Silver and Black Report

Justin Griffith spent two seasons with the Silver & Black.

The Oakland Raiders were denied permission by the New Orleans Saints to talk to defensive line coach Bill Johnson for an opening on Dennis Allen’s staff.

Johnson has more than 30-years of football experience and just recently, he’s helped the Saints defense improved from 25th in the NFL to 4th in yardage and from 20th to 7th in scoring defense in 2010.

In his two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Johnson was crucial in developing defensive end Elvis Dumervil. From 2001-to-2006, he spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, who consistently were a solid pass rushing club and twice ranked in the top ten of the NFL in fewest yards allowed.

One return for the Raiders that will be a welcomed by many is Justin Griffith.

The former fullback was very good friends with Michael Bush early in his career, which could help influence the return of the unrestricted free agent. Griffith was always great with the media and a strong veteran presence in the locker room.

Unfortunately in 2008, his career with the Raiders ended during a contest with the Baltimore Ravens. Griffith tore his ACL in the third quarter of the game, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown toss. “You lose a terrific person, a lot of leadership,” then coach Tom Cable said. “He’s solid as a rock. He comes to work every day. He does things to the best of his ability every opportunity he gets. Someone who’s familiar with the system. You’re losing quite a bit there.”

Griffith was not known as a punishing blocker, but his knowledge then and now of the zone-blocking system was fundamental. In Atlanta, the fullback worked in that system with Cable. Then, Oakland tabbed his services for two seasons as the Raiders transitioned more to a zone-blocking scheme.

With Bob Wylie out, and Frank Pollack in, the move to a new system was inevitable, especially with the success the new offensive line coach has had in Houston with that method of blocking.

Griffith being a quality control coach on offense will help the current crop of Raiders with the nuisances of blocking and running behind the new scheme.

On this play, Griffith ended his playing career with the Raiders.

Sterling Moore will be in the spotlight in the Super Bowl this weekend. It goes to show you how far good coaching and scouting could go in this league.

The ex-Raider was pivotal in the Patriots arrival to the big game and will be vital in holding versus a dynamic Giants passing attack.

But who knew?

“Athletic guy, good ball skills. Had some versatility. Had some size, had some quickness,” said Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, who attended a workout with Moore after Oakland waived him. “So, you know, there were some things there to like. We brought him in, and with any player you bring in, you hope it works out. But a lot of it is how he prepares and how he improves.”

Even though he spent very little time in Oakland last summer, he quickly noticed difference between the Raiders and Patriots stating that Belichick’s club was a far more “professional” organization.

“I think there’s a lot of plays that helped us get here. [Brandon] Spikes’ interception and the way Vince [Wilfork] played that game; I’m just glad I had an opportunity to make a play,” said Moore.

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Robert Gallery is ready to move one and start fresh somewhere else.

The Oakland Raiders, who have been busy trying to retain most of their free-agents to be, have lost a key component to their roster. Gallery, who started 91 games since entering the league, stated, “With the end of the league year coming today, and the few conversations I’ve had with the Raiders and Mr. [Al] Davis, we’ve come to a mutual agreement that it’s time for me to move on with my career.”

Reportedly, the starting left guard was seeking a contract worth about $8 million a season. Per John Herrera, the Silver & Black were willing to offer nearly $2.5 million per campaign.

“I’m looking for a new start somewhere else, to experience another place, and to be able to accomplish some of the things I want to,” Gallery said. “It’s best for everyone.”

Gallery’s agent, Rick Smith, commented that all indicators from his meetings with the club hinted that the Raiders wanted to go with their youth along the trenches.

In 2004, the Raiders drafted Gallery with the 2^nd overall selection.

The former Iowa star stated, “I appreciate the start that they and Mr. Davis gave me and I truly have enjoyed my time wearing the silver and black. I wish them well, I thank the fans and I take away great memories of my time in Oakland.”

