Ex-Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon bashes former team
Ex-Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon criticized his former team and said members of the organization should give their checks back for their poor performance, he said on his SiriusXM radio show.
The Raiders have opened the season 0-4 and have lost 10 straight games dating back to last season. Earlier this week they fired head coach Dennis Allen and replaced him with assistant head coach Tony Sparano, the team's eighth coach since 2002.
Gannon was the NFL's MVP in 2002, which was the last time Oakland had a winning record.
"People out in Oakland, in that building, players, coaches, front office, people in business, accounting -- stealing," Gannon said, via ESPN.com. "They ought to give the check back. ... When you lose like that, how can you go to the bank and cash the check? Should be embarrassed. ... They're stealing. That's a problem."
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Gannon said the organization is not living up to the "Commitment to Excellence" slogan.
"They have a sign in front of their building that says, 'Commitment to Excellence.' They ought to take it down. It's false advertising; [it should say] 'Commitment to Mediocrity,'" Gannon said. "It's a culture and environment that has existed for years. ... You let things slide, don't pay attention to detail ... and don't have a high degree of professionalism and account in that building, that's a problem."
Despite signing veteran receiver James Jones and running back Maurice Jones-Drew in the offseason, the Raiders are last in the NFL in yards per game (270.0) and points per game (12.8). They are tied for 26th in turnover margin at -4.
The defense added No. 5 pick Khalil Mack and veterans LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck, but ranks 20th in yards allowed per game and is giving up 25.8 points per game.
The Raiders have a bye in Week 5 before returning to play the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 12.
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