Al Davis Passes (1929-2011) - RIP
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 10:37 AM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintFooch's Note: The 49ers released several statements on Al Davis' passing. I've posted them after the jump.
As most everybody is aware at this point, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis passed away earlier today. While the Raiders and 49ers were rivals, it is still impossible not to recognize Al Davis for his importance to developing the NFL. To some he had become a bit of a punchline in recent years, but I don't think that should detract from his contributions throughout the years.
Al Davis actually has some 49ers connections as one of Bill Walsh's first coaching job was with the Raiders under Al Davis. It's a modest connection but it got Bill Walsh in the door. Davis also brought Jim Harbaugh in for his first NFL job from 2002 to 2003. LIttle connections like that are always interesting to consider.
Now that Al Davis has passed on, it will be interesting to see what happens to the Raiders. The controlling interest remains in the Davis family, but it's definitely not the same anymore. How that impacts the ownership of the franchise, the potential for a shared stadium, and numerous other issues will be intriguing to follow in the coming months and years.
RIP Al Davis.
Statement from San Francisco 49ers Owner and Co-Chairman Denise DeBartolo York
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Al Davis. One of my fondest memories of Al is a dinner we shared many years ago. During that meal, he presented my father with a very special opportunity to purchase the San Francisco 49ers. In recent years, we were pleased to spend time with Al as our guest in the Owners' Suite at Candlestick Park while our two teams met on the field. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends."
Statement from San Francisco 49ers Owner and Co-Chairman John York
"The Bay Area and NFL communities have lost a true pioneer in Al Davis. The significant contributions that he made to the game of football at every level spoke volumes about his commitment to excellence. We enjoyed working with Al at the league level on the development and growth of our game, and at the team level we appreciated the competition between the 49ers and his Raiders. Al Davis commanded great respect from those he worked alongside and all he competed against.
Statement from 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke
"Anybody who enjoys the game of football owes a tip of the cap to Al Davis. The numerous contributions that Mr. Davis made to the development and growth of the NFL played an integral role in making the game as great as it is today. Although this is a very sad day in the NFL and the Bay Area, it is a great time to reflect on what Mr. Davis has meant to this sport as well as our community."
Statement from 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
"Mr. Davis is a titan and pillar of the game. I had the pleasure and honor to know him and to work for him. And to me, he is the greatest. The autumn wind will always be a Raider."
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Like I've said twice already ...
… as a 49ers fan, Al Davis was one of the easiest figures for me to dislike in the NFL. He represents the team that I was born and bred to dislike, and a series of poor choices and somewhat ridiculous press conferences in recent history made it easy to make fun of him and I always wondered how I’d feel when he actually passed. It’s really easy, though, to figure it out, because my first reaction was, “What…?” No fun, no excitement, nothing of that nature. It is, without a doubt, a sad day for football. RIP.
And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter
by James Brady on Oct 8, 2011 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I had the same reaction.
I woke up this morning and when I read the news, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
R.I.P. Al Davis
the lane kiffen press conference
was the greatest thing he’s ever done. Going to those lengths to say “I aint payin you scumbag” is something I can always appreciate.
by salary_cap on Oct 8, 2011 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If this is just going to be more and more of this, I don't see why you don't just get off the computer and leave it be.
And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter
Yeah, totally.
And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter
I didn't dislike him
he’d become a caricature in his later years but the man may have been the single most important owner in the game of professional football. He did more to bring about positive changes in the game (especially with regards to race) than any other owner.
by smileyman on Oct 8, 2011 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, I've always respected Al Davis for the many great things he did for the game.
"Blackmail is such an ugly word. I prefer "extortion." The "X" makes it sound cool." - Bender Bending Rodriguez
Eleanor Rigby - "Greatest Song" or "The Greatest Song"?
Dobbs is some kind of Young/Smith/Roosevelt hybrid, and will absolutely ruin the NFL experience for the other 31 teams and their few fans.
I recognize that AD
has helped other NFL franchises by providing them with an easy win with a horrid team for many years. This may be the end to that gravy train
really?
you think that we as 9ers fans have any room to talk?
No I think the niners
are deserving of any flak coming. The raiders are different in the sense that they have one head of the franchise who has bee riding the coattails of his previous accomplishments for way too long. But since you broached the matter, then yeah, the niners are a model of futility in football…from the top down. They have had the worst ownership and team building since the “crew” left seemingly all at once after Eddie D.
