... into my first encounter with Raider Nation when I wrote an article entitled, Al Davis, Ebenezer Scrooge, Timothy Geithner, and Darth Vader.  The article focused on the hefty price Big Al paid for questionable 7th overall pick Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Little did I know that within an hour of publishing that article I would be besieged by hateful and offensive venom from all corners of Raider Nation.  Most of the remarks were of a personal nature attacking everything from my masculinity to my knowledge of football.

I have to admit, after further contemplation, I did foster some subconscious hate for the Raiders based on my devotion to the Minnesota Vikings as a youngster.  I used to cringe at t...

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