The Al Davis Press Conference

Great press conference

It had drama, comedy, intrigue and even a hint of tragedy. Say what you will bout Al’s management of the team (which I will), but the man can speak, and he had some real zingers too. I particularly loved the bit about Lane’s embarrassingly poor decision to have Jano attempt a 76-yard field goal. Why would he not attempt a field goal against Buffalo when he believes his kicker capable of kicking one from 76 yards out? Also, Al’s point about Lane only calling three passing plays in the second half of the Bills game was hysterical; “who is he, Woody Hayes?” Classic!

We now know that Al fired Lane for insubordination. Al Davis made it clear that he found Lane’s attitude offensive from pretty early on. As has been reported, Kiffin really lost favor when he came to Al at the end of the season asking for Ryan’s dismissal. Kiffin didn’t realize how little Al thought of him by that point, and Al made it clear that he harbored misgivings of Kiffin’s judgment before that fateful meeting. Things should have ended about that time, and Al even admits that he suggested Kiffin should resign. Kiffin’s refusal may well have been motivated by money, but I have to believe he was also trying to pad his resume – which means winning.

What Al didn’t discuss is the fact that Kiffin worked in an environment where his imminent dismissal was a constant rumor. Al believes Kiffin’s actions were a deliberate attempt to bring down the organization. While I agree that Kiffin’s conduct was inappropriate, I don’t think his defiance and public candor came out of nowhere. Al spun a very one sided story, but the actions of subordinates like John Herrera make it clear what sort of working environment Alameda was.

Among the things we saw in this press conference, was a pretty authoritative, patriarchal owner, with a somewhat unforgiving temperament. Al made it clear how outrageous it was to him when Kiffin made executive decisions. I find that very telling, and I can’t help but believe Al’s resentful feelings were rooted in a sense of indignation he perceived in Kiffin’s attitude; an indignation that Kiffin repeatedly put on public display. However, the accusation that Kiffin was engaged on a “campaign” of “propaganda” with the purpose of destroying the team, is just gibberish. Lane was trying to win, but the guy SERIOUSLY lacks people skills.

More on Kiffin:
It seems clear to me that he never believed in Jamarcus. If that is in fact the case, then I’m relieved to see Kiffin gone. I’m biased, it’s true, but I believe Russell was being handled with kid gloves because Kiffin has no faith in his abilities. That said, Kiffin did attempt to reinforce the basics and reprogram his approach to the game. Those are things I believe are going to benefit Russell’s development. But, Lane’s play-calling seemed to be affected by a profound lack of confidence in Russell’s abilities. Jamarcus may never have received a fair shake under Kiffin.

Ultimately, I agree most strongly with Al when he admits responsibility for the team’s failing ways. This team has been awful for too long, dating back before the Gruden years, really. That Al needs a GM is more obvious to me than ever. For one thing, he’s too frail and he admits the losses take a terrible toll. That’s a lot of stress for a man in his condition. He’s lucid enough, I suppose, but I do not trust his judgment. How many coaches is it going to take? We need continuity and professionalism, and there definitely seems to be lack of openness and communication between and among the coaching staff and administration. This disconnect has been reported by insiders and former employees for years, and it seems evident to almost everyone. Al’s own statements only further underscore this impression.

I hope Cable is able to succeed and win games, and there is a part of me that would love to see Al hoist another Lombardi over his head, but I don’t see it happening. The fundamental problem with this organization lies with the way it is run. Thus, While Kiffin may have been no gem, he was only a symptom and not the disease.

I believe continuity has a lot to do with the cure, and I hope that early, modest successes can be approved upon, and I'd like nothing more than to see Cable succeed and stay on as HC for years to come.

Here's looking forward to going 7-5 for the rest of the season to finnish a solid 8-8.

GO RAIDERS!