As reported here, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis ranked second in a Forbes Magazine poll of the most disliked people in sports. And based on his reaction to the recent death of New York Yankees principal owner and managing partner George Steinbrenner, Davis could own the top spot in 2011.
According to InsideBayArea.com, the Raiders released the following statement from Al Davis regarding the passing of George Steinbrenner:
“He was a friend and a warrior. We not only shared a birthday, but also an unyielding will to win and an unparalleled commitment to excellence.
I judge sports figures based on individual achievement, team achievement and contributions to the game. George was right up there with me at No. 1 — bright, aggressive and, most of all, not afraid.
When the Yankees were going through the lean times in the ’80s and after we beat the Redskins in the Super Bowl in Tampa, George and I would talk and I would pep him up. Later on, he did the same for me when Tampa beat us in the Super Bowl.”
So although effusive in his praise for Steinbrenner, the 81-year-old Davis’ complimentary words were inspired solely in relation to his self-inflated assessment of himself and his importance to the National Football League.
To his credit, Davis was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992 for his contributions as the Oakland Raiders head coach (1963-1965), the Commissioner of the American Football League (1966) and the Raiders owner/general manager (1966-present).
However, to use the death of “a friend” as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on his own achievements strikes of the arrogance, boldness and brashness that embodies the image of Al Davis as a person and an NFL executive.
And, unfortunately, it appears that unlike Steinbrenner, a fellow July 4 birthday mate (Davis was born on July 4, 1929), Davis will carry this image to his grave.
Guess money can’t buy humility either.
Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and a special video presentation featuring Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders.
Steinbrenner’s Death Presents Opportunity for Self-Promotion by Raiders Owner Al Davis
