I know I'm about to sound like a fuddy-duddy. But I'll say it anyway: There are athletes who should manage their images a little better, and JaMarcus Russell and Javon Walker are prime examples.

The rumor making its way along the NFL telephone line right now has the Raiders trying to shop two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Burgess.

As with many struggling franchises, the Raiders' downfall over the past six seasons has been hard to define in a sentence or two. There has been one constant, though: shabby run defense. Now the Raiders are banking on former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan being the problem.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Al Davis dunk tank. Step right up and make a throw. Hit the target and the Raiders' 79-year-old owner will fall into a tank of silver-and-black Kool-Aid.

In case you hadn't read the quotes yet, former Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown has responded to the uproar over his recent reflections on Al Davis.

Last year, Raiders great Tim Brown was openly lobbying for a position with his old team, suggesting he could be some sort of liaison between owner Al Davis and his players. After what he said about his first meeting with Davis, Brown may need a liaison just to enter the Oakland Coliseum.