He continued: “I’ll always remember being able to come out of the tunnel of that stadium, into the Black Hole. That was exhilarating and never got old. I loved being a part of a group that helped bring the Raiders back to where they were in the past. It’s just that now it’s time to go someplace else.”

ANALYSIS

In an off-season where the Raiders splurged, they found a line in the sand and bullied Gallery. The reported $8 million he was asking for was far too much money for a left guard that consistently missed games due to injury and may not fit the new philosophy offensive line coach Bob Wylie will install.

The 30-year-old will find a job quickly whenever free agency begins. He’s a hard worker, solid teammate and an effective guard when healthy, who could transition back to tackle in the right situation.

Oakland made the right move drafting him in 2004. Gallery was the consensus ‘lock’ talent coming out of college, with very few detractors. The nimble lineman had all the tools that projected him to be a cornerstone left tackle.

Many factors led to him failing at tackle, starting with the constant shifting along the line. “Robert took the bulk of the work at right tackle,” coach Norv Turner said in 2004. “And if things go as planned for the rest of the week, he’ll start.”

Turner had him at guard and tackle to get his feet wet. He was never stout once he got to left tackle, and in 2006 when the line allowed a league high 72-sacks, Gallery accounted for 10.5 of them while missing six-games.

Aaron Kromer, Jim Colletto, Irv Eatman, Jackie Slater, Art Shell, Tom Cable and Jim Michalczik were part of the revolving door of coaches that hindered his development through the start of a promising career, as well.

Cable transformed him into the solid left guard he is now in his zone-blocking scheme. But that was years after the Raiders took him atop the draft with other intentions.

Gallery and Jake Grove were taken together to form a dynamic duo. Oakland had the right idea to build a solid foundation, but that did not pan out in one of the many unfortunate breaks this organization has had since their loss to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl after the 2002 season.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders announced yesterday that Steve Wisniewski will join the staff as assistant offensive line coach. Here is the press release disseminated by the team:

Steve Wisniewski, the great offensive lineman who played for the Oakland Raiders from 1989-2001, has re-joined the Silver and Black as assistant offensive line coach.

“Steve is my shining star,” said Raiders Head Coach Hue Jackson. “His intensity, passion and vision were right in line with what I’m looking for. He was a great Raider player and I am looking forward and excited about working with him.”

Wisniewski spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders, starting 175 straight  games prior to retiring. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times (1990-95, ’97 and 2000), tying a Raider franchise record, and was elected as a Raiders team captain seven times. Wisniewski was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s and missed only two of a possible 208 career games.

Wisniewski initially retired after the 2000 season, but returned to perform at a high level for the Silver and Black when asked to by Owner Al Davis.

“I’m back with my first love, the Oakland Raiders,” said Wisniewski, who played in nine postseason contests for the Silver and Black, including two AFC Championship games. “I’m thrilled to be working in the building again for the Silver and Black and helping to shape the future of the offensive line.”

Wisniewski served as strength and conditioning intern at Stanford University last season. Wisniewski helped the Cardinal to a 12-1 season that culminated in the program’s first-ever BCS appearance, a 40-12 victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Wisniewski was a three-year starter as a guard at Penn State and was one of two sophomores to start on the 1986 National Championship team. One of just four Penn State offensive linemen to earn a pair of first-team All-American honors, he was recognized in 1988 by the American Football Coaches (AFCA) and also earned All-American accolades from The Sporting News. A 1988 team captain, Wisniewski is one of just two offensive linemen to earn Penn State’s team MVP honor since its creation in 1978.

A native of Rutland, Vt., Wisniewski earned a degree in marketing from Penn State in 1989. His older brother, Leo, was a standout defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions from 1979-81.

ANALYSIS:

What does this mean? Oakland wants to adopt the same attitude and style of play Wisniewski displayed during his playing days. When he was a eight time pro bowl guard, ‘the Wiz’ was a nasty performer on the field, getting results with his mauling style which often drew the ire of opponents and officials.

Often called the dirtiest player on football by others, Wisniewski racked up fines throughout his stellar career.

