Can a Changed Model Increase the Oakland Raiders' Stability?

Foreword

Sunday morning, Oakland, Calif., was on the news because of the protesting that some say stems from economic and social inequities around the United States. A more entertaining event was also televised Sunday morning, showing riders on motorcycles going up and down and all around O.co Coliseum. The announcers bragged about the Coliseum being the home of the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland Athletics.

I wondered, "Why would anyone want to move the Oakland Raiders from Oakland?" Certainly the area needs some type of economic stimulus to help move it forward and help the Oakland Raiders become more stable.

Since the franchise and team are being overhauled, it makes sense to examine some other issues that may help to improve the situation with the Oakland Raiders in Oakland.

The proposal

Everyone seems to be impressed with the background and experiences of Reggie McKenzie, a former Green Bay Packers executive. If you look at the Packers' model holistically, you realize that the drive and inspiration to win may be coming from the unique design of the team and franchise. The structure of the Packers' franchise may be more appropriate for these economic times.

When you, a fan, buy a share to become an "owner" of the Packers, you get a letter with the stock certificate. It reads:

"Thank you for your recent purchase of stock in the Green Bay Packers. You can now say you are an NFL owner, and your ownership of the Packers is the ultimate in fan support."

It continues:

"Your ownership in the Packers will help the organization build upon the success of the 2003 redevelopment of Lambeau Field. The stock sale will help fund an expansion project that will further enhance the excellent gameday experience for our team and our fans, as well as strengthen our financial future. With that financial strength, we will continue to have the resources to field a championship-caliber team."

Now, you as a Raiders fan, must fill in the blanks and you should consider replacing the Packers name with the Raiders name.

If the import and employment of McKenzie helps to revamp the team and its spirit, why not establish a proposal to let that revamping ripple down to the fans by redesigning the structure for long-term benefits and stability?

At present, the ownership is transferred to Mark Davis and the widow of Al Davis.

What happens if one of the present owners is "no more"?

Will the franchise be secure or will other alternatives be examined?

It's clear that the decision has been made to infuse some of the ideas and some of the aspects of the franchise into the Oakland Raiders. Will the personnel changes be enough to sustain the franchise in the long run?

During these economic times, a Band-Aid fix is not enough. I hereby propose that the very structure of the franchise needs to be altered to guarantee the type of character and consistency that is direly needed for the Oakland Raiders to reclaim their glory in the 21st century.

I will end with a Mark H. Murphy quote:

"With that financial strength, we will continue to have the resources to field a championship-caliber team."

I think you will agree that Raider Nation wants "a championship-caliber team." Hence, shouldn't there be more discussion of the issues related to accomplishing "a championship-caliber team"?

Yes, someone said that the NFL may have guidelines to prohibit a change in structure similar to that of the Packers. If so, revamp those rules and the related legislation as well.

Again, since so much is changing, why not consider this proposal for change?