Just a week removed from the violence following their matchup with the 49ers across the Bay in San Francisco, the Oakland Raiders played host to the New Orleans Saints for their third 2011 pre-season game. It was a nationally televised game and many NFL eyes were watching to see how the home crowd would respond.
Raiders CEO Amy Trask was happy to report on crowd conduct to the media outlets, saying that nothing has changed. Along with several candid photographs from the stands, Trask advised;
“We all know that perception is not always consistent with reality — please use these photographs when helping others form opinions — and please remember that our commitment to a safe, secure, fun and family friendly environment is unwavering.”
Mike Florio, who saw the pictures, feels that “It will be difficult to quickly overcome decades of images of menacing Raiders fans dressed in intimidating garb. But these images definitely provide a different context.”
Raider Nation has never claimed to be demure. Amy Trask is imploring you to stop perpetuating antiquated stereotypes and take a deeper look.
As I stated in my earlier FB comment. Our family have been Raider fans since the days of playing at "Frank Youell Field". After which we had an ongoing rivalry with the KC CHEIFS. We used to take a bus from THE LINEMANS CLUB to the game. It was a serious rivalry with some serious taunting, but never to this magnitude, never.
I need to understand why there is so much anger in the stands? The game are not a matter of life or death, but somehow those few who cannot control thier intake of alcohol and anger, is giving us a bad name. The garb may be intimidating, but the rest of the auro should not be dicated by the few who choose violence over a bonnafide rivalry. Stop it! Get some help to control the anger you portray at our games. We want to be able to take our children and yes even your mom and grandmom who remember the days, way back when. Once a Raider Fan……..Always a Raider Fan….!
I live in Southern California and the nearest Raider game for us would be when the Raiders visit and play San Diego. This is not a very family friendly environment and we much prefer to go to Oakland for a home game. The family atmosphere is fantastic…. So much so that I recommend fans of the Raiders that have never been to a home game to make the journey…. it is nothing like the media portrays— It is fantastic!