Legendary defensive end Bruce Smith once said, “I don’t want to single anybody out, but Wisniewski knows who I’m talking about,” who was incensed about the Raiders’ guard tactics.

Wisniewski even brought intensity to training camp, as one season while visiting the Dallas Cowboys in joint practices, the lineman enticed Russell Maryland into a fight. “I thought I got a few cheap shots from Wisniewski and I wasn’t going to take it,” said the Dallas defensive tackle.

The Raiders need some of that grit. They need to get back to power football, and with Tom Cable out of the picture, it appears that Oakland will ditch the zone-blocking style and go back to roughhousing opponents.

What may come is a change in the formation. Robert Gallery could likely land elsewhere as he’s a free agent, a player who matured into a solid left guard in Cable’s zone blocking scheme. If that’s the case, Oakland could need a new left guard and right guard, especially if they deem Cooper Carlisle not a fit. He is also a Cable favorite adept at the zone blocking style. Bruce Campbell is expected to play more per Al Davis’ epic presser and was being groomed for a guard spot.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see the elder Wisniewski paired up with his nephew Stefen? The 6’3, 306 pound guard will be a prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft.

OTHER NOTES

Nnamdi Asomugha will sit out the Pro Bowl. The NFL notified Champ Bailey, Asomugha’s replacement, as sources state that the cornerback’s injury is not serious.

Shane Lechler also talked about Cable and the aftermath of Davis’ press conference:

“I mean, it still kind of bothers me a little bit. Cable’s a good coach, man. I’m not going to ever disagree with that. You know, the things I said at that time, I meant them and I’m not backing off, I’m not apologizing for what I said. It was what I felt and what I meant. I’m not apologizing for any of it. But in the long run, yes, we do need to move on; I need to move on and we’ll go and play another year. Get it done.”

More of that interview here:

http://www.csnbayarea.com/01/27/11/img-srchttpcsnbayareacomcommonglobal_ima/landing_raiders.html?blockID=399218&feedID=2801

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Al Davis grants a less informal interview/discussion session with the local media that were in attendance for the Hue Jackson press conference. “Coach” Davis, as Hue Jackson calls him, touched on a plethora or topics ranging from the Randy Hanson incident, the New England Patriots, and Jon Gruden, to the current issues between NFL owners and the Players Union. This unscripted and uncut sit down with Mr. Davis gives you not only an insight into the mind of Al Davis, but leaves you the impression that he is not as “crazy” as many have painted him as being.

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis introduced Hue Jackson as the next Raider Head Coach. The two spent over an hour and a half discussing various topics. Coach Jackson talking about the talent that is currently on the Roster and him wanting to score MORE points offensively and the desire to create a “bully” with this team. Then you had Mr. Davis expounding on everything from his players, him wanting a new stadium built here in Oakland, and retaining players such as Nnamdi Asomugha to the 800lb. gorilla in the room; namely former Head Coach Tom Cable, former team assistant Randy Hanson, and former Raider quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Davis, at the end portion of the Hue Jackson Q&A session stole the spotlight when he delve into the issue of Tom Cable’s departure of the team. He laid out the reasons why he was fined by the team and also shed light on possible lurid details surrounding Cable and his bringing his wife along on away games and the claims of domestic abuse made by other women earlier in 2010.

Once again, this is the FULL hour and a half audio from today’s press conference that mostly everyone didn’t get to hear or see because of time constraints of various networks.

Part 1
video management, video solution, video streaming

Part 2
video management, video solution, video streaming

Part 3
video management, video solution, video streaming

Here’s part two of my assessment of today’s entertaining press conference featuring Al Davis and Hue Jackson.

The Oakland Raiders introduced Hue Jackson as their next head coach, but most of that took a backseat to the other juice topics that were bantered about by the aging owner who had not given a state of the union address in quite some time.