Sadly
The few Raider fans I know are excited about this.
I would be truly embarrassed for my franchise if you were representing it on other teams blogs the way you rep’d the niners fans on S & B’s blog this morning.
Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
Archduke of PACOS.
GangGreenNation.com
by Bro Namath on Oct 8, 2011 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That just means
you have an unhealthy emotional attachment to the Jets if you feel a fan’s actions reflect the franchise. And I don’t think Al Davis is a good owner/GM is not out of bounds, nor is it inaccurate. It goes without saying that it sucks when people die.
It's just that you're coming across as gloating, or gleeful
Which is despicable and rude, even if you don’t mean to be.
by brundylop on Oct 8, 2011 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Show some respect and class
A football legend has died. Today is not the day to be pointing out the bad decisions he has made in the past. Try to reflect on all the good things he did for football.
"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." - Barney Stinson
by Haggardninja on Oct 8, 2011 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
criticizing him
When a person does there does come a time for negative critiques. I just think the issue is going about it how you did over at S&BP in a thread meant for mourning. Start a Fanpost discussing Al Davis or something like that, but I do think it is a little tasteless to unload on the guy in a thread of mourning for Raiders fans.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Plus he's probably risking his life if his address ever gets out
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
by jimisoursavior on Oct 8, 2011 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
No, it just means I'm a grown human being with empathy
and that I would hold you responsible for representing our SBN blog so poorly.
But that’s just me. I realize it has no bearing on you, your interests, or how you behave.
Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
Archduke of PACOS.
GangGreenNation.com
by Bro Namath on Oct 8, 2011 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I have empathy for a lot of things
an 80 year old quasi-billionaire is not one of them. I wish he, as all of us, could live forever. Saying that his departure is a positive thing for the Raiders, in terms of building a more reputable (and respectable) brand that includes ACTUALLY winning, is neither insensitive or disrespectful.
it is disrespectful and insensitive....
in a thread where Raiders fans are simply mourning the man. There is a time and place for critiquing him. That was not the thread.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wasn't trying to intefere with their mourning...
…I was actually trying to cheer them up by pointing out that things will only get better from here.
No you weren't.
And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter
by James Brady on Oct 8, 2011 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sometimes the best thing to do after a mistake
is just to own up and apologize.
Trying to explain your way out of this only makes you look worse.
by brundylop on Oct 8, 2011 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
comments
If you were actually trying to cheer them up, doing it in such a flippant manner was not going to succeed. And considering how loyal Raiders fans could be to Al Davis I think common sense would dictate that was not a good idea right now.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's lying
you don’t call his death “getting rid of herpes” when you try to console somebody.
by brundylop on Oct 8, 2011 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
not lieing
just facetious. Of course it was probably a “mistake” to do that. They didn’t like it, and that’s fair.
oh wow
You actually said that? Don’t offer anyone a eulogy
by mcwagner on Oct 8, 2011 11:34 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Eh, I kinda want my funeral to be not somber
Jim Henson, the Sesame Street/ Muppets guy, requested at his funeral that nobody wear black.
He also requested at the end of the funeral, for a jazz band to play a lively “Saints Go Marching In” which they did.
He was awesome to the end, and beyond.
also, having Big Bird singing a sad song at the funeral
and making everybody cry is something incredibly powerful.
:(
Oh my god, when the actors voice started cracking towards the end…
Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
Archduke of PACOS.
GangGreenNation.com
It still amazes me
how you can have a man in a giant yellow bird costume singing in a cathedral, and have it be completely appropriate and sad.
Thank you for sharing...
That was something I have never seen and it brought a tear to my eye. Henson was every bit the genius that Jobs and Al were.
by AptosNinerFan on Oct 8, 2011 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions
When I went to my coach's funeral,
he last request was that no one cry and dress in our uniforms. He was always upbeat and optimistic and didn’t want our last memory to be a sad funeral. I gotta say it’s so difficult to honor a request of happiness and optimism during a funeral. One of the saddest moments of my life.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Oct 8, 2011 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
It's insensitive if you bash the man's life work on the day he DIES
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
by jimisoursavior on Oct 8, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's very disrespectful and insensitive.
