Draft Wrap Up

For a good analysis of all the Raiders picks, check out my man Ed's job here.

The Tatum Lie

Here is a lie Paul Zimmerman (a.k.a., Dr. Z) from Sports Illustrated made up recently regarding the Stingley-Tatum play:

"I saw the Patriots-Raiders game live. I saw replays of the play countless times. I don't believe that the tackle that took Stingley down was the hit that did the damage.

I think it came when he was on the ground, or just about to hit it. That's when Tatum drilled him and he was paralyzed."

This is where Zimmerman fabricated the lie that Tatum "drilled Stingley while he was on the ground and he was paralyzed."

And as you know, this is the actual hit, not Dr. Z's made up account of it.

What I see is:

Stingley stretches out to reach a Grogan pass that is thrown way off target and is uncatchable.

Stingley sees Tatum coming.

Stingley ducks his head expecting an impact with Tatum

Tatum rams the top of Stingley's head with his shoulder.

Please, anyone correct me if I have pulled a Mr. Magoo here. This looks like an accident to me.

Dr. Z has intentionally fabricated a story, saying he was himself an eyewitness to Jack Tatum hitting Darryl Stingley "while he was down."

I'm no lawyer, but written accounts accusing someone of a crime that are made up to defame a person sound like slander or libel to me.

Dr. Z has also stated "Jack Tatum will never make the Hall of Fame as long as I am alive."

This is where he made that statement.

Darryl Stingley

April 5th is sad day for all fans of football: Darryl Stingley has died due to complications associated with quadriplegia.

"In my decision to stop coaching, Darryl's situation was a factor. Not the only factor, but a factor. During the weeks he was in Eden Hospital, not many people seemed to care enough. That's when I started wondering if football people really care about a player, or if football people just care what a player does."

~ John Madden. Hey, Wait a Minute (I Wrote a Book). p 5

"When the reality of Stingley's injury hit me with its full impact, I was shattered. To think that my tackle broke another man's neck and killed his future... well, I know it hurts Darryl. It hurts me too.

I didn't know if I ever wanted to play football again. It was constantly on my mind and tearing at my insides. My body felt like a hollow shell that no longer belonged to me."

~ Jack Tatum, They Call Me Assassin. p 224

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Darryl Stingley. Darryl will be forever remembered for his strength and courage. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

~ Jack Tatum

Rest in peace, Darryl. And know that we Raider fans cared then, and we care now.