“Thanks for letting Oakland down…” Twitter reacts to the Oakland Raiders move to Las Vegas…
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Fans react to news of the Oakland Raiders relocating…
On Monday, NFL owners voted 31-1 to approve the Oakland Raiders’ proposal to relocate to Las Vegas.
The team will move into a planned $1.7 billion domed stadium in the heart of Sin City, which is expected to be completed by 2020. The Oakland Raiders will remain in Oakland for the 2017 and 2018 seasons but are expected to relocate to a temporary location in 2019 before the new stadium in Las Vegas is ready for use.
Owner Mark Davis said in a statement that “the Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will disappointed and even angry”.
So, with the franchise leaving its long-time home of Oakland for the neon lights of Las Vegas, how have people reacted? Was Mark Davis right in saying that some fans will react with disappointment – and even anger?
Oakland mayor, Libby Schaaf, is visibly angry. In a statement, she said of the move that Bay Area fans “deserved better”.
“I am disappointed that the Raiders and the NFL chose Las Vegas over Oakland… As a lifelong Oaklander, my heart aches today for Raider Nation. These are the most committed and passionate fans any city or team could hope to have.”
And, on Wednesday night, New York mayor Bill de Blasio supported Schaaf and the city via Twitter– while simultaneously slamming Mark Davis:
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) March 29, 2017
We took to the Twitter-sphere to look at other reactions – the good, the sad and the ugly Twitter reactions (as well as what other NFL players had to say…)
The Good
While the Mayor may not have been so thrilled on the news, others have reacted more positively. Just look at the route the City of Las Vegas has taken – we think that’s one of the most dramatic welcomes that we’ve ever seen!
It’s official. Welcome, Raiders! ??? #LVRaiders pic.twitter.com/rSWUvCwXF0
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) March 27, 2017
@RossTuckerNFL I’m glad @RAIDERS are moving here. More fans will be willing to travel to see the raiders play in @Vegas than in Oakland.
— Joshua Coleman (@OhMyGoshJosh27) March 28, 2017
And why not? Raiders are leaving for Las Vegas, Warriors are leaving for San Francisco, and A’s are looking to build new park in Oakland. https://t.co/yjaktL2odi
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 27, 2017
Vegas getting pro sports is the 1st step to legalized sports betting everywhere. Sucks it had to be Oakland but the end justifies the means
— Will Burge (@WillBurge) March 27, 2017
Others took the more humours angle, with NFL Insider for ESPN, Dan Graziano, raising an interesting question – if the Oakland Raiders win their fourth Super Bowl title this year, how will Oakland itself react?
The #Raiders be like pic.twitter.com/8xDreGkHrU
— Wells Adams (@WellsAdams) March 27, 2017
Looks like Vegas turned on all their lights last night to welcome the Raiders, or maybe it just looks like that every night. I’m not sure. pic.twitter.com/LeV3SrYu0Q
— John Breech (@johnbreech) March 27, 2017
Oakland Raiders Vs
Las Vegas Raiders pic.twitter.com/UnmRHfcio0— yepitslaé (@LaeYates) March 27, 2017
The Raiders legitimately could win next year’s Super Bowl. Would Oakland throw a parade?
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 27, 2017
The Sad
Others reacted more with heartbreak at the news that their beloved Oakland Raiders are no more. And who can blame them? Come 2020, the Oakland Raiders will leave behind the city that they’ve called home for almost 60 years (well, excluding the 13 seasons that they spent in Los Angeles for their first relocation).
As a lifelong avid fan of the Oakland Raiders, I cannot express the amount of heartbreak, sickness, and betrayal that I’m feeling.
— ryan cooper (@feedcoop) March 27, 2017
Still can’t believe Raiders are leaving Oakland. Grew up huge raider fan, the black hole in Oakland will forever be legendary! #memories
— Tony Jefferson (@_tonyjefferson) March 27, 2017
Nothing can be crueler to a fan base as seeing your team leave twice .
— Joe Salvatore (@radiojoee) March 27, 2017
The Oakland Coliseum is like my Raider bar. It’s beat up. It stanks. But it’s the only home I know for @RAIDERS football.
— Brokie Incognegro (@LakersRaiders23) March 23, 2017
RIP Oakland Raiders. The story of pro football in America will never be told without you.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 27, 2017
Man didn’t know I would be this emotional! I love my Oakland Raiders!! Worst day of my life!!
— JORAM (@JORAM68) March 27, 2017
Worst day ever for all REAL Oakland Raiders fans. ?
— Andre Pina (@AndrePina4) March 27, 2017
Really feel for Raiders fans in Oakland. That’s all I got.
— Elliot Harrison (@HarrisonNFL) March 27, 2017
The Ugly
Of course, if it wasn’t sadness, then anger was what flooded Twitter. Many Raiders fans felt betrayed, enraged and bitter at the NFL’s decision to relocate the three-time Super Bowl winners. After years of sticking by their team, die-hard fans felt cheated to have the Oakland Raiders taken away from them.
Raiders Statement From Owner Mark Davis.
Read: https://t.co/XmPYQLgyYD pic.twitter.com/KFh5b2zK6t
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) March 27, 2017
Betraying one of the most loyal fans in all of sports for money. Y’all should be ashamed. @RAIDERS
— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) March 27, 2017
@RAIDERS thanks for letting Oakland down
— Scott (@ScottyD_007) March 27, 2017
When the @NFL announced the @RAIDERS are going to @CityOfLasVegas pic.twitter.com/mKoHdb1t7Q
— Prince (@kylecraig14) March 27, 2017
The NFL may not care about nostalgia or history or leaving fans behind. But that stuff catches up with you in unpredictable ways.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) March 27, 2017
The Players
Past and present NFL players also took to Twitter to express their reaction to Monday’s news. Some reacted with humour, others with disbelief. However, no one quite matched the passion of Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr whose statement covers every emotion…
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 27, 2017
I know I just dumped you but I’m going to stay in our house for the next 2 years until my new gf is done building our new house. #Raiders
— Jon Ryan (@JonRyan9) March 27, 2017
“I have mixed feelings obviously, I love Oakland, I love the fans in Oakland but I also love money…” -Mark’s real thoughts https://t.co/2KBvTvIt5e
— Jeff Allen (@JeffAllen71) March 27, 2017
NFL players can’t endorse:
– Beer/Alcohol.
– Sports gambling.
– Casinos.So naturally it makes sense to put a NFL team in Las Vegas.
— Spencer Paysinger (@PYSNGR) March 27, 2017