Here are some of the highlights of the press conference, along with my analysis of the happenings:

Al Davis on Shane Lechler’s emotional outburst after Tom Cable was not retained:

“My first reaction was three years ago, if you get out your newspaper, Shane said publicly he wasn’t coming back, he didn’t like it here,’’ Davis commented. “A month later, he was coming back because I gave him the highest paid contract of a specialist in pro football.’’

ANALYSIS:

Davis pretty much said to his punter, ‘shut it up,  you are getting paid heavily for what you do and your two-cents have no bearing on what I will do with my club.’

Davis on Nnamdi Asomugha & Richard Seymour:

The owner stated that with the money remaining on the cornerback’s deal, “that 17 million dollars can bring you two or three players that can help you win.’’

He also talked to Asomugha about possible trade rumors, and he got this response from him: “’No. I want to stay. I don’t want to go.’”

“You may not think it was a good trade [with New England]. I thought it was a great trade. Still do.’’

ANALYSIS:

Asomugha is respected in the community, is a vital part to the Raiders future success and a player you want to keep around. But the owner is right, not at that ridiculous price tag, especially for what he brings to the table. He’s not a ‘game altering’ cornerback in the mold of a Deion Sanders or Rod Woodson, so being heavily paid is expected, but not obscenely over-paid. Oh, and Davis is right, the Seymour trade has been a good one for Oakland. They don’t have a 1^st rounder in the 2011 draft, but Seymour’s leadership and presence will pay dividends with the many young defenders they have on that unit.

Davis on Darrius Heyward-Bey:

“He’s going to be good. [Has] explosion. He can catch, he’s getting better, and he’s a good guy. He’s going to be good.’’

ANALYSIS:

If he becomes ‘good,’ that still won’t justify the money given and how high Oakland drafted him. Especially when they passed up other more productive options that have become legitimate weapons in the league. Davis knows he screwed that one up, but there’s no way he’s going to say that today, or ever.

Davis on Tom Cable’s lawsuits (Randy Hanson and Marie Lutz):

“That lawsuit created a tremendous amount of work, stress and turmoil,” Davis said. “Tom had been told earlier in his career that he could have been fired without pay for the wrath he brought on the Raider organization.”

“We had been in turmoil for about a year or two after the initial stuff came out and so I just didn’t think we needed another uproar at this particular time,” Davis stated. “Two roads. You can choose Road A or Road B, either way.”

ANALYSIS:

Davis lived with all this for far too long. If he was really that annoyed by the issues Cable brought upon the organization, he shouldve just axed him as soon as the stress became evident. Through all of this, I will say, more power to Cable, who had to deal with a sour owner, a team in disarray and the looming losing culture in the locker room.

On the Randy Hanson saga:

“Can’t get the story,” Davis said. “You know, it’s like Gitmo. Trying to find out, did they waterboard those guys or not? No, really. It’s hard to believe. How many guys went in? Four guys went into the room with a guy, the guys comes out with a broken jaw and no one saw it.”

ANALYSIS:

Davis stated he still does not know how Hanson’s jaw was broken. They should’ve had Benny Hill music playing in the background during this point of the press conference.

Davis on Free-Agent hits and misses and other moves:

“I have made mistakes. Yes, there’s no question about it, and you got to have great players. But you also, sometimes, have the players and don’t get it done. So, you’re saying, should I take some of the blame? I certainly do.”

ANALYSIS:

One never to shy away from the heat, Davis admitted many of moves have been the downfall of the organization. Self-realization is a tough thing, and harder on older prideful men that had a golden touch in their prime. Davis does deserve a lot of the blame, but he should also be given his rightful credit when things break right. Unfortunately, there have been more misses and his meddling ways along with over-bearing nature are one of the many reasons this organization has been and could remain in a rut.

On Cable’s Raiders not ‘losers’ anymore comment:

“If that’s not being a loser in our world, I don’t know what it is, come in .500. That’s never been my goal.”

