San Diego Reader

The Oakland Raiders said today (Oct. 8) that owner Al Davis has died at age 82. Davis had once been a coach of the Chargers in the early days and was considered persona non grata in San Diego -- just as he was in most other cities.

He was a rebel who sued the league and was known for picking pockets of cities and towns that wanted the Raiders to relocate there. Davis was hired coach and general manager of the Riders at age 33, later becoming principal owner.

He was also commissioner of the American Football League, and according to the New York Times, was a driving force in the merger with the National Football League.