Ten Questions-Plus with Oakland Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald

Thoughts from the Dark Side

May 31, 2008

Ten Questions-Plus with Oakland Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald

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Jerry McDonald boldly goes on the record at TFDS

Here at TFDS, we have gone on record about how we feel reporting should be done. We scour the wire, and other news sources with an eye towards the truth. You have spoken to us as well that you are also doing the same thing, so we've come to the conclusion that Raider Nation can live with mistakes, as long as they're corrected, but they can't live with the bias. With talk about referees/officials answering to reporters after every game, we thought, "Why not have reporters answer a few questions for us?"

This is first in a series of Q & A with Oakland Raiders beat writers. So what we've done is devise ten questions that we intend to ask them all, followed by a few that's just for that reporter. We hope to be able to bring you all of the Oakland Raiders writers in the future as well. We're going to let you guys do the follow up. If we've missed any questions that you'd like answered, let us know below and we'll save them for another time.

This reporter runs a blog called, Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the highly classified Oakland Raiders. He's a reporter and a blogger who doesn't follow the others. When rumor is the story of the day, he either avoids it or makes a comment referring to it as rumor, while settling Raider Nation with honest commentary. This is part of the reason that TFDS is proud to introduce you to Jerry McDonald. Before we begin, we'd like to thank Jerry for taking the time out of his busy schedule to give us this interview.

1. What was it that led you into becoming a journalist? How long have you been at it now?

My favorite subjects in school were reading and writing and I was an avid sports fan. I was always better on essay tests than multiple choice, and I usually waited until the last minute with homework and papers. Sort of like being on deadline all the time. It seemed like a natural fit.

2. Growing up, what were your favorite teams? Favorite players?

You must be trying to find out how old I am. I was actually a very young Giants fan before the A�s moved to town, but went to games of both teams. My dad had Raiders season tickets for a time. I�d put Ken Stabler up against any other quarterback in the two-minute drill.

3. How difficult is it to be objective without letting any personal feelings get in the way of your reporting?

Not as difficult as you might think because I don�t have an emotional attachment to a sports team and haven�t for years. It�s like any other business, there are people you get along with and some you don�t. I try and keep a sense of perspective. I�m not in Iraq covering the war or writing about people trying to pay mortgages.

4. Is the Raiders 'veil of secrecy' real or perceived in comparison with any other football team? With the 'Spygate' scandal, do you feel that will only cause teams to be more secretive? As a writer, how does that affect your reporting?

You�re actually seeing more Raiders stuff of late because Commissioner Goodell has promised to enforce minimums regarding offseason coverage. That�s why we�ve been allowed to see two OTA practices as well as a rookie minicamp. The Raiders have very good training camp access and do a nice job on draft day. They have their quirks, the media relations department is often in the dark regarding player acquisitions and the like. I look at it like this don�t expect a lot of information coming from the organization, and then anything you do get is a plus. In either case, it�s not worth losing sleep over. As for how it affects the reporting of information, the most important thing is to remember it�s OK to say you don�t know or you aren�t sure.

5. What do you think about the proliferation of sports blogs, where anyone with a PC and an Internet connection can comment on the stories of the day? Is there room for bloggers to have press access?

Regarding sports blogs, the more the merrier. I like the ability to get instant feedback and a variety of opinions, although I have a lot more respect for people who are willing to voice an opinion and then stand behind it with their name (or in the case of posters, a single name they stick with), rather than venture into name-calling or insults like a 10-year-old making a crank call in the days before caller ID. Getting bloggers without a media affiliation a press pass may be difficult in some cases, particularly in the NFL, where press boxes are usually full. There simply isn�t enough space for every fan with a blog to get access. It is up to the leagues and the teams themselves to determine who they think should get in.

6. What have been your favorite and least favorite moments in your time covering the Raiders?

Most favorite moment, probably the 2000 playoff game against Miami, listening to the Coliseum when Tory James was running down the sideline for a touchdown. It is the loudest I have heard the place. The least favorite moments had to do with personal tragedy that went far beyond the scope of sports, the deaths of safety Eric Turner and draft pick Leon Bender, and the downward spiral of Barret Robbins into bipolar disorder and alcoholism. I remember having to talk to coroners dealing with Turner and Bender, something you don't ever expect working in the so-called "toy department."