ANALYSIS:

Davis has to be realistic. Yes, the goal for every team is to win the Super Bowl. But lets be real here, Oakland has been the laughingstock of the NFL for many years and Cable had to deal with a crotchety owner, an all-time bust at quarterback and a losing culture. Getting this team to 8-8 was an accomplishment, and whether the owner wants to admit it or not, a hell of a job. Yes, ‘Just Win, baby!’ and other mantras have been a part of the Raiders mystique. You don’t get that overnight and Cable was just saying the right thing at the right time about the players he worked hard for.

Davis on Lane Kiffin:

“I beat him because he lied. He’s a liar. He lied to you guys.”

ANALYSIS:

Beating a dead horse here…it has to bother Davis that Kiffin is at USC.

On new stadium:

“We don’t have the resources that other teams have, but, but, I think we’ve shown that we can compete. It’s a question now of winning, and doing better than them. But it depends on what happens in the collective bargaining agreement.”

ANALYSIS:

The coliseum is a dump. Plain and simple, it’s an archaic facility that has a lot of greta memories to some, but in the real world of dollars and cents, Oakland needs to get a new stadium with better amenities in hopes to generate more revenue. For an organization that prides itself in such history and having greatness in the future, it’s a shame they play in one of the worst facilities in all of sports.

Davis on 18-game schedule:

“There’s no question that the ownership wants it, and Roger seems to have a way of getting things done if he wants it. So I’d rather not say what I think but I think the business of injury is overplayed.”

ANALYSIS:

Cha-ching. Off course ownership wants it… $$$$$!

Davis bantering with Raiders beat reporter Paul Gutierrez:

“Your free-agent number is off… it’s ridiculous…”

ANALYSIS:

Tim Kawakami had some funny exchanges as well with Davis. Heck, the owner likes to keep the media on the edge of their seats. Comical, embarrassing, discomforting – who knows what is Davis’ intentions? One of the reasons why seeing a Davis presser was like watching Romper Room, and seeing the Magic Mirror, when we were children.

Davis on key games in 2010:

“We messed up the Miami game. We messed up the Jacksonville game.”

ANALYSIS:

He stated that the defense was disappointing, and one of the reasons why he was furious about how the team missed out on the playoffs. He has every right to, the Dolphins dismantled the Raiders, as the Silver & Black gave a horrid effort after Jacoby Ford’s opening kickoff, and they lost two 10-point second half leads in Jacksonville.

Hue Jackson on his goal:

“We are going to build a bully here.”

ANALYSIS:

First build a consistent winner. You are not going to bully anyone with an 8-8 record. Opponents will fear you when you win, and do it consistently.

Davis scolding a Raider PR staffer:

“you f*cked that up,”

ANALYSIS:

Ha – Davis was not done yapping when the first segment of the briefing was closed. He wanted to continue. Man, if that’s how he addresses employees in public, imagine behind the scenes? Screw Donald Trump, we need Davis to host ‘the Apprentice.’

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Today’s press conference was epic, entertaining and had all the drama of a top rated soap opera. Once again, Al Davis took the stage, and left everyone in the room mesmerized – or scolded.

The Oakland Raiders introduced Hue Jackson as their next head coach, but most of that took a backseat to the other juice topics that were bantered about by the aging owner who had not given a state of the union address in quite some time.

Here are some of the highlights of the press conference, along with my analysis of the happenings:

On who will be the playcaller:

“I’m going to be the primary playcaller, but we’re going to do everything we can to recruit the best staff for the Oakland Raiders,’’ the new head coach Jackson said. “Obviously the name you just mentioned [Al Saunders] is someone who’s out there that we would love to talk to, but there’s several people that we’re going to talk to. We’re going to do everything we can to put the best staff we can here in Oakland.”

ANALYSIS:

If Jackson is going to be at the helm, he wants to make sure he’s at the ship’s wheel as well. It’s probably a good thing, since he has developed a rapport already with Jason Campbell and has an understanding and flow of the players that will line up for him in 2011.

Jackson on development:

“The person that really shaped me in football is Jon Gruden,’’ Jackson said. “We were office mates. We were both young coaches, both young, aspiring coaches, we shared an office together and Jon Gruden, I’ll never forget it, used to put me on the board at nighttime for three months straight, and we would talk football. That’s where my start happened.’’

