The Las Vegas Raiders will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch during the 2021 season as the roster is revamped on both sides of the field and should be able to compete in what is looking like a competitive AFC West.
Aside from the team’s infusion of talent, the Raiders will also be opening up Allegiant Stadium to the Silver and Black faithful for the first time since they moved to Las Vegas. Owner Mark Davis did not want to have limited fans in seats during the 2020 season, but now he and the rest of the organization get to enjoy its passionate fanbase in their building.
Although Las Vegas seems like it is on its way back up, the franchise was hit with a massive surprise as long-time team president Marc Badain suddenly resigned from his post. According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, the Raiders were taken aback by the news:
The move was met with shock in the organization, while Badain, 51, simply said it was time for him to “focus on my family and look ahead to new pursuits” while thanking owner Mark Davis.
Badain himself opened up about completing the Allegiant Stadium project and thanked Davis for their time together:
“The successful construction and operation of Allegiant Stadium has been unequivocally the most challenging part of my 30 years with the organization,” Badain said in a text. “Seeing it through to the end has been rewarding beyond measure. Together the Raiders and Las Vegas accomplished what seemed impossible.
“I am forever grateful to MD for his unwavering support and friendship. I wish him and the Raider family the best. I will always feel a part of the team because everyone knows…Once A Raider Always A Raider.”
Raiders executive vice president and general counsel Dan Ventrelle act as the interim team president. Still, when considering the timing of the news, it seems as though there might be more to this story. It remains to be seen how this impacts the franchise going forward, but the abrupt change will likely produce more waves in the coming weeks.
