UPDATED, SUNDAY MORNING, 8:45 am ET SATURDAY NIGHT 10:30 pm ET WITH SOME SUNDAY NFL PROGRAMMING NOTES:
With Saturday’s sad news on the passing of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, ESPN’s news operation responds.
This obituary on Davis was the first of what will be a steady stream of content related to the face of the Raiders organization. ESPN.com’s AFC West blogger Bill Williamson was one of the first reporters to file a tribute.
• Chris Berman’s video tribute is running across ESPN platforms, as are insights from analysts Tom Jackson and Matt Millen. Expect additional commentary from John Clayton, Chris Mortensen. ESPN’s Raiders and Al Davis-connected talent includes: Bill Parcells, Eric Allen, Jerry Rice, Jon Gruden, Jon Ritchie, Matt Stinchcomb and Millen.
• Ritchie, a former Raiders fullback, discusses his former boss.
• Expect a late-day Saturday package with both Mortensen and Gruden, from Detroit where they are for Monday night’s game (Bears-Lions).
• The 8 a.m. (ET) Sunday SportsCenter featured a Bob Ley phone interview with former ESPN colleague Paul Maguire who played for Davis at The Citadel and remained close with him over the years. “There was never a time when I would call him that I wouldn’t hear back within ten minutes,” Maguire said. Also joining Ley on Sunday morning was Hank Goldberg in his regular picks appearance. Hammerin’ Hank also shared an anecdote about Davis regarding his generosity and kindness, something he saw firsthand over dinner with Davis and Jimmy the Greek many years ago. [Hank picked the Raiders as an ‘upset special,’ citing the emotional day it will be for the team at Houston.]
• The 30for30 film “Straight Outta LA” – a tribute to Al Davis and Raider Nation – was scheduled to air at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Film was directed by Ice Cube.
• Extensive ESPN.com coverage here (see coverage box on right at link), including quotes/tweets from throughout the sports world and pop culture. Also reflections from Jerry Jones through ESPNDallas.com’s Todd Archer. Chuck Klosterman offers his perspective on Davis for Grantland. Also check ESPN Los Angeles for additional coverage.
• NFL Sunday Countdown will feature discussion of Davis with the regular Countdown crew and will also include Jerry Rice and Steve Young, longtime Raiders rivals.
• Every NFL contest on Sunday will feature a pre-game moment of silence in honor of Davis.
* Statement from George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN and ABC Sports: “Al Davis was a driving force in pro football both on and off the field for decades. He leaves an indelible legacy and a legion of loyal players, coaches and fans.”
• Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: “Al Davis’s passion for football and his influence on the game were extraordinary. He defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL.”
• Longtime ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown host Chris Bermanon Al Davis: “We wouldn’t enjoy pro football the way it is today without Al Davis. He was a visionary, but above all, he was a man who loved the game of football. You could see it every time you saw him at a Raiders game or even heard him speak. You always knew what Al Davis and the Silver and Black stood for.” [NOTE: Chris promises to share a good anecdote about the first time he met Al Davis on NFL Countdown Sunday morning on ESPN.]
• It didn’t take long for this analogy to be drawn and picked up upon (Al Davis and Steve Jobs). Probably a lot of similarities on the micro, but Jobs’ impact was global remember.
• Keep up with ESPN’s social media coverage after the JUMP as we Storify tweets and posts from our talent.