ANALYSIS:

I’m sure Al Davis loved that. Heck, at least the owner can claim that’s another guy he gave his first shot to.

On JaMarcus Russell:

“We had a big investment in this guy. Basically, he’s a good person but he’s got personal problems, and I decided that it was time that we were not going to fight it anymore,’’ Davis said. “ I wasn’t going to. I wasn’t going to ask the coaching staff to do it, and I had already traded for Jason [Campbell] and had that in the back of my mind. We had [Bruce] Gradkowski, who was coming off an injury, who showed some ability to be a quarterback in this league.”

“That was the thing with JaMarcus. It hurt us a great deal. But you have to go on. You have to overcome those things, and we almost did this year . . . JaMarcus hurt. Any time you lose a first-round draft choice it hurts. But it’s over.’’

ANALYSIS:

That era is over – get over it! The owner paid Russell more than $30 million for three seasons in which he started 25 games and threw 23-interceptions and 18-touchdon passes. Plain and simple; Russell is arguably the biggest draft day bust in the history of the NFL. Oakland likes to add superlatives to their media guide and other releases, there’s another one.

Jackson on his relationship with Tom Cable:

“I’m not going to say there were times I felt I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I think what we did is we did a good job of meshing together what it was here in the past and where we want to go now. I know there were a lot of reports. I’ve known Tom. I just want everyone to know me and Tom worked together. I have a great respect for him as a football coach. What Tom Cable is as a football coach is an exceptional line coach.

“He will go on and do great. I wish nothing but the best for him. All the stuff about the tension between me and him, I didn’t see that. It was reported there was a rift. There was no rift between us. We both wanted to win. Obviously Coach Davis and Tom they gave me a lot of leeway on offense to do what I needed to do. Sometimes we didn’t get it done. We didn’t play like we could play on offense. That was my frustration more than anything.’’

“What Tom Cable is as a football coach is an exceptional line coach.’’

ANALYSIS:

DAYUMN, now that was a backhanded compliment. Obviously, Jackson has had a working relationship with Tom Cable for some time. Neither will likely go to dinner together after this, but for one-season, they did come together, worked through a lot of crap and did an admirable job to get the Raiders to a respectable 8-8 – even though the owner felt that that was an underachievement.

Jackson on looking forward to coaching the team:

“This group of men on the Raider team is excited about the upcoming season,’’ Jackson stated. “I haven’t felt like I needed to re-recruit anybody. I haven’t felt like I needed to call anybody other than I normally do. I call guys to see how they’re doing and see how this off-season is doing so far.

“I think our players are excited about what the future is here. Again, we were 6-0 in the AFC West. We know we need to play better outside the AFC West. We’re going to build a bully here. This is the Raiders. We know exactly where we’re headed and what we want to do. I think our players today are very excited about where they are going.’’

ANALYSIS:

Many of the players will be happy with the ‘new’ coach. His face is familiar, they’ve enjoyed working with him and there is some sense of stability and continuity with Jackson. But others will feel that the constant circus surrounding this team and Cable’s departure after a resurgent season may be the map to their next destination.

Hue Jackson’s monologue:

“Obviously when I came here a year ago a lot of things were said. ‘Why you want to go work for the Raiders?’ One, I’m from California and I love being back home. But two, the opportunity to work for coach Davis. I know a lot of people quote me when I say coach because he is a coach. He was one of the greatest coaches of our time coaching a football team.”

“I want you guys to know, I’ve worked for a lot of owners in this league. I’ve been on four different football teams. I started with Dan Snyder, I worked for from there to Mike Brown, from there to Arthur Blank, from there to Steve Bisciotti. And I’m not saying this because I’m sitting here. I’m being very honest with you, not one of those guys, and they’re all excellent at what they do, but I’ve never had the opportunity to sit and talk football, football, the X’s and O’s and what it takes to win in this league consistently on a consistent basis, and there’s nothing like working for coach Davis.”

