Since so many of you dwell in the past...

[Arch Monkey]

...perhaps you could help me out with a bit of Raider History. On another board, somebody talked about Marcus Allen, and it braught back memories of his falling out with Al Davis. He was benched if I recall. Anybody know the reason? What did you all think of that? Was it the best move? Warranted? He was one hell of a back, though I hated he played for you guys.
Truly curious on this question. Flames will be ignored.

[Raider Ran]

Originally Posted by Arch Monkey

...perhaps you could help me out with a bit of Raider History. On another board, somebody talked about Marcus Allen, and it braught back memories of his falling out with Al Davis. He was benched if I recall. Anybody know the reason? What did you all think of that? Was it the best move? Warranted? He was one hell of a back, though I hated he played for you guys.
Truly curious on this question. Flames will be ignored.

HERE IS ONE VERSION OF THE STORY:

1986: The Raiders would stumble out of the gate losing their first 3 games, as RB Marcus Allen plays through injuries at the start of the season. However the injuries would become controversial when Al Davis publicly stated Allen was faking the injuries. However amidst the billowing storm the Raiders would turn their season around winning 8 of their next 9. However the season would go down in flames after a Marcus Allen fumble is returned all the way in an overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Coliseum, further agitating the troubles between Davis and Allen.

[Jimi18]

Originally Posted by raiderran

HERE IS ONE VERSION OF THE STORY:

1986: The Raiders would stumble out of the gate losing their first 3 games, as RB Marcus Allen plays through injuries at the start of the season. However the injuries would become controversial when Al Davis publicly stated Allen was faking the injuries. However amidst the billowing storm the Raiders would turn their season around winning 8 of their next 9. However the season would go down in flames after a Marcus Allen fumble is returned all the way in an overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Coliseum, further agitating the troubles between Davis and Allen.

Thanks for that... I never knew the real reason, just a few different rumors...

1 from him (Marcus) caught having sex with Als family member???
2 Bo Jackson came in, and Al wanted to rest marcus for the futre?

[Arch Monkey]

Thanks for this. do you have any opinion on it?
I do recall him being benched, then moving on to the chiefs and doing relatively well there. I didnt really understand why he was benched.

[Hawaiian Raider]

Originally Posted by jimi18

...
1 from him (Marcus) caught having sex with Als family member???
2 Bo Jackson came in, and Al wanted to rest marcus for the futre?

And, one or the other could have been reasons, also! Bo and Marcus didn't really connect.

[Pietro]

Nice post Ran.

Let me add, that year Allen had a problem holding on to the ball. The Pilly fumble was the last straw.

Up until then (in those days) the average life of a running back was 5 years. Many wondered if he was on his way out.

When it came time to negotiate a contract, Allen wanted big money. He couldn't get it. Rules were different regarding free agency. Each year, Davis would sign him to a 1 year agreement for the same amount of money.

Each year, Davis tried to replace him with guys like Bo Jackson, Roger Craig, Eric Dickerson, Greg Bell and a host of others. Finally, Allen was able to leave via free agency and signed with the Chiefs. To counter, Davis signed former Chief running back, can't think of his name, guy with the long neck.

He acted like he got the best of it. That is a good knock on Davis. Guy never thinks he's wrong (gee, sounds like the president).

Anyway, the Chiefs went on to win the division and Allen had solid years with them while the Raiders languished without a decent blocker til this day.

Allen was a great football player and a great Raider. One of the best blockers and clutch players that put on the S&B.

Too bad the rift marred his Raider career. He should have retired a Raider. In my mind he was and always will be.

[JUSTWINBABY911]

I think the long necked Raider was Harvey Williams lol

[WNYRAIDER]

Yeah that was Harvey Williams. Besides the long neck, he always had a pained look on his face, as though he just stepped in dog $hit.

[RaiderSithLord]

Originally Posted by Pietro

Each year, Davis tried to replace him with guys like Bo Jackson, Roger Craig, Eric Dickerson, Greg Bell and a host of others. Finally, Allen was able to leave via free agency and signed with the Chiefs. To counter, Davis signed former Chief running back, can't think of his name, guy with the long neck..

Harvey Williams