The situation in Las Vegas is seeming to become a boiling point for some in the building, and in the general sense it is easy to see why. As report yesterday, there was a social media movement started by star defensive end Maxx Crosby, and countless of other players joined in to show their support. But it has been reported that if Antonio Pierce doesn't get the role, there might be a shuffle in Las Vegas. My independent sources confirm the report via Ian Rapport, that there will be looks into a potential trade from Las Vegas for Maxx Crosby and with the potential of others.
(Image of Pierce and Crosby from Sports Illustrated)
Through a colleague, who wishes to remain anonymous, there is a real concern that if this move doesn't happen it could change the entire image of the organization. The team was described earlier in the season by Diana Russini as "[a team where] the players have taken over the place, [and] ownership is fine with it too." The players feel they can voice there opinion, which is rare in most sports settings, and it doesn't reflect anything except their passion to be apart of the change.
The reaction directly from the a Raiders players has been very unique, and it appears that the decision, regarding the head coach vacancy, could have a major ripple effect that could both go in favor or against the favor depending on the outcome. In the media, there is optimism regarding Pierce, but what he was able to do since becoming the interim head coach was get the right people around him to help adjust to the role, and immediately adjust things with the roster they had. This similar argument could be made for Champ Kelly to keep his role, but the argument for Pierce is directly linked on how he impacted the Las Vegas locker room, and other teams locker room. Although the Raiders had slim playoff chances, because of the direction Pierce was taking them they were still in the running after all the change. He got the team to buy in, and now the players are "making their gamble" and are attempting to push all of the chips all in.
In other Raiders news, a couple of Raiders found themselves with the honor of being named All-Pro recipients. Punter AJ Cole, and Defensive End Maxx Crosby both earned their honors for the second time in their respective careers. Cole finds himself as a recipient of All-Pro First Team, and Crosby earns a spot on the All-Pro Second team. Both players have been given Pro Bowl nods as well. Congrats to both individuals, and it is well earned.
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