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After completing the DeAngelo Hall trade and resigning their Exclusive Rights Free Agents, the Raiders weren't expected to make anymore headlines until draft day nears...

Oakland Raiders News: None, But The Media Will Find Something

by Rob Calonge (Analyst)

40

4,035 reads

Sports

March 24, 2008


After completing the DeAngelo Hall trade and resigning their Exclusive Rights Free Agents, the Raiders weren't expected to make anymore headlines until draft day nears.  With the tradition of silence that surrounds the franchise, Raider Nation will have slim pickings when it comes to the daily news cycle right?  Don't count on it.

Over the past week, I've read dozens of posts, blogs, and fellow BR writers' articles detailing the false, and in many cases irresponsible, reporting of the Raiders.  Although I don't necessarily feel that this is only commonplace with the Raiders, one only needs to enter the realm of political reporting to see that, I can't completely rule out that it's not conspiratorial to some demented respect.

Out here on the west coast, it's common for ALL fans to resent the reporting and slights perceived by the nations' leader in sports, BSPN...uh, err, ESPN.  Sorry east coasters, you're going to have to take my word for it when it comes to east coast bias.  It exists, even BSPN acknowledges it from time to time.  What you may not know, unless you live in the Bay Area, is that there is a very real bias against not only the Raiders, but the A's too by the local media.

Let's go back to my original premise about the news cycle.  Today, the only news to come out of Oakland is the signing of QB Erik Meyer.  Who?  Yeah, that's what I thought too, but they do need more than two to start the season.  So, I guess you think I got that tidbit from the local newswire right?  That's where I should've gotten it, but instead I got it from the Oakland Raiders website, under 'transactions'.

While going to my favorite Raider sites to get my fill of Raiders News, I came across an article written by the infamous Raider Hater himself, Monte Pool of Inside Bay Area.  The title of the article was, Silence from Raiders is Deafening.  So what's the story?  Here's part of it:

Speaking of DeAngelo Hall -

"Through his first four days as a Raider, the 24-year-old cornerback has seen the halls of the Alameda facility and parts of the Bay Area but spent not a minute conveying his joy to the general public.

Which might have something to do with the live grenade that is Lane Kiffin's status."

So, for Three Card Monte the story is how the Raiders didn't have a press conference for Hall and as you can see, he's back on the Lane Kiffin is getting fired bandwagon.  This is what infuriates Raider Nation.  Stories that pound the Raiders with no quotes, no proof, and usually no facts.  Don't believe me?  Read this quote from his 'story'.

"Kiffin has been mute about the Great Gear flap, wherein he opted not to wear his customary Raiders attire while coaching at the Super Bowl.

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40 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    You are right on. Keep telling it like it is.
    Gho Raiders

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  2. Ricky T about 1 year ago

    Exposed by the truth. I love it.

    If you keep writing like this everyone I know will be tuning into this instead that crap for news they call ESPN. They really should replace the entire ESPN crew due to their lack of integrity. What ever happened to honstly reporting the news as it happens? Maybe the honesty is being replaced with favoritism.

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    • Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago

      You do know you are talking about BSPN. The official "Raider Haters" website. We over payed for this player or why did the Raiders do this? Blah, blah, blah. It is sickening. I agree with you though.

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  3. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Damn! Thanks for telling the truth

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  4. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    I think a lot of it has to do with the concept of 'favoritism' which Ricky described. No doubt, the media enjoys the favorites game. Maybe you should 'leak' a story to BSPN saying the Raiders have opted to sign Tom Hanks to the secondary to replace Asomugha. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if that aired.

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  5. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Rob,

    NICE!!!!

    But that's why we are Raider fans. 31 teams in the NFL and then theres the RAIDER.

