Al Davis Again Under Fire For Kiffin Firing

Raiders Owner Al Davis’ 45-minute press conference Tuesday announcing the dismissal of Lane Kiffin turns the ongoing front-office saga into what SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS columnist Ann Killion calls a “freak show.” Davis’ decision not to pay Kiffin for the remainder of his contract undoubtedly will lead to another protracted lawsuit for one of the league’s most litigious owners, drawing even more attention to the team’s struggles. Davis was his old fiery self during his first appearance in front of the media in some time, stating Kiffin had disgraced the organization. But many are pointing the finger at Davis for letting the situation "drag out and become a spectacle." And the mess has some wondering if the Raiders can be successful with Davis running a franchise that quickly has become the “laughingstock of the NFL.”