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer
KEMVP
Kempin' ain't easy
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
by mikeinsp on Oct 8, 2011 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Draft strategy
I can’t wait to see how they draft… I’m pretty sure they won’t take the guy who was the fastest 40 anymore, unless it’s a legit player.
Either way… Rip ad
by Kubes069 on Oct 8, 2011 10:55 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
@salarycap
His personel decisions are actually beginning to bear results….mcfadden, moore, mcclain, seymour…
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
there is a reply button under each comment
Helps with the flow
by mcwagner on Oct 8, 2011 10:58 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
My bad I usually use it
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
by jimisoursavior on Oct 8, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Great...
…now they can go back to LA
by ParisRoxanne on Oct 8, 2011 10:55 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
…and the A’s can tear down Mt. Davis and rebuild the grassy knoll/outfield bleachers @ the Coliseum
by ParisRoxanne on Oct 8, 2011 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll always hate jabusta russel for betraying the trust of a man
Who only asked for loyalty and hard work
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
don't think offering
his loyalty or hard work would have mattered. Russel wasn’t very good, and neither was Al’s eye for talent. Even dummy Kiffen knew drafting him was a mistake.
Super Bowls
He struggled in recent years, but historically I’d say he had a good eye for talent.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions
super bowl 2002? not a win but they were in it. russell messed them up
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Oct 8, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Are you kidding me?
The game today is all about the QB and the passing game. He picked one of the biggest arms ever and the quickest and fastest players to grace the field. They didn’t work out due to bad coaching and bad work ethics, not due to a lack of talent. If his team would have worked out, we’re talking about one of the most explosive offenses period. Al was always a risk taker, and sometimes it doesn’t pay off. He had the blue print, he had the pieces, they just let him down.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Oct 8, 2011 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's the nature of the NFL.
You go through periods when you’re winning and periods when you’re losing. Al did both. He is one of the main people for the NFL as we know it today with the merger of the AFL and NFL. People who wanna sit here and bash him on the day of his death are a disgrace to mankind.
Check out my site!! Sign up for a free account @
The Hometown Fan
And just to point out, they were in a Superbowl only eight years ago… not that it matters though to the direction this comment is being projected toward.
Check out my site!! Sign up for a free account @
The Hometown Fan
russel had talent; russel just did not give a [site decorum]
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Oct 8, 2011 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
exactly
Although you could qualify that as Russel not having the “mental talent.”
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
That's how I would classify it
He did have a titanic arm. Just he had the career model of the Titanic as well
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 8, 2011 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm a Raider hater
but you can’t deny the man’s legacy and the mark he left on the game. R.I.P Al
Coach Raye crazy man. Says Yahoo in our training camp,We Didn’t know we had Wifi,cOach Sing says he likes UpGut.com. Bish! - Anthony Dixon
What happens to Raider ownership now?
by mcwagner on Oct 8, 2011 11:02 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
son
Kawakami said his son Mark takes over.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I read that he said he doesn't want to take over the Raiders.
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer
KEMVP
Kempin' ain't easy
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
Is that donte whitner quote for real cause if so
That’s awesome lol
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
by jimisoursavior on Oct 8, 2011 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah he said it on twitter
Coach Raye crazy man. Says Yahoo in our training camp,We Didn’t know we had Wifi,cOach Sing says he likes UpGut.com. Bish! - Anthony Dixon
I hope Al haunts russel's hallucinations when he's on his purple drank
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
Rest In Peace, Al Davis
Sure, he has been at the heart of a lot of jokes around here and the NFL. He has been focused several times on the “Caption This” segment here but today is a day of mourning. Al Davis has done so much for football and was very successful for the Raiders. I tip my hat to the man, his family, and his beloved Raiders.
"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." - Barney Stinson
I know that there's alot of Raiders haters here
…but growing up in the east I never had a problem with them, my hatred is exclusively reserved for anything from that overrated bag of hot air NY
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
So I guess all the Raider Nation will be wearing black..
Oh wait they always wear black…..
Not a raider hater and certainly not a Davis fan however I think his passing will be tough for a while on the Raider fan base but in the long run will be good for the Raiders and the NFL. RIP Al…
RIP Al Davis
NFL legend.
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs this season, hopefully! :)
Was Al Davis one of the few reasons the Raiders were in Oakland?
