Silver and Black Pride's Sunday Community Poll: The Al Davis Ownership
by TheRaiderWay on May 17, 2009 3:25 AM PDT
26 comments
Al Davis throughout his life has always done things his way - the Al Davis way. Though to many, he remains an enigma, no one can question his devout love for his team, the Oakland Raiders. For Al Davis, life begins and ends with the Raiders, with everything else being in between.
This past week, Al Davis was once again in the news though not by his doing. There was the bizarre and even obscure statement by Tim Brown during a radio interview that has already been well blogged on this site, so I won't go into that again.
What I will go into and is the subject of this Sunday's poll, is the recent story published by SI.com, ranking the NFL's Best & Worst Owners.
Here is the criteria that SI.com claims to use in their rankings:
Among the criteria used to evaluate owners was the willingness to spend money to improve the team; the stability and capabilities of the front office and management; the amenities at the team's venue; and the club's culture and interactivity with fans. Of course, weighing heavily in the decision was the team's success or failure on the field. (Note: Records are through 2008 season.)
Now, were it not for the ranking of Al Davis dead last, as the worst owner in the NFL, I probably would have just ignored the whole thing. We all know about the hating on the Raider organization that is out there, but it many times comes from the likes of ESPN. This SI.com piece, lacks all form of credibility, especially when you apply their own criteria. To be objective and keep your fandom aside, there really is no credible way that you can rank any one of: William Clay Ford, (the proud owner of the NFL's first 0-16 team), Dan Snyder, Mike Brown or Denise DeBartolo York as better owners than Al Davis. This is simply an indictment of SI.com's integrity.
This week's poll will ask you to vote where you objectively believe Al Davis should rank as the owner of the Raiders. When selecting, use the same criteria as SI.com supposedly has, except consider Al Davis' entire lifespan as the owner of the Raiders, not just the last 6 years.
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Too bad they're not judging on entertainment value because he would be number 1!!!!
No body spins and does pressers like Allll!!! Keep on living and losing, Baby!!!!
by Bacon on May 17, 2009 6:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s tough, you know? I can’t really vote on the poll. I mean, we’ve had six straight seasons of at least 11 losses and in four of those years, it was at least 12 losses. In recent years, he’s been the worst. Overall, looking back on history, he’s one of the greatest owners of all time. He hired minorities and changed the game in that respect as well as his commitment to excellence.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 17, 2009 9:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
top 5 NFL owner of all time
Because up until our recent struggles, we were a top 5 franchise in terms of winning, we’re a multiple Super Bowl winner, and we fielded competitive teams across 4 decades. Can’t do that without a good head at the top.
"..what you mean? I'm a legend like Kareem!"
by CommittedToExcellence on May 17, 2009 9:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
bottom
were not talking all time but now so he is the worst
ME8 for MVP
by NH101 on May 17, 2009 10:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Mr. Davis
As an owner I look at 2 owners in the NFL as the most important in the leagues development and history. Al Davis and Lamar Hunt have had more impact than then probably any other 2 owners. You may not agree with Mr. Davis but he helped innovate the game in so many facets. Watch the John Madden road to the Hall Of Fame. Mini camps… the Raiders started that… The evolution of the punter… Hiring minorities…. just to name a few.
Mr. Davis had made mistakes but who hasn’t? I love the fact that he wants to win! That is the single most important thing to him. He wants to do it his way… it’s his team that is well with in his rights as an owner. He has taken more risks than any other owner. Isn’t that part of being a rebel?
Some time the middle finger means we are number one! Love him or hate you you can’t deny his place in history…
by samiam2112 on May 17, 2009 11:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
None of those owners have more swagger than Al!
I hate it when these writers try to bash our Raiders,let alone Al!Worst owner,yeah right.What other teams owner is acting GM?What other teams owner can make a decision on their own?Who’s been more willing to give players second chances,take bigger chances,or all out shock the world than Mr.Al Davis?!Minorites,check.Crossover athletes,check.Former inmates,check.He’ll keep going till his casket is nailed shut,and even then you might want to put a stake in his heart to be sure!Personally,i love the man!The Raiders are his baby and he try’s to spoil them!Who cares about losing records?!!Its about championships,and we have alot more than most teams have made playoffs! And the way the NFL is set up now,No team can be a team-of-the-decade anymore,its set up so losing teams can get the best talent first.Look at the Cardinals!Who would have guessed to see them in the big game last year besides a few diehard Arizona natives?!!Our time is coming,Al knows it,I know it,and now the haters do too! O-line for ’09!
by LaRaider on May 17, 2009 11:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just Look at the Record
Oakland has won 1 of ever 4 games since the Super Bowl loss to Gruden. That’s a .250 winning percentage. That’s unforgiveable for an NFL franchise. A MLB player would be run out of the league for having a batting averave that low.
For those who see things backwards and like looking that way for Raider Joy, that’s a .750 losing percentage.
