Al Davis RIP
Oct. 8th, 2011 08:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sdelmonteJust taking a moment to note the passing of the controversial, often innovative, usually entertaining owner of the Oakland/LA/Oakland Raiders, Al Davis. Here was a man who infuriated many, who butted heads with players and coaches and other owners and various commissioners, and who never, ever did things the way everyone else did. Sometimes it didn't get him anywhere, but sometimes it got him Super Bowl rings.
I don't think I would have necessarily liked him if I rooted for the Raiders. And I know that the Raiders were sometimes the kind of team you had to root against if you didn't care for teams that bent the rules. But Davis was one of a kind, someone who did things his way, did a lot of really interesting things as an coach and general manager and owner and even as a commissioner (of the AFL, which merged with the NFL under his watch). And he was never dull. His presence will be missed. Even if more than a few owners might be relieved that he won't be the lone vote against everything the NFL does.
I wonder if the Raiders will go out there tomorrow (and the rest of the season) and, as Davis liked to say, "just win, baby."
I don't think I would have necessarily liked him if I rooted for the Raiders. And I know that the Raiders were sometimes the kind of team you had to root against if you didn't care for teams that bent the rules. But Davis was one of a kind, someone who did things his way, did a lot of really interesting things as an coach and general manager and owner and even as a commissioner (of the AFL, which merged with the NFL under his watch). And he was never dull. His presence will be missed. Even if more than a few owners might be relieved that he won't be the lone vote against everything the NFL does.
I wonder if the Raiders will go out there tomorrow (and the rest of the season) and, as Davis liked to say, "just win, baby."
