But Wait...There's More...

What a week of news. The Vikings pulled off the ultimate chess move of the century. They not only signed Brett Farve, but they were able to keep it a secret from the world (the media, the NFL, etc.) for 3 days. Not one leak in an era filled with 3 or 4 leaks per day. They did not simple sign him, they signed him to a 2 year deal. Something the Jets could not do. My view...if he wants to play, let him. As long as there is an owner in the NFL who wants him, more power to him. do not care if he plays well, JUST PLAY, BABY! He is a true Hall of Famer and people should get off his back regarding his retirement. He will when he is ready. If the question is never asked, he will not have to jump in and out of it. I am on his side. He is not a Raider and may never be, but his teams have pounded the Raiders more than I care to imagine. I will always admire a great player, no matter what team he is on. (Except the Broncos)

Plaxico Burress took a plea deal that will net him 2 years in prison for accidentally shooting himself in the leg. Sometimes, I think laws need to be more practical. While he did break a law, he was not intending on harming anyone, least of all himself. He was carrying it for protection. In the days and weeks leading to his incident, various teammates of his had been robbed and carjacked. He was going to a night club and wanted to feel safe. I know there are hundreds of ways he could have picked that were better than carrying a gun in the waist of his sweat pants, but I think his punishment is a bit harsh.

Now for the real news. Raiders 20 49ers 21.

You know I do not talk about preseason games. 1) They don't count. 2) Most of the players you see, will not be part of the team in the regular season. 3) They don't count. 4) The combination of players on the field will not be the combination of player in the regular season. and 5)They don't count.

I will say this, the 2009 Raiders have the players to take them to the Superbowl. They have the fire, drive and will to win. Now, they have the head coach with a hidden fire in him, much like Tom Flores had. The reports of Tom Cable breaking the jaw of defensive assistant Randy Hanson. One leak reported Cable punched Hanson. When other coaches, including Cable, were asked, they stated "No punches were thrown." One leak said Cable flipped the chair in which Hanson was sitting and when he fell out he hit his head on a cabinet door. They more exciting version is "Tom Cable punched Randy Hanson" and so that is what the media ran. I dug deeper and I think no punches were thrown, but Hanson did fall out of the chair and hit his head during the argument. Coaches get into heated arguments everyday, but it is not made public. Someone who wanted to do damage to a team that is finally coming together, leaked this info. The police never went public, even though they are in the middle of an investigation. Now, because of the media, the NFL has launched their own investigation and Tom Cable could lose his job behind this.

Something to think about...Randy Hanson, who is in his third year as a Raider coach. His first 2 years were filled with turmoil as he and then head coach, Lane Kiffin, often get into it. Last season he and Lane got into such a headed argument, Hanson was suspended by Lane for insubordination and disrespect. Hanson went to Al Davis and Al cancelled the suspension. Two weeks later Lane was fired. Hanson also wanted the Head Coaching job. He even thought he was going to get it instead of Tom Cable. My opinion, Randy Hanson is not a Raider coach. He should be replaced...NOW! As for the person who leaked the story...He should be found and banished, as well.

The Saints come marching into town this Saturday. They team will begin to take shape more close to the form that will begin the season. Starters will play longer. Fans will have their starting lineups ready. Visiting teams beware. We don't call it "The Black Hole" because it is in East Oakland.

Ya Hear!

Raider-Man Out!!!!