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  6. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Buddy you nailed it right on the head! ESPN is to sports , like what KFC is to Chicken ! Chris Mortenson is a complete fool who will spin anything to make himself look credible. My favorite quotes being, " Unnamed sources", or " Insider information". Last year the media hounds were harping how Jamarcus Russle was a " no brainer pick" and a bonafide franchise QB. This year it seems they want to bash it. When the Raiders manage to pull themselves out of this hole they have been in the last 6years the Media will be all over the bandwagon beating their drums and yelling through megaphones! I have posted opinions on this blog at least 5 times because it seems that this is the only place I have seen where the reporting is done in unbiased manner. I may not agree with everything that is written, but at least what I have read is credible and worthwhile. In less than a year I have witnessed a bandwagon for the New England Patriots being the greatest team ever, to a team in transition. Now the media want to jump on the New York Giant parade float ! As for the imfamous Raider hater himself Monte Poole I take his articles with a grain of salt, because its nothing but trash talk and pure garbage. It is easy to bash on a team that is digging itself out of a deep hole. Al Davis has been making alot of power moves in the offseason to get the Raiders back on track , and when it happens Monte can sit an obsess about it. The best revenge is success, and its a dish that is best served cold, so Al can get his ladle out and serve up some BS that the media has unfairly been making Raider Nation eat the last 6 years!

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  7. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Monte Poole is a man with teenie, tiny genitalia. Every article he has ever written about the raiders has cheap shot after cheap shot. As soon as i see his name i don't even bother reading the article. He is the Ann Coulter of sports writers. He is like a scorned woman.

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  8. The_KRAKEN about 1 year ago

    teenie, tiny genitalia <--------------- Now Thats Funny !!

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  9. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    It is good too see Raider Nation come out and support their team when its easier to hide. The Raiders will rebuild and be a force. The Media does not want to see that happen so they will continue planting seeds and continue misinforming all of the facts. In the end all that matter is wins and losses and I firmly believe that Al Davis is trying extremely hard to field a team that will be a contender. With any solid foundation you need a good cornerstone. I can't wait to see the media eat their words, because I believe we are closer to being a contender than what they want to give the Silver and Black credit for.

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  10. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    I've been waiting to read something like this. Rob Calonge you should ask for a raise. Thank you for being hungry for the truth.

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  11. Raider Revenge Payback about 1 year ago

    Rob this is my first time on this site and your article made me decide to become a member. Thanks again. looking forward to reading your stuff.

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  12. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    The local media should be ashamed of how they hurt the home team. Maybe the team would have some more support if they didn't take everything and spin it negative. All for what? Because Al won't give them a quote? He moved to LA? Get over it.

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  13. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    teenie, tiny genitalia <--------------- Now Thats True!

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  14. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    teenie, tiny genitalia <--------------- Now Thats True!

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  15. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    is there an echo in here?

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  1. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Hey Rob, I'm a daily reader constantly searching for good blogs on my beloved Raiders, as of now i only trust you and Jerry on the raider news. I love what you do, keep reporting "THE FACTS" and i will support your efforts, thanks

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    • Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago

      Whoa, wait a minute you trust Jerry? He is not a Raider fan and throws Lane under the bus? He is good, but be objective about him.

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  2. Clay Noble about 1 year ago

    Thanx Rob, your articles are a breathe of fresh air for us Raider fans. With all the negativity we get from these media outlets it boggles my mind that more of us positive and realistic fans dont stand up and shout about how espn is. Stop giving me your east coast bull and just report the news. How did there opinion get more important than the facts anyway. And while im on the subject who made them experts???? Rob youve been on fire lately, keep up the good work.

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  3. Jeff Little about 1 year ago

    Good read, Rob. I agree with your take and yes it happens far too often it is annoying and a waste of their time.

