Unless you’ve been comatose or living under a rock -- or have been comatose while under a rock -- you’ve no doubt heard the sad news that professional football pioneer Al Davis passed away Saturday at the age of 82.
After the obligatory remembrances of the pioneering and polarizing figure Davis had been in his half century at the professional level of football, our first thought, given their less-than-amicable divorce, was when or even if Lane Kiffin would issue a statement on the passing of his former boss. The current USC coach has, and, in what no doubt will come as a shock to some, it is a very touching and heartfelt tribute to a man who helped turn the NFL into the game it is today.
“I was very saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Al Davis,” Kiffin said in the statement released by USC. “He was an iconic figure in the history of professional football and built a truly legendary franchise with the Raiders. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and to have been a part of that Raiders history.
“Even though our relationship did not end the way I would have liked, I have nothing but the greatest respect for Mr. Davis and I truly appreciate the opportunity he afforded me and so many young coaches, players and staff. My thoughts go out to his family and to the family and fans of the Raiders past and present.”
Kiffin was hired by Davis to be the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in January of 2007. Early on during the 2008 season, Davis fired Kiffin -- over the phone, no less -- and famously called him a “flat-out liar” multiple times during a press conference announcing the firing. At that same press conference, Davis accused Kiffin of bringing disgrace to the Raiders and engaging in an “immature and destructive campaign” against the organization.
The passage of time and the passing of one of the feuding parties, though, has the tendency to soften the razor-sharp edges of the past.
The condolences of all of us at CFT go out to the family, friends and anyone else affected by the passing of the larger-than-life Davis.