'No f---ing way': Raiders players Bruce Irvin, Derek Carr react to Khalil Mack trade
The Oakland Raiders haven’t even officially traded Khalil Mack yet. But hours after Oakland reportedly agreed to ship one of the NFL’s best defensive players to the Chicago Bears, Raiders players understandably weren’t happy.
“No way,” tweeted quarterback Derek Carr:
No way
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) September 1, 2018
An hour earlier, one of Mack’s fellow pass rushers, Bruce Irvin, added an expletive to the same sentiment:
No fucking way
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) September 1, 2018
Even the man potentially set to assume Mack’s starting role, rookie Arden Key, didn’t exactly seem enthused about the news …
🤦🏾♂️
— OptimusKey_ (@ardenkey) September 1, 2018
Mack was the team’s best player. In 2016, he led the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 2002. Two years later, the Raiders couldn’t navigate a contract dispute with their star.
Carr and Mack are the only notable Raiders players to speak out in fair cryptic tones on social media. But others have surely had similar thoughts upon hearing the news. Fans aren’t happy either.
[Schwab: What Mack trade means for Raiders, Bears, NFL]
But Carr followed up on his tweet with a second one to send a message to those disgruntled fans. “This is the sucky part of this business,” he wrote:
This is the sucky part of this business… Mornings like this, but we have a season to play and games to win!! #RaiderNation we feel your pain trust me but we need you next Monday night! 💀
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) September 1, 2018
Irvin, at around the same time, sent a similar message:
What a shock. Now move on and win.. time to beat the Rams!!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) September 1, 2018
Nonetheless, the more raw reactions were telling. And they mirrored those of fans.
Raiders fans react to Mack trade
The fallout among Raiders fans – who are already losing their team to Las Vegas next year – was predictably ugly.
Here’s a small sample:
Now #Raiders fans need to stop paying money and showing up at the stadium to support this trash product. Khalil Mack was a once in a lifetime player the Raiders pretty much forced out the door. Gruden is a 🤡.
— Chris Kagarise (@ibekeggy2) September 1, 2018
Jon Gruden you are a piece of TRASH. Worst Raider coach since…well since he was our coach last time 20 years ago. https://t.co/H3gc0GLmCc
— Robbie Oakman (@RobertOakman20) September 1, 2018
My wife’s Mack jersey we ordered will be delivered within the next 5 hours….
— RAIDER CODY (@RAIDERCODY_) September 1, 2018
Head coach Jon Gruden drew plenty of blame. But another significant portion of the anger was directed at owner Mark Davis, who inherited the team after the death of his father, Al.
Mack trade is even more shocking when looking at the events preceding it.
Odell rewarded and extended to record deal, Rodgers extended, Donald extended.
Gruden, Davis and McKenzie, clear in that they want Mack in silver and black.
Then trade. #Raiders #Raidernation
— Alan Dixon (@AlanDxn) September 1, 2018
Raiders fans should have known they were too cheap to pay Mack. Mark Davis is still too cheap to get a decent hair cut 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/CjseSsYfXq
— Joshua (@ithangslohman) September 1, 2018
The inept will always find a way to remain inept. Mark Davis will forever be a buffoon who was handed the keys to the kingdom, and burned that kingdom to the ground. #Raiders #RaiderNation
— TheEyePatch (@RaiderBlogger) September 1, 2018
Get used to it, Bruce. This organization is a joke run by a clown owner who never worked a day in his life.
— How could you trade Mack? (@RaidersDash) September 1, 2018
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