The New Dynamic Duo That Could Keep The Raiders In Oakland
KPIX 5 Sports Anchor Dennis O'Donnell offers his commentary on keeping the Raiders in Oakland.
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Badain and Schaaf. Two months I might have mistook this duo for a team of divorce lawyers. Now, they hold the Raiders future in Oakland in their hands.
Marc Badain has been named the first president in the history of the Oakland Raiders. On the surface, it doesn't seem like a big deal. He's been with the team for 23 years and took over for Amy Trask when she discovered her calling as an NFL Network analyst.
But now, the stakes get higher. Badain's job will be to oversee the Raiders business operations and, wait for it, search for a new stadium. He won't make the final call, but the future of the Raiders in Oakland will depend on how he deals with Oakland's new mayor Libby Schaaf.
Recent history proves it's far from an easy score. Gavin Newson and John York hated each other. I know, because I sat at the same table when the 49ers attended their final Chamber of Commerce luncheon to kick off the season. Trust me the salmon was warmer than the relationship. If those two didn't fight over the salad dressing the 49ers would have a new stadium in the City by now.
Badain and Schaaf can't let what happened in San Francisco repeat itself in Oakland. Newsom never really believed Santa Clara was a player. He put too much stock in the faith that San Francisco was the 49ers best option. Logic does not always prevail.
The situation in Oakland is different because plans are underway for a stadium in Hollywood Park. Mayor Schaaf already knows the score and that the threat is real. Here's what the mayor-elect said after sweeping Jean Quan out of office.
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"I'm very appreciative of the bold visionary project of Coliseum City. I look forward to continuing the mayor's work on that vision and doing everything within my power to keep our sports teams in Oakland," Schaaf said.
San Jose's court loss to lure the A's was a boon for Oakland. The Coliseum City won't work without the A's because they play 81 games during a season compared to the Raiders eight. Now, the A's likely won't find their way to San Jose and we'll see if Mayor Schaaf runs an office with words or actions.
The Coliseum City might be Schaaf's only game plan because the city will not or cannot foot the bill. The Coliseum City would require housing and retail as part of the project to make to it financially feasible for any developer or financier. I've seen some big-money names associated with the ambitious project but have yet to witness anyone put their John Hancock on the dotted line.
That's where our new dynamic duo comes in.
And what kind of team will Badain and Schaaf make? Let's hope one with more offense and less defense.
See you on TV.
