Raiders Respect...does It Exist Today?

Optimism is at an all time high for Raider fans this off season. Back to back wins to close out the '08 season, rare offensive production, sustained touchdown drives and clock management. Defensive pressure from the edge, Special teams touchdowns, and young WR's and RB's that are making plays. While these things that have been listed are sure signs of positive things to come in '09 and beyond, it's the things that have become an off season ritual in Oakland that have truly made the difference for this once proud franchise.

The yearly Head Coaching search. The high priced FA signings of players that have been casted aside by other teams for character issues. The continued dictatorship that is Al Davis and his memory of the good 'ole days. And last on my list, but first on the list of importance, the absolute lack of respect for the franchise and the effect if has had on the current teams players, prospective players and those highly sought after coaches and GM's that keep themselves away from the Bay area every off season.

I often wonder to myself...what if. What if the Raiders had respect from the current executives, coaches and players in the league. Perhaps they would actually get to choose from the "A" pool of available candidates. Perhaps they could make a FA signing that was based on the desire to be apart of change, winning and the history of success. But the lack of respect has made the available choices for the future, another teams cast off from the past.

Mr. Davis, I respect you for what you have done. I respect you for who you are. But my respect for you and the Oakland Raiders is at an all time low. I am not a writer, I am not in the press. I am a fan. I am a supporter. I am on your side. But your side seems to be filled with a pride and a selfishness that has been detrimental to this once proud franchise. Please let go. Hire a GM. Sit in your Luxury Suite on Sundays and watch like the rest of us. Allow those that can make a difference, make a difference. We need coaching consistency, we need the players to be confidant. We need respect. The 70's and 80's are gone. Times have changed. You need to change with those times. The clock is ticking...