7. If you had a Hall of Fame vote, which former Raider would be the first that you'd vote for?

I assume you�re talking about Raiders that currently are not in the Hall of Fame. As referenced before, I saw enough Stabler magic to lean in that direction, although Hall of Fame voters apparently don�t feel the same way.

8. When you're done reporting, what is the one thing that you'd hope people would say about you or your career as a journalist?

He made it out alive.

9. What are the most and least difficult tasks associated with covering the Raiders?

The most difficult task, and nothing else comes close, is writing on a tight deadline, such as a Monday night game or the Tuck Rule game in New England. You have maybe 25 or 30 minutes, tops, to accumulate all the information you can from as many people as you can. Then you run back upstairs and maybe have another 20 minutes or less to formulate it into something that makes sense. You may be working on one theme throughout the game only to discover once you get downstairs it doesn�t work, and you have to start all over. Most writers I know seldom get to sleep before 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. after covering a night game, because you spend so much time going over all the stuff you left out. And Raider fans are pretty sharp, they�ll let you know how much you missed in very blunt terms. The least difficult task is probably draft day. It�s long and tedious, but it�s all set up for you in terms of access and the like, and the stories are all pretty similar and straightforward. They did this, they didn�t do this, etc.

10. How many wins do you think the Raiders will have at the end of the coming season?

It�s funny. I get all kinds of feedback for being a "hater" but every year I end up predicting the Raiders will get more wins than they actually get. I don�t think I�ve predicted a 10-loss season in any of the last five years, with the possible exception of the Art Shell season where I think I said 6-10. I look at the schedule this year and think the offense can play it close enough to the vest to keep JaMarcus Russell from making too many first-year mistakes, and the defense can go from 31st in run defense to somewhere in the middle, they�ll get seven wins. And once you get to seven, you�re a few plays away from .500 or a little beyond.

PLUS (You know we couldn't just leave well enough alone right?)

You still write traditional news stories for print and the web along with manning the Inside the Oakland Raiders blog.

What has led you to doing both?

Was it your idea, or part of the job responsibilities?

At first, the blog was used as a place to put stuff that didn�t get in the paper or for short, quick hits designed for feedback. But upon the consolidation of the Oakland Tribune and Contra Costa Times, I agreed to take on the blog as a nearly fulltime project during the 2006 training camp because it was already getting much bigger traffic than any other blog in the paper. It has basically become my top priority, although I also write two on-line Raiders columns per week during the season as well as some print stories on game days and once in awhile during the week if needed. We�ve had both layoffs and the threat of layoffs, as most newspapers have had, and the Internet seemed to be the way to go if I was going to avoid that fate. So I volunteered to go in that direction.

What differences, if any, are there between stories you write for the blog and stories you write for print?

I�m still sorting through the how to deal with the blog items, because it includes some reporting as well as a great deal of opinion. My opinions are based on covering the Raiders since 1995. I�d consider it informed opinion. Those who think I�m not pro-Raider enough for their tastes would call it something else entirely. A story filed for print, if it is a report and not a column, may have some observations based on the information but should have a minimum of opinion.

We know what you mean Jerry.

Just avoiding the mundane here at TFDS

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

27 Comments on "Ten Questions-Plus with Oakland Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald"

Posted by LDizzle, May 31, 2008 12:46 AM

This is fantastic Patrick. I came here straight from ESPN.com where I JUST read an article that Jerry wrote stating that the Raiders should sign Odell Thurmond and here I find you wrote an article about the guy. It was a good article and so is this one. Jerry if you are reading this, I respect your work greatly and I personally go to the Contra Costa Times first for all of my Raider news because of the quality of their staff.

