Dennis Allen not thrilled with “Battle of the Bay” basketball game

Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen on the sideline against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Allen questioned the decision making of some of the Oakland players who participated in a recent charity basketball game against members of the San Francisco 49ers in the “Battle of the Bay, reports Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group.

The event, which happened last week at California High in San Ramon, Calif., featured a number of players from both the Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. Proceeds from the game went to Bay Area charities, naturally including foundations headed by some Oakland Players. (The Raiders are naturally quite active in the community and with personal charity foundations)

Allen noted the charity event is a no-brainer when it comes to good intentions, but wasn’t too happy that his players were playing a pickup basketball game against 2014 opponents. A high risk for the leg injuries that can occur in any pickup basketball game, Allen wasn’t happy his players decided to throw down on the hardwood.

“It is the right intent, to raise money for charity,” Allen said. “I wasn’t in agreement with the way in which they went about doing it, because they’re paid to play football. Any time you put that at risk, you’re taking a significant risk.”

Among the players who participated were free safety Tyvon Branch, cornerback Taiwan Jones, wide receiver Denarius Moore, cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, linebacker Sio Moore, wide receiver Greg Little, running back Latavius Murray and wide receiver Brice Butler. Branch and Jones were two of the Raiders raising money for their charities through the game.

Before the game, Oakland management are reported to have informed the players of its concerns surrounding the game and the injury risk it presented. This led to some players previously linked to the event, including running backs Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew (who are coincidently the Raiders two more injury prone players), dropping out of the festivities.

No injuries happened in the game that went without any unfortunate moments and the Raiders’ team even won the game 71-63. Allen notes that he is happy the event went without an injury that would affect a players 2014 season in the name of charity. A noble cause, but a risky way to raise money for both the player and team. Putting Allen in the unfortunate position of “Grinch” to the Raiders basketball fun.

“These are grown men and they make decisions on what they want to do with their personal time, and that was a decision those guys took part in,” Allen said. “The thing I’m happy about is we were able to get out of it without any injuries.”