
I don't know how many fans will be in the stands on Sunday when the Raiders take on New England, but one person who
will be in attendance is NFL commissioner
Roger Goodell, who earlier this week
accepted an invite from the team to take in some Oakland Raiders football.
According to Jerry McDonald of the
Oakland Tribune, it's the first time an NFL commissioner has attended a game in Oakland since the team returned to the bay area prior to the 1995 season. I'm guessing they've stayed away because owner
Al Davis has tried to sue the league multiple times, and is, generally,
crazy. It's a love-hate relationship, mostly hate.
Of course, as McDonald points out, it wasn't Davis who extended the invite, it was actually Amy Trask, who is the Raiders' CEO. So, there you go.
Regardless, Goodell will get to see what has become --
for this week, anyway -- the NFL's second-most
dysfunctional franchise in person. I'm sure he's excited.
Oh, and
Ben Watson, try not to take part in any
playful celebrations this week because the boss is in the house, and he might just come out of his private box
to fine you on the field. Everyone, please, be on your best behavior. That
includes you, Mr. Davis.