FanNation | Indie Sport | Lost In Translation

Beleaguered Oakland Raiders Coach Lane Kiffin finally went public about his recent contretemps with team owner Al Davis during a Q&A in Palm Beach, Florida yesterday. In attendance were members of the Mexican press corps, who are covering off-season events as part of an ongoing civic effort to support Mexico City's desire to land an NFL franchise.

Our Indie Sport correspondent in Guadalajara has obtained a copy of this morning's issue of the Mexican daily, La Verdad, whose translation of Kiffin's remarks makes it clear how much our great neighbors to the south still need to learn before they are NFL-ready:

Q. Coach, what's it like working for Al Davis?

A. "I need a sip of water."

La Verdad: "I have a drinking problem. Okay?"

Q. What about Davis' involvement with the team?

A. "It's very unique. He's an owner who's very hands-on, prides himself on his knowledge of football."

La Verdad: "He's an insufferable, interfering megalomaniac with grandiose delusions."

Q. The last several Raiders coaches have not lasted long. Do you feel threatened?

A."It's not the easiest job. I know people have left because of that. Al is very demanding. At the same time, he is someone who has done a lot of things in this league -- coach, (AFL) commissioner, owner -- and has a lot of knowledge."

La Verdad: "I hate this job. I'm just biding my time for a better gig. Al is a narcissist who sucks up my time with his constant need to be the center of attention. He's a relic who the game has passed by. He hasn't had an original idea since Daryle Lamonica was here."

Q. What about Davis' decision to retain defensive coordinator Rob Ryan?

A. "At the end of the season, Rob and I had a meeting and Rob felt it was in his best interest to go somewhere else. I met with the owner and expressed that with Al, we talked about a lot of things and a lot of different scenarios that could come up, and Al decided to stay with Rob. Rob has one year left on his contract. I've always had a strong and very good relationship with Rob."

La Verdad: "Rob can't stand Davis either. I threatened to trim Al's pompadour if he dumped Rob and he caved in. We're both out of here next year."

Q. What did you take away from last year?

A. "Nobody was happy with 4-12, but it was a very valuable year for me and our staff to learn more about the team and see what we had. All that information helps for the future."

La Verdad: "We sucked, we will continue to suck, and Al Davis sucks. All that information helps for the future."

Q. "Thanks, Coach."

A. "No problem."

La Verdad: "Did I mention that I have a drinking problem?"

Indie Sport

Comments (7) Add A Comment

April 2, 2008 08:09 PM ET

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good,funny blog,keep them up:)

Civardi

Seaside Park, NJ

Total Comments (17379)

April 2, 2008 09:06 PM ET

LOL,good one CSP.

(Cincy)

Jamestown, OH

Total Comments (11318)

April 2, 2008 10:13 PM ET

Now, WHICH version am I supposed to believe?? LMAO
I mean, the Mexican media just MAY be on to something...

DC Sports Nut: 97…

Total Comments (2370)

April 2, 2008 10:41 PM ET

DC, excellent point on a humorous yet insightful blog. What else is new? Enjoyed reading this. Is this a portent of things to come? CSP "tackling" the NFL? : )

RUGator

Total Comments (907)

April 2, 2008 11:00 PM ET

I go where the sirens call, Gator.

CSP

Honolulu , HI

Total Comments (72)

April 4, 2008 05:58 PM ET

Kiffin really knocked you clowns for a loop with the answers he gave to all the questions. Funny how the dude in less then an hour turned all of those articles written over the past few month with regards to the Raiders to rubbish

And from a guy that rows boats for a living writing about Al Davis. I have told people after reading much of the rubbish that these writers were fools, after reading your last article I can now add clown to the description.

Hey look big time I am your 6th comment. Stay by the phone I bet Sports Illustrated is trying to get you on the line as I type, what a joke.