I’m not sure if his death means the supposed move to LA became more real, especially if it’s true that his son Mark isn’t all gung ho about this.
My earliest football memory is the Catch...
…but I was an Oakland then LA Raiders fan as a child. Thanks for those memories, Al.
As a Niner fan. I just want to remind all about our own issues with ownership
Most know but few will remember the pain and anguish the Forty Niner organisation went through as a result of the Eddie D. fiasco. The team and we as fans went from the top of the hill to the bottom when the team transitioned from Eddies hands to his sisters. Even now the team is are trying to rebuild from the ashes under the the leadership of Jed. So please have a heart and give the raiders and their fan base a break.. There is a tough road ahead for them.
why remind of of something that has no relevance.
Eddie was a great owner and his daughter.son in law are cheap…far from the owner that blackouts his games to his fans and runs the team in the ground to prove a point. I agree RIP and he has a legacy that will live on forever but please let us not get into an ownership issue between the 2 because there is none.
Californa is world PVP at it's finest.
I wish we had the benefit of no salary_cap as well...
GET IT?!?! :P
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Oct 8, 2011 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
Al doesn't black out the game
The PSLs that nobody wanted to pay for kept the games from selling out so the league blacked them out within 100 miles
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 8, 2011 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
My comment was hidden? lol
Im just sticking up for good ol’ al
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
no
The previous comment was hidden and it hides every reply.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Not you.
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer
KEMVP
Kempin' ain't easy
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
Ah ok
Anyways time to take the dog for a hike! RIP AL you were the man
...and then Singletary opened His Book and it said "thou shalt NOT pass"
As a fan of football
I grew up to respect the game, and our rivals. While i do have teams that i hate, the raiders were really never one of them especially after our recent dominance over them. I reserve my hatred for the heavy hitters of the nfl. All I have to say is while their franchise is in shock at the moment they will be ok. I give my condolences to the raiders organization and RIP Al Davis
by Zintzun22niner on Oct 8, 2011 11:36 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Even BustatheRippa wouldn't have trolled something like this
Especially going to the Raiders blog to do so.
Lot of respect for Davis. Sincere commitment to fair hiring before the old men in the NFL were forced to do, doing things on his terms, his tenure in the AFL, etc. Titan of the game.
by Gitaroo_Dude on Oct 8, 2011 11:41 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm pretty sure he would have
and the only thing that would have kept him from going to the Raiders blog to troll is the 24 hour rule.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 8, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
RIP Al
I’ve always hated everything Raiders but it’s truly sad when someone like this actually dies. I wish the best for his family.
I don't know why I was so surprised to read this.
But I was. Sad day. Sad week, actually, two pioneers died. Anyway, rest in peace old Al.
Mike Shanahan's best friend died earlier this week
I don’t think he would be so tasteless the revel in another man’s death.
I don't understand why people are like that.
Just no respect at all.
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer
KEMVP
Kempin' ain't easy
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
I'd bet good money
Mike Shanahan is not smiling at his death. Let’s keep this on the high road.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Al Davis was a visionary, a game changer, and always loyal to his players.
He stuck by his players no matter what. No other owner would have given huge contracts to unproven players, stuck by failures like Russell, and fire coaches that wouldn’t work with his current team.
When you played for Davis, you knew you were going to be taken care of. Al was never shy when it came to huge extensions, whether you deserved them or not, he took care of you.
Al always stood behind his players, even when you’re a huge disappointment, he still believed in you. He stuck with Jamarcus longer than any one would have, and many would think Al was foolish and ignorant, but he was just doing what he always has been, being loyal. He believed in players when no one did, even in players who didn’t believe in themselves.
Al went as far as firing coaches who wouldn’t work with the players on the current team. When Kiffin didn’t believe in Russell, he was gone. You know why? Because Russell was a Raider and if you didn’t support a Raider, Al’s freaking Raiders, you were out. Who wouldn’t appreciate an owner like that?
Al was never about the money, he was about football. Even in his frail state, he was still trying to be involved with his team as much as possible vs. retiring and living the rest of his life in the Bajamas.
RIP Al Davis, true football fans will forever appreciate what you did for the sport. Just win, baby.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Oct 8, 2011 12:06 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
He knew who his bread and butter was
and he always treated the players as such, the very center of his existence.
Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
Archduke of PACOS.