I found the most interesting part of this Q & A was when Jerry said that he is often called a hater despite the fact that he hasn't predicted the Raiders would lose ten games or more in the last five years with the exception of the Art Shell disaster in which he predicted 6-10 (which as we all know was four more wins than they had that season). His ability to predict the Raiders struggles makes me worry being that he predicted seven wins this season. I hope this time he undershot the mark. His Stabler endorsement may just push Stabler past Guy in the HOF campaign voting. That race is amazingly close. Putting just those two's names didn't bring the vote any closer. We may have to push for both.

Posted by Fabian, May 31, 2008 12:48 AM

I just met Robert Gallery at a carshow, he is a nice guy. He is a big guy, I felt small, when I was shaking his hand. I know he will be awesome this season! Go raiders!!!

Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 31, 2008 1:04 AM

Dizzle,

While this was a joint effort between Rob and I, he was the one who put the post together.

I am quite pleased with the final result.

Posted by El Dirty, May 31, 2008 2:16 AM

Jerry ur the man! I read ur blog everyday, always good articles and great insight.

Posted by Thec, May 31, 2008 5:46 AM

Jerry,

I read your blog daily and I have to say it is very addictive........ I would like to see more more more

your blog is a great bridge between "the dead zone"

and the NFL preaseason.

thanks

Posted by LV LOCAL, May 31, 2008 7:39 AM

Wow, everything I Never cared to know about Jerry McDonald. Great insight into Jerry and nothing about the Raiders. This looks like a condition Jerry made you take if you wanted to get any future Q@A's on your blog. Please do not do this with future interviews!

Raiders always!

Posted by iRon3, May 31, 2008 7:57 AM

James' interception was such a great moment, I couldnt agree more. I'd also like to add the AFC Championship Game against the Titans to that list. An absloute thing of beauty and dare I say as close to the Montana/Niner type games The S&B have ever played. As good as McNair was in that game, he couldn't overcome dominating effort in all 3 phases by our Raiders..Almost get a little choked up thinking about it.. Jerry McDonald does a terrific job for us covering the team..Thanks Jerry & Rob

Posted by Cerberus, May 31, 2008 8:42 AM

Jerry,

I don't know where you got the idea Raider Nation thinks you are a "hater." Sure, about 5% of the fans think you are pro-Raider enough, but those are the same people who think that every Raider draft pick should be a future Pro-Bowler, that Al should sell the team, etc. They are a vocal bunch, but they generally don't have a clue when it comes to the Raiders and their tradition.

You, on the other hand, at least try to take an honest look at the Raiders. I don't always agree with things you believe, but I respect your opinion all the same; unlike Glenn Dickey and others who have an agenda, or ex-Donkeys that are now in the media like Jackson and Schlereth.

Keep up the good work. You and Jason Jones are the only two blogs I ever really care to read.

Posted by Snowshoe, May 31, 2008 9:14 AM

Jerry, for every fan who thinks you're a hater, there are thousands of us who appreciate your efforts. Straight forward, honest and neutral, wish the rest of the media were the same. Thanks Jerry, keep up the good work. TFDS, nice job

#10

Posted by Mad Road Dog, May 31, 2008 9:16 AM

I love reading the your blog to get the feel of the Raider Nation's pulse. But there is no freedom to haze the Raider haters, especially the bay area press on your blog as I was banned for doing so. The press can dish it out but they can't take it. Talk about freedom of the press, it should work both ways.

#11

Posted by noheat, May 31, 2008 9:19 AM

Great read!!! I love Jerry's work. Another good and objective read is Jason Jones from Sacramento Bee. You know what would be interesting is to hear what haters like Nancy Gay or that Kamakazi*** guy... (I can't remember his real name) in an interview like this. You know just for shits and giggles.

#12

Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Ten Questions-Plus with Oakland Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald | Th, May 31, 2008 10:01 AM

[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]

#13

Posted by Joe, May 31, 2008 10:30 AM

Jerry Jason and Patrick in no particular order...

#14

Posted by SR Raider, May 31, 2008 10:59 AM

Nice job guys! Jerry has been the most professional Raider reporter over the last few years, and it's good to hear what someone who thinks right is thinking.

