Even by the standards of an organization that has so often shrouded itself in secrecy, the Raiders have remained on the down-low more than usual.
Coach Jon Gruden talked to the media via zoom teleconference for just under seven minutes Friday, no players were made available, and it was clear he wanted them thinking about the issues confronting society rather than talking about them.
The Raiders have made no public statements about the shooting of Jacob Blake, nor have they proposed a plan like the Baltimore Ravens did Thursday in a call to action against racism. That could change soon, with Gruden giving his team Saturday and part of Sunday off to think about it following a practice at Allegiant Stadium.
The closest thing to an organizational statement came Friday on the Raiders' twitter account with a photo of wide receiver Tyrell Williams wearing a black shirt which said "STOP KILLING BLACK PEOPLE!"
"There's a lot of hatred out there and it really concerns me," Gruden said. "And I pray that everybody can open their heart and get on the same team. Politically, socially and always. I told our team, especially our leadership, after visiting with them, I want them to take (Saturday) off. I'm going to give them part of Sunday off, to research what's really going on and educate themselves on where we are."
The plan, Gruden said is for the Raiders "to do something to make life better for somebody. We're going to make an impact. Not just protesting and tweeting. We're going to do something as a football team, and we're going to prove it. The big thing is, get away from the game here for a little bit, gather your thoughts, do some research. Don't make an emotional statement. Make an educational one."
The Raiders, who expected to be training in Napa, Calif., for something approaching a normal camp, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the social injustice issues in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the shooting of Blake.
Navigating the two issues has been unlike anything Gruden or any other coach has experienced.
"I think the one thing right now is looking into every man's well-being," Gruden said. "They have families, moms and dads and wives and kids. Friends. I'm worried about this virus. I know people who have lost their job over this virus, people that are struggling right now."
