Raider Nation Is Caught In The Middle of a Messy Breakup

It's happened to all of us; you're friends with two people in a relationship, and when the relationship ends, things get weird.  Such is the case between the Raiders and Rich Gannon. 

Recently, Raiders official John Herrera stated that former Raider turned broadcaster/analyst Rich Gannon was not welcome in Oakland, or at least on Raiders' property.  Herrera stated ""Rich Gannon is not welcome here.  We told CBS we did not want him in our building."  This reportedly stemmed from comments Gannon has made in the past criticizing the way the Raiders have handled the organization.  While the Raiders will reportedly not pursue their desire for Gannon to be banned, the damage is done.

One particuarly acidic remark from Herrera was when he was discussing Gannon's Super Bowl performance, one of the worst in Super Bowl history.  Said Herrera, "[Gannon] seems to be a guy who can't get over the fact that he played the worst Super Bowl game in the history of the game and he wants to blame everybody but himself."

Ouch.

Some Raiders fans may agree with Herrera.  Some feel Gannon has turned his back on the organization that allowed him to shine, and gave him a chance to start late in his career.  I still remember Gannon as the quarterback who defied everyone, becoming one of the most unlikely NFL MVPs in history.   Gannon's abilities on the field led the Raiders to three straight AFC West titles and a Super Bowl appearance.  After Gannon's career ended, he tried his luck at commentating.

Personally, I do agree with Herrera that Gannon's recommendation to "blow up the building and start over" is a little harsh.  But for Herrera to bring up 9/11 in response is clearly overdoing it.  Rich Gannon works for CBS now.  He does not work for the Raiders.  He has the right to offer his opinions.  It's unfortunate we're at the point now where he says what he says, but is it due to Gannon's bitterness, or the Raiders' inability to produce a winning season in six years?  Maybe both?

Here we are, Raider Nation.  We may not want to be in the middle of this, but we are.  Like any relationship, you can do one of three things; side with one, side with the other, or try to ignore both of them.  As much as I respect Mr. Davis, and as much as I respect Rich Gannon, right now I'd personally prefer to ignore the whole thing and watch some Raider football.  Isn't that what it's all about?