“I know a lot of stuff gets said about this and that, I’m telling you I’m here. I’m a walking testimony of coming here in the first year and having an opportunity to make something great. We’re not where we want to be but I’m so excited about the opportunity that the men that are sitting in the back of the room, Mike Waufle and Kevin Ross, guys that I know this past year that we did everything that we could to get this organization where we want it to be, and none of us are satisfied. We all are ready to roll up our sleeves and go to work. So I’m glad, to be here, glad to be the head coach of this football team. I plan on being here for a long time.’’

ANALYSIS:

Step one – wax poetically about the owner. Step two – state your desire to be with the organization. Step three – make sure you pledge your allegiance to the Silver & Black and that they’ll be a contender, again.  Jackson, like many before him, said similar things and at this point, those words mean nothing until the team jumps over .500, gets to the playoffs and become a consistent winner.

Part two of the epic briefing and my analysis will posted in part-two…

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Al Davis deducted Tom Cable $20,000 each game check during the 2010 season, per team sources.

The story stated that $120,000 worth of fines were collected by the Oakland Raiders and in turn, the former head coach has filed a grievance with the NFL.

Roger Goodell will appoint an arbitrator that will handle the proceedings, then the Silver & Black and Cable will submit their arguments before the final ruling.

The league will investigate why the fines were imposed on the ex-coach.

This is not the first time Davis has been embroiled in legal matters with coaches.

Lane Kiffin field a grievance against the Raiders when he was fired for monetary reasons, but the arbitrator ruled in favor of Davis. Mike Shanahan coached the Raiders to a 8-12 record in 1988-89. After he was jettisoned, the coach claimed that Davis owed him $250,000 in severance from his service.

“I was a little disappointed, to be honest with you. When you take a look at it, I was there 582 days. Lane Kiffin was there 616 days. So, what it really means is that Al Davis liked Lane more than he liked me,” Shanahan joked during a press conference in October of 2008.

Reportedly, Davis was upset about losing two days of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in June 2010. Cable operated throughout the season with little signs of distress and lead the Raiders to their best record since the 2002 season, snapping a seven year stretch of losing campaigns.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders All-Pro punter Shane Lechler blasted the Silver & Black management and their handling of the Tom Cable situation. The six-time pro-bowl selection was shocked by Oakland not picking up the option on Cable’s deal on Tuesday  night.

“I just looked at my wife,” Lechler said during the phone conversation with CSN Bay Area reporter Kate Longworth. “I can go through another head coach.”

He continued: “It’s not fun.”

Lechler was one of the many Raiders who campaigned for Cable’s return. Later in the interview, he was adamant about the possibly outcomes of this decision by Al Davis.

He said, “I think this is going to be a huge set back for us, to tell you the truth. Tom was good and how he handled the whole dealing with Al [Davis] and all that situation. He was one of the better coaches I’ve had that can handle that part of it and not let part of it bother the football team. And that’s what I enjoyed about him.”

Lechler even forecasted that some key players that also supported Cable may now be inclined to go elsewhere once free-agency begins.

“You’ll probably see people like Robert Gallery go on t another team, probably Michael Bush,” stated the 34-year old.

“I seriously think is a set-back,” he said after making a case for Cable and emphasizing the achievement of going undefeated within their division in 2010.

Arguably the best punter of this generation, Lechler even looked back to compare prior displeasures during his tenure: “The last time I was probably this disappointed was when [Davis] traded Jon [Gruden] to Tampa.”

He admitted that Cable, “…pretty much brought a no nonsense approach.”

As for Hue Jackson, “ It’s kind of hard for me to judge Hue.”

“Yes I do respect him,” said Lechler. “Whether he can call plays and pull off the whole head coaching deal and deal with Al Davis on the side, I don’t know, that’s a lot on somebody’s plate.”

Lechler said he attempted to call Davis and senior executive John Herrera, but was discontented with them not picking up his call.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist