The Oakland Raiders are moving to Las Vegas, robbing the NFL of its most crazed fanbase.
Just like that, the Oakland Raiders are gone, abandoning fans just as the team is regaining relevance. On the face of it, it's hard to understand why the Raiders are leaving; the Vegas TV market is only the nation's 42nd-largest; even splitting the Bay Area with the 49ers seemed like a better deal for the Raiders. But with Oakland stalling on a new stadium, the Raiders' ownership group jumped ship at word that a Las Vegas stadium would cost $400 million less than previously believed. Taxpayers shelling out $200 million have plenty of reason to complain—economists have maligned public funding for stadium projects—and the other $200 million appears to have come from thin air. It adds up to "the biggest stadium subsidy in U.S. sports history."
The whole thing smells fishy. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, rumored to be among those pushing the move, stands to gain from increased business at his Vegas marketing firm.
That's little salve to the Raiders fans left with nothing to show for their fervent support. The "Black Hole" at Oakland Coliseum featured legendary tailgates and more shoulder spikes and face paint than a GWAR show. A fierce exterior masked the group's inclusivity, and one need only watch tearful goodbyes to realize superfans like Dr. Death have been ripped off. RIP Commitment to Excellence.