The fall out of the Oakland Raiders’ decision to relocate to Las Vegas has been widespread. It’s been a hot topic around the NFL world with some concluding that the sweetheart deal owner Mark Davis and Co. received in Nevada is an affront to taxpayers in the desert metropolis.
Back home in Oakland, there’s a growing rift between the Raiders and city officials. Who is to blame for a divorce that will likely end one of the ugliest marriages in NFL history? Did Davis himself offer the Oakland Athletics 20 percent of the Raiders to help them remain in Northern California?
These are all important questions, especially considering the Raiders have no other real option but to remain in Oakland for the 2017 season. Of course, that’s dependent on the city actually wanting the Raiders to play there.
This latest piece of information from CBS News reporter Doug Sovern suggests that there might be some major issues on that front.
New: #Oakland Coliseum board learns that #Raiders are at least 4 years past due in paying parking revenue, must pay to play here next season
— Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) April 5, 2017
How did the Raiders get away with pocketing parking revenue for at least four seasons? Are the Raiders themselves willing to pay back this lump sum? It’s only estimated at $800,000, but there could be major issues behind the scenes that are not monetary.
It also voids the Raiders’ lease for the upcoming season if the $800,000 is not paid in full.
The good news here is that the Coliseum board has indicated that it will not use this as an excuse to kick the Raiders out prior to the 2017 season.
Coliseum board says it will not use parking revenue default as excuse to kick #Raiders out now; will let them pay & play here in 2017
— Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) April 5, 2017
This, despite the fact that those close to the situation are “blindsided” by the fact that the Raiders have not paid out revenue to authorities over the past four-plus season.
Either way, there’s definitely some major drama taking place between the Raiders and the city of Oakland. Whether this leads to the team playing in San Antonio until its venue in Vegas is ready remains to be seen. Heck, there’s a scenario in play here that suggests the Raiders could uproot from Oakland next season if it decides that Sam Boyd Stadium in Nevada can house an NFL team temporarily.