I’m 46 and have been a fan for as long as I can remember. But I can’t even being myself to refer to any of the Oakland teams since the last Super Bowl appearance as “Raiders”. What Oakland fans have been forced to watch is embarrassing. I’m a financial advisor. When client’s show they no longer have control of their faculties and as an advisor you begin to question their judgements, you have a meeting with the heirs and discuss what succession plans are in place. If a Successor Trustee is in place, you have the the tough discussion. That’s what the regulators require. Otherwise, the advisor is held accountable should the owner make decisions that drive the portfolio’s value to nothingness.
No regulators here…And no suprise that Oakland is 75% of the way to achieving ABSOLUTE NOTHINGNESS. How many 80 year old NFL owners have called all of the shots and were successful? It’s time for a change. Rip me if you will…and I know you will, but you can’t be happy either with the total mismanagement that has been occurring for years now in a league where teams go from 4-12 to winning the SB within 2 years.
by SDSUAzpire on May 17, 2009 11:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and what
will you say if (when) we have a wining record this season ? I am happy with where we are at at this moment, maybe I’m being naive.
by oc_raider on May 17, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what will YOU SAY when you wake up from your dream?
A winning season? With no pass rush? No strong side LB? A Suspect secondary aside from Nnamdi? An overweight, undisciplined JaMarcus Russell? Stop drinking the Kool-Aid and have some strong coffee in order to WAKE-UP!
I’m a fan, but I’m TIRED of the BS that Al shoving down our throats. I used to swallow it until the end of last season. I’ll starve until I see Al Davis draft like he has has some sense and stop over paying for free agent has beens. I’m spending my time on college football. At least there is some accountability there. That word doesn’t exist in Al’s World.
by SDSUAzpire on May 17, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I expect to win this season
just like AL !!! He has been F’ing up, but I like how were looking. We will atleast be back to .500.
by oc_raider on May 18, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't agree more with this comment
But I can’t even being myself to refer to any of the Oakland teams since the last Super Bowl appearance as "Raiders".
I’m about the same age as you. With a few exceptions, none of today’s team deserves to wear the same uniform as the guys I grew up watching.
"Until Holiday comes around, I will refer to him as Coors Light." Ak_A
by doctorK on May 17, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The poll itself does not make sense to me
Al Davis has been an owner longer then any current I believe, could be wrong but who or what exactly are we comparing him to and what is the measurement.
Davis has put up more HOF then say Dan Snyder
Dan Snyder has won more games the last 6 seasons then Mr. Davis
Mr. Davis has won more games as Owner then the Colts Owner
I just don’t understand the comparison.
But I can say this no owner is more responsible for the current state of the NFL then Mr,. Davis.
"I need a couple A's for Q's, I'm not an Asshole I'm just a little confused"
-Aesop Rock
by DarthDavis on May 17, 2009 1:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The poll
asks the readers to vote based on the criteria that SI.com apparently used, which is highlighted in the block quote in the main post. The only difference was that I asked the readers to consider Al Davis’ entire duration as an NFL owner. Something that the SI.com criteria states that they would do, but could not possibly have done, if they are ranking Al Davis dead last and especially behind William Clay Ford, who has not won anything. Because of that result, purportedly utilizing their own criteria, the SI.com rankings are a sham.
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on May 17, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
taking that last line into consideration...
If the SI equation is the only one used… I would unforunatly have to place Al in the bottom third, if not the bottom five. In the past 8 years or so there has been no continuity from the front office or coaching as to “how to just win”. Spending has been erratic, and the mere stat of wins and losses have mirrored that type of ownership.
Now in the last line we were asked to look at the body as a whole… That is where Al Davis moves back up within the top five. Few franchises can claim that since the inception of the AFL, eventual merger, through today the Raiders have been one of the very few teams that have had long term success. Championship games in virtually every decade (60’s, 70’s 80’s, and again in 2003).
Many sports writers question if Al still has it, or is he lost in the past. This question comes along every time the Raiders appear down (there was a lot of that in the Mike White/Joe Bugle era, but then along came Gruden). Those questions go away when the team wins. They will go away again and for some reason… Al will still be standing there.
looking forward to the next 30 years of this team
by 30yearR8RFan on May 18, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very well put
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on May 18, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa
The last line is the key ingredient. That should be put into the equation.
J-Mac got arm, D-Mac is unique, DHB got the hands, and he can move his feet.
Niners got Hill, he is really cheap, now they got Crabtree, hey don't fall asleep.
by Rayder K on May 17, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
25 years ago
He would be ranked number 1. 6 years ago he might be ranked number 1. But probably not by SI. Screw those clowns, here is a man that changed the game and helped shape the NFL to be what it is today, along with one of its most successful franchises. I guess SI is simply living in the moment, but either way it’s still dumb on their part. We will have a winning season next year and then what will they say ? Will he still be the worst ? Everything is on such an instant gratification level. I guess Davis owning the Raiders since the ‘60s and having won more football games than most teams, along w/ 3 rings doesnt mean anything to them. I bet Jerry Jones was way up on the list, Davis has won a playoff game since Jerry Jones has. Davis has won a conference title this decade, Jones has not. I for one love Al Davis, hate how some of the things have worked out, and fully expect to have a wining year in 2009. We don’t need an press conferences with over head projectors this year, but the man in GENERAL will have a winning team this year, and SI will have to re-evaluate itself.
by oc_raider on May 17, 2009 4:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmm.
