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The importance of sports in society reaches far beyond TV ratings and beer sales. Never forget that many of life’s lessons are taught through sports. More importantly sports have been instrumental in affecting change in society. Perhaps no one has done more to affect radical change in the sports world than Al Davis.

Say what you will of the maverick but his philosophies, hiring practices and equal opportunity ideals helped to turn the tide not only in the sports world but in society as well.

Proving that his legacy will be long reaching well beyond his years on this planet, Al Davis is set to receive the Paul “Tank” Younger Award this Friday in Indianapolis. Accepting the award on Al’s behalf will be his son and current owner of the Oakland Raiders Mark Davis.

The Younger Award recognizes Mr. Davis’ commitment to racial and gender diversity. Tank Younger was the NFL’s first African-American executive so it is only fitting for Davis, who has done so much for the advancement of underrepresented groups, is still seen as an icon for diversity.

In the weeks following the sudden passing of Davis there was no shortage of stories shared regarding interactions with the iconic owner. Most telling of all was how often you heard tales of his deeds done off the field. Never mind that Davis found success at all levels of football, the majority of the Davis tales were centered on his willingness to give opportunities to those that would have otherwise never had the chance. Even more telling was that more often than not those individuals he gave chances to were more than qualified and delivered on the opportunity Davis presented.

Beyond race, sex and ethnicity, Davis also had no issues with age. Age was nothing but a number to Al. From John Madden to Jon Gruden, Davis saw talent first and foremost. Same for Tom Flores and Art Shell. Even in this modern era Davis was still at the forefront of advancement. Davis elevated Amy Trask to the highest ranking position held by a woman in all of football as one of his last acts of advancement.

For Mark Davis the last 10 months have been a whirlwind. In addition to all that comes with the death of parent, Mark is also trying to reshape the Raiders. While we’re sure to hear plenty of speculation regarding the relationship between Mark and his father in the coming years this award represents a lasting legacy that transcends the sports world. Mark Davis might be out to do things much differently than his father but I’m willing to bet this award symbolizes a tradition that will forever remain the foundation of the Oakland Raiders.

Allen had better be ready for all that comes with coaching in Oakland.

Today Reggie McKenzie was slated to sit down with Dennis Allen for a second time in as many weeks. If all goes well then Allen will become the next ex-coach of the Oakland Raiders.

You’ll excuse my lack of enthusiasm. Naturally I’ll be rooting for Allen to have success. I’m just dreading yet another of these bland introductory press conferences in which Allen and McKenzie will praise one another then promise a Super Bowl.

Yeah…ok…sure. We’ve heard it all before from Lane Kiffin, Norv Turner, Art Shell, Tom Cable, Hue Jackson and every other stiff that walked the East Bay sideline since Chucky took his talents to Tampa. Wake me up when the trophy is being paraded through the streets of Oakland.

If I sound like I’m talking as if Allen already has the job it’s because it is his to lose. Like a frat boy hitting on the drunkest chick at the bar, at this point he can only talk himself out of sealing the deal. Winston Moss was thought to be the front runner but he only got one interview. Same goes for Marty Mornhinweg. So you do the math. I’ll be in the back of the room counting how many clichés Allen tosses out in his intro to Raider Nation.

If I sound bitter over this whole process it’s because I am.
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Coach Jackson needs a full offseason as a head coach.

Is it the Raider Hating media or is there some fact in all this wild speculation of Reggie McKenzie tossing Hue Jackson to the curb? It is hard to say considering McKenzie has yet to even put a pad of Post-Its on his desk yet he’s supposedly ready to fire Coach Jackson.

Really? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m on the record saying one of McKenzie’s first tasks must be to set the tone. I’m all for shaking things up but this is a move that seems a little drastic.

Then again, it could also be a stroke of genius. For all we know McKenzie might have the Al Davis touch. That innate ability to make tough decisions that stir the pot but ultimately create a winning recipe.

Time will tell on that. But you could make an argument either way.

On the one hand another firing means starting over once again the East Bay. Coach Jackson’s mouth might write checks his backside can’t cash but it beats the silence of Art Shell or the douche-scented mumblings of Lane Kiffin.

Also, let’s not forget how much Jackson has done for Oakland’s offense. Need I remind you how bad things were with Tom Cable calling the shots? The Raiders couldn’t find the end zone with a Thomas Guide, GPS and air traffic control showing the way. Have we as Raider Nation forgotten the dreadful days of the bed & breakfast coordinator?

I’m not willing to sit through another feeling out process. Say what you will of Jackson but before he was the head coach the Raiders had yet to sellout an entire season since returning to the Bay.
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