GangGreenNation.com
Loyalty was certainly Al's greatest strength
Players liked him — at least the one Al liked, and showed with his wallet — and they had good reasons to like him. Al was a very decent man to those in the organization who were loyal in return.
But the reasons you cite really are precursors to sustained futility rather than a commitment to success.
No other owner would have given huge contracts to unproven players, stuck by failures like Russell, and fire coaches that wouldn’t work with his current team
There are good reasons owners don’t give huge contracts to unproven players (except the NFL draft, which is mandated) — doing so often enough leads to salary cap issues and sustained mediocrity. Giving $$$ to undeserving players is not an asset, it is a flaw and business suicide.
And all owners fire head coaches that don’t produce (too many and too often, in my view)
Al was never shy when it came to huge extensions, whether you deserved them or not, he took care of you
Why is this a good quality to have in an owner? So if Al likes you, whether you can play or not, you were going to get paid. Bad business that leads to bad teams.
even when you’re a huge disappointment, he still believed in you
This trait does not bode well for anyone in any profession. Believing in someone who has not provided adequate reasons to be believed in. Hmmm….this is, again, part of AD and the Raiders downfall, not something to be used to commemorate him with.
He stuck with Jamarcus longer than any one would have, and many would think Al was foolish and ignorant, but he was just doing what he always has been, being loyal
I don’t think 3 years is a long time, but how did drafting him, and then sticking with him, turn out? Again, saying this is not a compliment; it almost seems like you are trying to bash him unintentionally. Al was foolish and ignorant, and he admitted so in so many words when he cut him. I give him credit for only wasting 3 years as opposed to the 7 and counting the niner org. has given AS.
When Kiffin didn’t believe in Russell, he was gone
Ummm, that’s not why Kiffen was fired. Kiffen NEVER believed in Russell. AD admitted Kiffen urged him not to draft JM. He fired Kiffen for insubordination and a sense that he was sabatoging the Raiders in order to get fired and collect his pay. As I said earlier, firing Kiffen in the way AD did was awesome.
Even in his frail state, he was still trying to be involved with his team as much as possible vs. retiring and living the rest of his life in the Bajamas
Yes, at the expense of the franchise’s success.
Salary_Cap, you are not understanding the bigger picture here.
We are not evaluating the success or failures of the Raiders, period. Can you grasp that concept? We are reflecting upon the life of a very important football figure and simply mourning the loss of a life. That is why people are upset when you posts things such as “herpes face” and “it’s good for the Raiders.” Just for a second, put down your statistics and all that, we are simply reflecting on Al’s life and his passion. Then you can understand my post instead of nit picking at it and trying to stir a debate. Because I will not debate with you, I’m am enjoying what Al Davis has done for football and that is all my friend. He was a great football figure, no one can or will ever take that away from him.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Oct 8, 2011 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
obvious troll is obvious
Coach Raye crazy man. Says Yahoo in our training camp,We Didn’t know we had Wifi,cOach Sing says he likes UpGut.com. Bish! - Anthony Dixon
by 49erLou on Oct 8, 2011 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's been doing it for months now
His comments here make a lot of what he’s said in the past much clearer to me…
by Virginia9er on Oct 8, 2011 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dee Bag Alert!
Dee Bag Alert!
Dee Bag Alert!
by mr. instigator on Oct 8, 2011 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
please stop
I disagree with the way he responded, but this is not any better.
by David Fucillo on Oct 8, 2011 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions
One could also argue
that nobody was a bigger fan of the game of football.
Justin Smith is something else. 100% Effort! 100% Class!
"I was just running toward the ball," Smith said. "The guys in front of him were making him slow up a little bit. I just went for the ball and, luckily, it was there."
Condolences to the Davis Family and the Raiders Organization including their fans.
You could say bad about him but he did have a long lineage of milestones in Professional Football.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Oct 8, 2011 12:46 PM PDT reply actions
It's so weird how suddenly the present is eclipsed by the past whenever someone passes away
He has been a thorn in the side of Raider fans for a decade now, but today all I can think is how he started as a player and worked his way through coaching, managing, and even as commisioner of the league until he finally managed to own his team.
His Raiders were great, maybe the greatest of all teams, when he first took over. His legacy may have been tarnished by his stubborness, but in the whole he was pretty damn accomplished.
Rest in Peace.
Play to Win!
