinions on the draft and free agent signings ect no one had a problem until 1 dumb ass trys to start shit its a freakin chat forum you can say things about the cowboys and offer your oppinions as well and i am entitled to my oppinion as well there was no need to start calling someone a fag and crap like that it just shows how childish and immature people can be in forums like this and also half of the posts under the anonymous name wernt even me to begin with i just got accused of it
6 months ago
AND TO CLEAR IT UP ONCE AND FOR ALL IM NO RAIDERS FAN BUT I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THE RAIDERS OR RAIDER FANS I WAS ONLY OFFERING MY OPPINION FOR DISCUSSION THATS IT
6 months ago
wassup everybody question what team ends up with the #1 pick reportedly the phins are looking to trade down for more picks so who trades up to #1 and more importantly who do they take i hve heard three rumors concerning this i have heard that the baltimore ravens are looking to move up ahead of the falcons to ensure they can get matt ryan i have also heard that the dallas cowboys are looking to trade up and draft darren mcfadden and i have also heard that the new york jets are looking to move up because they want chris long and they feel like the rams will get him at 2 if he doesnt go # 1 has anyone else heard any rumors like this?
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