MVN: Most Valuable Network

I was just about to continue my camp battles series, when I saw that both Jerry McDonald and Jason Jones had already done write ups on the safety position which was next on my docket, rather than compete with their takes, tonight I'm going to spin you around all the Raider News updates for today.

* RIP George Marceline aka Raider Joe. I may have never had the opportunity to meet you, but as a Raider you were part of my extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.

* A second suspect was arrested in the Javon Walker beating case. Now that they have a second, they can start playing one against the other and more facts should come out.

* Retired Raider Legend Gene Upshaw seems to have lost the support of the players as there are numerous reports of attempts to get him to step down as he nears retirement age. His leadership has brought the players great financial success, but his inflexibility on the issue of rookie salaries, which would be a good way for him to appear to be compromising with the league, while actually improving the finances of the players in the league who just happen to pay his salary, is going to be his downfall.

* Another retired Raider, Tim Brown, is now dispensing financial advice on thestreet.com. In a recent column, he does not seem to have much faith in his old club:

I like San Diego's chances. Although I expect them to do better, they could even finish with nine wins and seven losses and still take the division. Things are that mediocre in the rest of the AFC West right now.

The Denver Broncos are rebuilding and so are the Kansas City Chiefs. My old team, the Oakland Raiders, is also in the rebuilding process. I think going with the Chargers is a pretty easy call -- just look at the competition and track record

I can understand picking San Diego to win, I did that myself, but at 9-7? And from someone who called himself "Mr Raider?" (I don't disagree that the Raiders are in a rebuilding process, but the Raiders should be knocking at the door of nine wins.)

* In a bit of odd news, apparently JaMarcus Russell already has quite a following. According to the Seguin Gazette-Enterprise:

This year, the names of celebrities and their children have risen in popularity including Shiloh (daughter of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie), Miley (as in “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus), and JaMarcus (after Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell), have all risen on the list of most popular names.

I knew the Raider Nation was worldwide and passionate, but wow! (I have to be wondering about the LaMarcus Allen referenced in an earlier section of the article.)

For more Raider News updated 24-7, don't forget to check out our Raider News page!

Impatiently waiting for camp here at TFDS!