Post by TheShadow on Aug 7, 2005 12:33:08 GMT -5
www.insidebayarea.com
By Monte Poole
THE RAIDERS are not an insensitive organization that finds pleasure only when telling the public, by words or deeds, precisely where to go and what to do when you get there.
That's what they'd like you to believe — or so it seems.
But that wasn't the plan when Al Davis officially returned his team to Oakland 10 years ago today. The plan was to rekindle the flame that for many had burned throughout the 13 years the organization spent in Los Angeles.
The plan was for mutual love.
What we have instead is a lot of mutual combat. No one is at peace — not the organization, not the fan, not the city or county government and certainly not the taxpayer.
Though there is no guaranteed panacea, there are some paths that could lead to a more amicable relationship for all involved.
Here are five suggestions that might foster the kind of peace that would make the next 10 years better than the past 10.
1. Shed the image of indifference and, in some cases, hostility, toward those outside the walls of the organization.
The Raiders once thrived with an us-versus-them mentality. Davis was the unapologetic maverick who through smarts and swagger got away with telling everybody to go to hell.
While fellow owners had mixed feelings and NFL hierarchy despised him, Al's teams were dynamic and charismatic. They spit on convention and challenged the status quo. They prevailed.
They were perfect — for the 1960s and'70s.
In this entirely new millennium, they have not prevailed. Which would seem to dictatemaking a few concessions. The Raiders are having a tough time understanding this.
They could take a cue from the Warriors, who somehow have maintained a loyal fan base by dropping the adversarial relationship with the media and other "outsiders," and becoming more effective at selling assets to a wary public.
An organization's public relations are only as good as the energy it spends engaging the public.
Put another way, they gain nothing from doing great work in a vacuum.
2. Show an interest by investing time or money in the community.
The Bay Area is one of the few major metropolitan areas in which no active local team athlete fronts a business. No restaurants, no sports bars, no auto dealerships, no shoe store.
Not even a car wash.
It's a tough real estate market, yes, but seeing a familiar athlete's name over the door of a local business is one way to build a bond.
Another way would be to respond in a time of crisis. Such an opportunity existed when thousands of unhappy and restless fans created a disturbance in the wake of losing Super Bowl XXXVII. The Raiders were not present.
Other ways to connect are as simple as donating sweat. The A's build ballparks suitable for local youth. The Warriors swing hammers to construct playgrounds and housing.
Some teams, like the Chiefs, publicize local charitable interests of the players with banners throughout the stadium.
A little high-profile involvement from the Raiders would show this community belongs to them as well as us.
3. Throw the fans an occasional bone, all the better if it's in conjunction with Oakland Football Marketing Association, which sells season tickets and seat licenses.
A lot of Raiders fans spend a lot of money on the team, whether it's for tickets or other paraphernalia. A lot more would be spent, if those fans felt their loyalty were being rewarded.
I have lost count of the number of fans who have told me — in person, by phone or by e-mail — how neglected or insulted they feel when dealing with OFMA, which, fair or not, is perceived as an extension of the organization.
Make the fans count. The notion of holding an open workout later this month is a step in the right direction.
4. Revive the idea of creating a Raiders Hall of Fame in Oakland.
One of Al's visions upon returning was that of a facility dedicated to honoring Raiders history.
We're still waiting.
The Raiders are one of the most popular teams on the planet. Their fans enjoy nothing more than opportunities to reminisce. With so little to cheer in recent years, they enjoy memories of Ken Stabler, Jim Plunkett, Jack Tatum, Ray Guy and others whose glory would be on display.
Some believe the team's refusal to build is indicative of Davis' inability to commit to Oakland. Many of those fans stay home during games, leaving a lot of seats and suites unsold.
5. Just win.
Davis never said, "Just win, baby."
He said: "Just win."
With three winning seasons out of 10 since returning to Oakland, the Raiders have been the epitome of mediocrity. Any momentum created by their winning seasons (2000-2002) is long gone.
If the Raiders can crank it up this season and keep it going for a few years, they might be able to get away with telling everyone where to go and what to do when they get there.