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  4. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    dont worry raider fans your due a break in the action san fran will be getting the media attention now all you will hear is about the penalty for talking to briggs being to harsh yada yada yada so on and so forth

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  5. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    ive been seeing so much crap about deangelo hall well raider fans let me explain to you what exactly your going to get from him he is a great player no doubting that but he is also a diva if you dont start winning he will turn on you all just as fast as he turned on the falcons and he will start crying wanting out and if you think this is "false media reporting" just go ask anyone from atlantas front office

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  6. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    I love Raider Haters, because they amuse me, they Hate because they fear, and they fear because soon Raider Nation will be back dominating and setting world order straight. Deangelo Hall was a great pick up for us and yes he was expensive, but I guarantee you he will make his presense known out on the field. Yes the Niner fans like to put their 2cents worth in but thats all its worth. It is still damned nice to know that the RAIDERS were the first Bay Area team to bring the Lombardi home and not the THEM. Truth hurts and in the end so does wins and losses thats what matters most. The Silver and Black are closer to becoming a contender than what the media wants to give them credit for. All of the negative writing and rumor mills have no merit whatsoever, so watch when the Raiders DO turn it around the bandwaggoning will start soon therafter. I hope Raider Nation is wise and kick the teeth out of all the non believers

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    • Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago

      I agree. ^^^^

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    • Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago

      Mike49er, didn't your team go over the salary cap to win most of those Super Bowls? You are a typical 49er fan. When was the last time your team went to the Super Bowl? Gasp, the Raiders did in 2003. Next. Drivel man.

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    • Divya Parmar about 1 year ago

      We fear the Raiders? Are you kidding me?

      Nobody fears 4-12 teams. Al is losing his sanity.

      The Raiders franchise is in turmoil. We feel sorry for Raider fans more than we fear them.

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  7. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    I hate when espn reports lies about are raiders, but what kills me is when some raider fans believe it. great read.

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  8. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    DUDE !! this is one of the best articles i have read about the RAIDERS in a long time. keep it up!

    WE ARE THE RAIDER NATION!
    WE BLEED SILVER & BLACK!

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  9. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    DUDE !! this is one of the best articles i have read about the RAIDERS in a long time. keep it up!

    WE ARE THE RAIDER NATION!
    WE BLEED SILVER & BLACK!

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  10. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    It's not just the west coast that sees the bias that BSPN holds. People from the central part of the country have also noticed. Once, ESPN was a good sport source, but now they've become too big and self-righteous to actually bother with little things like facts or opinions outside of New England.

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  11. Alan Grande about 1 year ago

    Thanks for your perspective. Great read, and agree with you whole-heartedly !

    RAIDER NATION
    Win, lose or tie.....Raider 'til I die !

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  12. Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago

    Great article. Keep up the Raider work man. Go Al and Lane. I'm in. Raider Nation baby!!!

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  13. John Fennelly about 1 year ago

    Nice article, Rob. Let me interject a little reality into this situation.

    The reason why the media gets the Raiders wrong more often than not is because the team does not accommodate them. There is never any 'official word' coming from the Raiders front office.

    So. reporters have to speculate on what is going inside that clandestine 'inner circle".

    Go to Raiders.com and try to find an official statement on anything from anyone in the front office.
    You won't.

    Then to the 'front office' page and tell me who you would call for an interview to get football information.
    You can't.

    Who's the GM? Who's the Director of Player Personnel?
    Who is the media person?

    The mainstream media has given up trying to deal with this franchise, so that may explain the massive blogging and posts about the Raiders on sites like this....and none of them are objective
    Until now.

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  14. Raider Revenge Payback about 1 year ago

    "The Hot Wind" The Hot Wind is a mediot Blustering in from the pressroom. With a rumoring song he sweeps along swaggering boisterously. His face is rumor beaten. He swears by a hooded source. With his silver pen about his ear. And a bristly black printed storyboard. He growls as he writes his fable. A liar big and bold. And the readers all shake and quiver and quake. As he robs them of their hope. The hot wind is a mediot. Lying just for fun. He'll knock you 'round and upside down. And laugh when he's confused the facts with fiction.

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  15. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    LOl..damned Niner fans wanting to bash on us living in the past.well The Raiders did appear in a SuperBowl in the Last decade and did manage to win 3 straight AFC West titles..what have the Niners done ? ..Squat.. we are on our way back..watch..heed.. listen..never mind on the listening you do little of that, so screw yaz.. Raiders have owned the Bay since 1963 so get used to it.

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