Oakland Raiders: Marvin Gaye Would Ask, "What's Going On?"

Hear the song

What's going on, my brothers? What's happening, Oakland Raiders?

Don't worry, I still believe in you, but I am concerned. I repeat, I still believe in you.

Where is that drive or force we had?

When I was teaching in Harlem, New York between 1967 to 1971, our team was strong and fierce on the football field.

Is it that this generation of well-bred, well-fed athletes have lost that drive, fierceness, and force to wedge through to victory?

Well, guess what? It is recoverable. It is attainable. You can do it.

I was the young woman who is now a grandmother, who dressed in my fox coat, boots, mini-dress. I caught the train to Shea Stadium and personally witnessed the Oakland Raiders win a game in the last eight seconds. It was December 1970.

Of course, one of the players was reportedly feared and, and he and the team turned it around. He had a look in his eye. He feared no NFL player, rather they feared him. His quarterback was Daryl Lamonica. Do you remember those days and those videos?

So, these hard playing, fast running, football grabbing brothers are senior citizens now, and they are looking at you.

Come on now, restore our heritage. And tell us the truth, "What's happening, brothers?"

Tell us now, before our next game!

I am outta here.