Rob - you're exactly right. We can stand mistakes, but hate the bias. I still see "reports" referencing older, never verified "reports" about the Raiders, such as Jamarcus being overweight, that just aren't true. It disgusts me that people write stories based on facts made up by someone.

You guys are doing a good job of telling it like it is, while talking about subjects Raider fans are interested in.

Btw - I also agree that Jason Jones does a good job. He's a bit more of a homer, but that's cool too. It's funny to see all of you guys called haters sometimes because you're definitely not.

Peace out!

#15

Posted by SlvrBlkLoco, May 31, 2008 3:28 PM

ibabuzz.com/raidersblog and raidernews.com start my day before I look at the rest of the news.

#16

Posted by LDizzle, May 31, 2008 3:34 PM

Damn it! sorry Rob for giving Patrick the credit for your article. I did that once before. I read a different article by one of you and then forget who wrote the one I am reading. Respect due, Just put your name where I put Patrick's.

#17

Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 31, 2008 4:23 PM

Joe I appreciate the props, but don't forget Rob. We're a team here at TFDS.

#18

Posted by MartinTheMerciless, May 31, 2008 5:41 PM

Jerry Rules! I agree about Stabler. I re-read "The Snake" last month. I highly recommend it to you younger fans. I forgot that he had the Tooz for a room mate for a year. Ken is probably the only person on the planet who could moderate his behavior without cramping his lifestyle. That's leadership! His practical jokes, especially on Madden, in training camp are great. His views on Al during and at the end of the book are interesting. The book is probably available in every library in Northern California.

#19

Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 31, 2008 6:01 PM

The Snake is a must read for any Raider fan. (Now I am waiting for one of the resident haters to roll by to make a comment about Raider Fans not being able to read.)

#20

Posted by Joe, June 1, 2008 12:11 AM

Sorry Rob, I'm just a Patrick fan I guess...

Here is one for the conspiracy theorists:

Isn't it funny how Jerry West was all goo goo at the game the other night...

Wasn't it Jerry West who gave Gasol to the Lakers?

Talk about the ultimate "mole".

What if West was planted by the NBA in Memphis to pull off one of the most ludicrus trades in history to make the Lakers great again...Then quit...

Joe

#21

Posted by Rob Calonge, June 1, 2008 7:26 AM

Joe - Don't sweat it. BTW - I'd like an FBI investigation into officiating and a link to gambling myself, but I also thought that something was pretty foul about that trade when it happened. Leave it to the NBA.

#22

Posted by mildog, June 1, 2008 10:44 AM

Rob, one question I would like to see asked of the writers is what do they think of these "hacks" whose definition of investigative reporting is standing in the free buffet line and wait for tidbits to fall from the lips of other hacks. It seems that sports has no editors to force the writer to fact check his story. With the Raiders this year we have classic example of this. It has to do with our 400 pound quarterback. Apparently Don Banks from SI got wind that JaMarcus was way overweight. This apparently was from a proctological procedure. Banks apparently could not go down there and check out the story for himself, contact a colleague in Birmingham to check the situation or even merely just calling down there. I never heard a word of apology from Banks or the hacks that heard the story and passed it off as fact.

#23

Posted by mildog, June 1, 2008 10:56 AM

Dear Rob, one question I would like asked of all of these writers is what will it take to reduce all of these bogus stories appearing in print. Don Banks of SI came up with a story about a 400 pound JaMarcus. Apparently he never bothered to do a fact check. Then other reporters who are lazier than Banks, passed on this rumor as fact. And I never have heard an apology from any of these "professionals" about the lousy job they did with this story.

#24

Posted by the510, June 1, 2008 11:11 AM

Jerry is the best. He calls it like he sees it, without the emotional attachment, which is the perfect perspective for avid Raider fans to read to keep a little balance in their outlook.

#25

Posted by Rob Calonge, June 1, 2008 6:02 PM

Milldog - We'll store that question for next time. Thanks for letting us know what you'd like to see asked.

#26

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