Well if its all time he used to be a damn good owner, even if he was always a sneaky bastard. As much as I hate to admit it, since I hate SI, if they were ranking the best owners today they were unquestionably correct to put him dead last. He has completely lost the ability to run a football team, and his refusal to recognize this and even do something as little as HIRING A FUCKING GM or allowing his coaches to do their jobs without him screwing with them every step of the way is just ridiculous. Until Al Davis either realizes that he is no longer fit to run every aspect of a football franchise or passes away, the Raiders will be fortunate to sniff a .500 record. And it’s really sad, because he was a great football mind and over the past decade he has completely sullied his reputation. I’d really like to see you put this poll up again just judging for where he presently is, because I’m curious if even the most diehard Davis supporters could argue that he isn’t at least bottom five anymore, which is probably the reason you didn’t put it up like that in the first place. But if you asked every sportswriter and person in the business this question I would bet dollars to donuts that 90% would say Davis, and it isn’t because they have a grudge against the Raiders or Davis.
by yo on May 17, 2009 11:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is 90% of what I was saying in the first place!
“HIRING A F#@$% GM or allowing his coaches to do their jobs without him screwing with them every step of the way”
And stop defending the mediocrity that has been the past six years! Pride and Poise mean nothing by defending the farce of the last 6 years.
by SDSUAzpire on May 18, 2009 6:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Al has had a running feud with the press since he’s owned the Raiders. You never know what is transpiring behind the Raider’s closed doors. But to call him the worst owner is ridiculous. He’s given more chances and second chances to players, coaches and cities. He’s defiant and doesn’t apologize. He knows what he wants and will continue to tinker until he has it. When he left Oakland for L.A. he fought the NFL and didn’t sneak off like the Colts in the dead of night. He lost the super bowl in 03 with the aging players who were coached by Gruden the previous year. Some franchises have never sniffed a Super Bowl, and except for the Emaculate Reception and the Tuck Rule the Raiders might have had 2 more rings. I wouldn’t trade Al for any owner in sprots.
by origraid on May 19, 2009 8:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
lol.
It’s not ridiculous. As it stands right now, today, he is the worst owner in the NFL. Period. You might be able to make an excuse for Detroit, but we’re comparing apples and apples here. Bad is bad any way you slice it.
Go ahead and sit here and homer justify every mistake the guy makes. With every decent decision comes 25 bad ones. Good owners do not let teams lose for 7 straight years. I’m sorry. No. The question asked was not, "How do you like Al Davis over all, taking every decision he’s ever made in to equation?’ It was “How do you rank him as an NFL Owner?” And today, and really since the super bowl loss, he has been awful. There’s just no discussion there.
by Amoc on May 20, 2009 2:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
uhhh
My favorite team is without question the Raiders, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a point. If you had to ask who the worst owners in football today are, would you honestly not have Al on your list? Over the past seven years we have had almost the most losses, if not the most, of any NFL team ever over a seven year period. Doesn’t that kinda show that there is something seriously wrong with the ownership? If Al was winning like he used to no one would question him, but since him putting himself in charge of every football decision has been nothing short of disastrous every single for a solid period of time it is hard to say that he should still be making all these decisions. He is the reason that the Raiders are now the laughingstock of the NFL, and it makes me sick to my stomach that such a proud franchise is now viewed as nothing more than an eleven man punchline. The Raiders will never sniff the playoffs, much less a championship, until a serious change comes along here.
by yo on May 24, 2009 1:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whats He done lately
I think to judge an owner as in any business, you have to look at the now and the future. The Raiders future is very bleak with Al Davis at the helm. The game and the world has past him by and the Raiders will continue to fail as long as he keeps trying to run the team like its the 1970’s. He will never be able to recruit a decent head coach since the rap is out that the head coach of the Raiders is not a head coach but just a figure head to speak Al’s words and to take the rap on another loss that he (the head coach) had nothing to do with. And if he questions what Al tells him to do he is banished. Poor sods.
Thank God I am not a Raider fan. As much as I am a Raider Hater (from San Diego it is in my blood) Living in the Bay Area and watching my friends that are Raiders fans and taking their money year after year, I truly feel sorry for them. I think it is time for Mr. Davis to retire and sell his stake in the team to a younger owner who can breath the life back into the machine and make them competitive again
by jcharv on May 20, 2009 7:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
simply the best
if it wasnt for Al Davis, the NFL would have folded years ago. Give the man his kudos and give him a break!
by Silver and Blackaholic on May 21, 2009 2:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sell The Team
At this point, I wouldn’t mind Steve Young’s Brent Jone’s ownership group consortium taking controling interest from Al Davis. Better decisions will be made. Heck, if I owned the Raiders (they would be “The Riders” if I owned them), I WOULD MAKE BETTER DECISIONS THAN HIM! WHY? BECAUSE I WOULD ENTRUST THOSE DECISIONS TO FOOTBALL PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT THE SAM HILL THEY’RE DOING! AL USED TO…HE DOESN’T NOW. THE PROOF IS IN THE LAST 7 YEARS!
by SDSUAzpire on May 23, 2009 9:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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