Pillars of the Coliseum

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Sunday, December 30, 2007 10:54 PM PST ∞

OAKLAND ---- He leaned forward on his walker with four wheels, slowly making his way from his dark limousine through a throng of well-wishers. His black Raiders sweat suit looks new, as if it has never been worn.

It's evident Raiders owner Al Davis is nearly worn out, his stuttered steps in white tennis shoes telling the story some three hours before Sunday's kickoff with the Chargers. But the Silver and Black faithful still part like the Red Sea when the man they respectfully call "Mr. Davis" appears, treating him with reverence.

The Raiders (4-12) stink and have for five straight years; they've collected at least 11 losses per season since 2003. The Black Hole isn't as intimidating, the hot air coming from the McAfee Coliseum's southern end zone sounding like so much nonsense.

But seeing Davis, who turns 79 on the Fourth of July, with his hair slicked back and talking to his people in a thick Brooklyn accent is a kick.

Same goes for riding the press elevator with Tom Flores, the Raiders' former Super Bowl-winning coach.

I never cared much for the Raiders and their persona as being the tough guys, "Commitment to Excellence" and all that static. They've fallen on hard times, and I can't say that bothers me.

But it's still a thrill to see Davis, Flores and links to the team's storied history, which is connected with the Chargers ---- both were infants in the newborn AFL back in 1960.

And guess who was on the Los Angeles Chargers' first staff under the great Sid Gillman? Al Davis, the future AFL commissioner and Pro Football Hall of Famer. He coached wide receivers and helped entice Lance Alworth to sign with the Chargers, instead of with the rival NFL.

Davis can be a pain, but he's also among the backbones of this great game. And at any age, that can't be ignored. ...

Alworth certainly never dissed Davis. When Alworth was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he picked Davis to introduce him. ...

Speaking of the 60s, the Raiders' mark is 19-61 since their appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium. ...

Heard "Hells Bells," which trigged a Pavlov's-dog-like response to look toward the bullpen gate. I took a peek, although I doubt any of the roughnecks hanging out there was named Trevor. ...

Do the Chargers really want to saddle kicker Dave Rayner with No. 16? Maybe that jersey has turned over a new leaf since Ryan Leaf donned it. ...

As far as first starts go, at least JaMarcus Russell didn't line up behind a guard, like Denver's John Elway did. Russell also has something Elway didn't in his debut ---- a soft belly. For some $60 million, think Russell might do a situp and mix in a salad or two? ...

Catch the non-call when Darren Sproles was tackled by the facemask in the third quarter? Linda Blair never spun her noggin that drastically in "The Exorcist". ...

Gotta love two Oakland traditions: With the outcome determined but time left on the clock, the sea gulls hover and Black Hole residents are still telling the Chargers "You're No. 1" with one of their fingers. I think that's what they were saying. ...

Sea gulls? Vultures are more appropriate. ...

Saw two attractive women in the Black Hole. Yep, standing right next to a guy wearing a skull mask, with spikes on his head and shoulders. Isn't there a shampoo for that? ...

Two Coliseum security guards told each Charger leaving the locker room which way to the team bus. Then LaDainian Tomlinson appeared in a snappy three-piece suit, looking like well, a rushing title winner, and they got tongue-tied. "That's L.T.,'' one yellow jacket dude whispered to other ---- and L.T. went the opposite way. ...

I heard it, but I don't believe it ---- playoff tickets for Sunday's game are still available. Guess that Chargers bandwagon comes with the optional extended cab.

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.