Oakland Raiders Relocation: Why the Timing Seems Off
Yesterday, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis formally filed his documents for relocation. Davis continued his mission to provide his team with a permanent stadium answer. Wanting to not be the only team in the league still playing on dirt is understandable. However, trying to convince 31 owners, a fan base, and politicians that you must relocate isn’t. Davis didn’t agree, devoting the entire season to openly courting and parading Las Vegas in Oakland’s face.
Davis said his plan is to remain in Oakland for two years. In 1996, the Houston Oilers pulled similar trick before leaving to Tennessee. The pull of no-strings-attached 750 million to build a home for his football team is a great opportunity . Long term sustainable success be damned, Davis made up his mind long ago. Furthermore, this decision is undermining the recent success of the franchise. No one talks about the 12-4 season. The focus is the move.
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2016 re-established the Raiders as a respectable franchise. The Pro Football Wriers Association selected Raiders’ GM Reggie McKenzie the 2016 Executive of the Year. In order to win this award, McKenzie took on the task of pulling the Raiders out of the depths of despair. While making unpopular moves early, along with questionable draft picks, McKenzie learned from his mistakes and took his lumps. Three years ago, McKenzie applied those lessons and set the course for resurgence. Two years ago, McKenzie hired Jack Del Rio. His building from the inside out mentality makes them expected perennial contenders.
Even when it appears this franchise is winning, doing everything possible to elevate back into the NFL elite, it continues to fail. Las Vegas, Nevada may house the Raiders for 25 years, or until they decide they no longer wish to stay. One thing is for sure, this hurts many fans. No team has ever filed for relocation after a winning season. So why shouldn’t it be the Raiders? This is a team marred by dysfunction. Raiders in Sin City, but at what price to the fans? Las Vegas is happy, but what about Oakland?
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