Justin Smith is my new hero.
I'd say his stubborness IS part of his legacy.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Oct 8, 2011 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Big Al
no one else would bring in the misfits and castoffs like al “and make it work!”
You missed an even more important connection between the 49ers and Davis
It was Al Davis who brokered the sell of the 49er franchise to the DeBartolo family. He acted as the go-between.
Didn't know that one Smiley.
Thanks
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 8, 2011 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Denise DeBartolo remembers
that evening in her statement on Al Davis. John York, Trent Baalke, and Coach Harbaugh also released statements. Harbaugh’s is poignant and poetic.
A bit of both.
But not intended to be mean spirited.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 8, 2011 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I know every fan base has them
But I always felt like most of the members here were fairly intelligent and classy.
Frankly, I’m embarrassed by some of what I’m seeing from a select few…
by Virginia9er on Oct 8, 2011 3:06 PM PDT reply actions 8 recs
Agreed.
"Blackmail is such an ugly word. I prefer "extortion." The "X" makes it sound cool." - Bender Bending Rodriguez
Eleanor Rigby - "Greatest Song" or "The Greatest Song"?
Dobbs is some kind of Young/Smith/Roosevelt hybrid, and will absolutely ruin the NFL experience for the other 31 teams and their few fans.
+1,000000000
Coach Raye crazy man. Says Yahoo in our training camp,We Didn’t know we had Wifi,cOach Sing says he likes UpGut.com. Bish! - Anthony Dixon
Bill Walsh and Al Davis can go at it in the heavens!
Much respect Mr. Al Davis RIP
by senero on Oct 8, 2011 3:17 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Al Davis is a legend
R.I.P., his team was just turning the corner. Its sad he didn’t a little more time to enjoy it.
He was a legend. Brought the deep passing game back into style. Made the AFL a brand worth watching. Gave opportunities to minorities at the player, coaching and organization level before anyone else. Pioneered the ideas of speed, physical specimen, aging vet with 2 years left and giving 2nd chances to players with character issues. A lot of concepts that makes the NFL and such a wild ride to watch.
by bignerd on Oct 8, 2011 4:18 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Not only that he basically forced the merger of the AFL and the NFL
Pete Rozelle was scared to death of what Al Davis could do with the AFL if left as a separate league. Because of Al Davis he met with the other owners in the AFL to merge the two leagues into the NFL and stop the competition over college players.
by smileyman on Oct 8, 2011 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Al Davis jokes
were only funny because his eddgy choices worked sometimes. Davis had as much failure as he had success, but I think no one can dispute that he was an innovator, and the game of football was better because of his efforts.
RIP Al Davis, and I’m sure that the angel that escorts you to NFL heaven runs the 40 in 4.3 seconds
In Al's heaven it flys a 3.4
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 9, 2011 4:26 AM PDT up reply actions
RIP Al Davis
although he has been making some questionable moves for the past 5-7 years, his legacy will be known for his commitment to the NFL and the earlier years of the Raiders dynasty.
Not to be mean or anything, or be offensive, BUT I am sure Hue is relieved, now that he doesn’t have someone hunching over his back.
EIP Al Davis
Sure we poked fun of the kinda loony way he ran the Ray-Duhz the last 10 years or so. But that should not detract at ALL from the numerous things Al did for the game of Football. The NFL benefited from the presence of Al Davis. How many owners can you really say that about? Many saw him as a character, but I always viewed him with the perspective of time and accomplishments. Let’s show respect where it is rightly deserved. I still dont like the Ray-DUHZ, and will most likely never like them. But Davis transcended the ownership of one team. He WAS the NFL for many years in the 70’s and early 80’s. Rest in Peace Al. He just wanted to win baby.
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
As a lifelong Niner fan and Raider hater...
I hope the Raiders destroy the Texans tomorrow and go on to have a great year. Al, like most mavericks was an enigma. Mostly good, some bad and fascinating to the end. R.I.P. Mr. Davis.
Maybe
They’ll stop drafting track stars and actually draft football players now
by MarineVet49erFan on Oct 9, 2011 12:12 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Reflecting on the Raiders
after the passing of Al Davis. You can read my thoughts on my blog:
http://gallorganico.blogspot.com/2011/10/ten-on-tenth-memories-of-oakland.html
HMB Gamer Babe
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