Yahoo: Mike Shanahan once ordered Elvis grbac to throw at Al Davis' head

[GSF]

Love this story...click link for whole article

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Mike-Shanahan-once-ordered-Elvis-Grbac-to-throw-;_ylt=AqUJMUln6nR0P5BrCOW4x1Sr0op4?urn=nfl-wp9245




Mike Shanahan once ordered Elvis Grbac to throw at Al Davis’ head

By Chris Chase


The list of folks who butted heads with Al Davis during the 50 years the late Oakland Raiders owner spent in professional football is as long as his list of accolades and accomplishments. All right, it's probably much longer.

One of his most bitter conflicts was with current Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, who spent one season working as Raiders head coach before a dispute with Davis led to his ousting.

How bad was the blood between the two? Five years after the firing, Shanahan ordered one of his players to throw a ball at Davis' head during pregame warmups. Rick Maese of The Washington Post linked to a story written by The New York Times' Mike Freeman on Sept. 13, 1998 which included this tale:

It was 1994 and Shanahan and Grbac were both with the San Francisco 49ers. Shanahan, the offensive coordinator, was working with Grbac before a game against Oakland. [...]

[...] Davis, as he does before almost every game, was walking the field, talking to players and others. Shanahan pulled Grbac aside, Grbac recalled, and gave an unusual order: ''See Al Davis over there? I want you to throw the ball right at him.''

A shocked Grbac replied: ''I can't do that. If I hit him, do you know what he could do to me?''

Shanahan looked at Grbac with his intense glare and said, ''Throw the ball.''

[Genghis Khan]

now thats a real rivalry

[Rpredskins]

That's great. Shanahan doesn't seem like the type who would hold a grudge for 20 years... I guess he really doesn't like Al Davis. Then again he is "My Way Mike." Difference between him and coaches like Rex Ryan is when he gets passionate and wants to make a point, he doesn't talk a bunch of ****- he just does.

[skinsfan07]

that is an epic story. Crazy what players will do for their coaches.

[SkinsHokieFan]

That's great. Shanahan doesn't seem like the type who would hold a grudge for 20 years... I guess he really doesn't like Al Davis. Then again he is "My Way Mike." Difference between him and coaches like Rex Ryan is when he gets passionate and wants to make a point, he doesn't talk a bunch of ****- he just does.

I think its the opposite. Shanny IS the guy who'll hold a grudge forever.

Al Davis stiffed Mike Shanahan of money, early in his coaching career. I'd hold a grudge against him forever. See what the Shanny Broncos did to the Raiders all those years

[clskinsfan]

Yeah. Davis never paid the remainder of the contract that he signed. But Davis was never on any trouble with elvis's garbage arm.

[Laxpunk2006]

This thread is in extremely poor taste and has zero to do with the Washington Redskins.

[GSF]

This thread is in extremely poor taste and has zero to do with the Washington Redskins.

What?! it's funny as hell and is about the Redskins' head coach. Lighten up Francis.

[skinsfan1523]

The real question is, did he hit him?

[GSF]

The real question is, did he hit him?

Click the link to find out!

[Laxpunk2006]

What?! it's funny as hell and is about the Redskins' head coach. Lighten up Francis.

It happened a decade before he was the Redskins coach. Would it be relevant to bring up events of players 10 years before they played for the Redskins? No, it wouldn't.

Beyond that we all realize Al was a bit cooky even in his younger years. Generally when someone passes there is a certain degree of discretion that is taken when discussing their legacy. Al Davis did more for the NFL than nearly anyone else that has ever been involved in this league. Love him or hate him he is a legend. There is a time and a place for things and this is not it. Appreciate Al for what he did for all of us, or ignore him altogether. This thread is a shade off from kicking a man while he is down. It's in poor taste.

[Rpredskins]

This thread is in extremely poor taste and has zero to do with the Washington Redskins.

Lets see, Al Davis is the biggest story in the NFL right now and Mike Shanahan is our coach. I'd say there was never a more relevant or appropriate time to post this.

[GSF]

It happened a decade before he was the Redskins coach. Would it be relevant to bring up events of players 10 years before they played for the Redskins? No, it wouldn't.

Beyond that we all realize Al was a bit cooky even in his younger years. Generally when someone passes there is a certain degree of discretion that is taken when discussing their legacy. Al Davis did more for the NFL than nearly anyone else that has ever been involved in this league. Love him or hate him he is a legend. There is a time and a place for things and this is not it. Appreciate Al for what he did for all of us, or ignore him altogether. This thread is a shade off from kicking a man while he is down. It's in poor taste.

Oh please...get off your high horse. Who said anything about hating Davis? This is just a funny story that in no way tarnishes Davis' legacy or kicks him while he's down. The Shanahan/Davis rivalry is legendary in the nfl.

Give me a break...oh and yes, you see threads about Skins players from 10 or even 20 or 30 years ago in here all the time. You're just wrong on both of your points.

[Thirtyfive2seven]

he's not down...he's dead

---------- Post added October-10th-2011 at 11:06 PM ----------


What?! it's funny as hell and is about the Redskins' head coach. Lighten up Francis.

If any of you call me Francis I"LL KILL YOU!

[Laxpunk2006]

Lets see, Al Davis is the biggest story in the NFL right now and Mike Shanahan is our coach. I'd say there was never a more relevant or appropriate time to post this.

This story isn't about Mike Shanahan, coach of the Washington Redskins. It's Mike Shanahan, coach of the Denver Broncos. It's a decade old story that doesn't involve our franchise. It's nothing to be proud of. This is a time most people would attempt to show some class. Respect Al Davis for what he did for all of us as fans or move on.

---------- Post added October-10th-2011 at 11:12 PM ----------


Oh please...get off your high horse. Who said anything about hating Davis? This is just a funny story that in no way tarnishes Davis' legacy or kicks him while he's down. The Shanahan/Davis rivalry is legendary in the nfl.

Give me a break...oh and yes, you see threads about Skins players from 10 or even 20 or 30 years ago in here all the time. You're just wrong on both of your points.


It's impossible to be wrong on a matter of opinion. That shouldn't need to be explained.

I didn't say that you or anyone else hates him, nor did I say that I or anyone else loves him. That couldn't have been any more clearly a figure of speech. Yes we do see threads about Skins players from 10/20/30 years ago. They generally involve accomplishments or events while they were members of our franchise, not things that happened a decade before they signed with us.

[Rpredskins]

This story isn't about Mike Shanahan, coach of the Washington Redskins. It's Mike Shanahan, coach of the Denver Broncos. It's a decade old story that doesn't involve our franchise. It's nothing to be proud of. This is a time most people would attempt to show some class. Respect Al Davis for what he did for all of us as fans or move on.

Its still the same guy. Same personality. And as for it being disrepectful:
a. it is (allegedly) true
b. Al Davis was a divisive figure. This highlights that. Nobody is trashing Al Davis, if anything it makes Shanahan look like a tool. Personally I think it shows the passion both of them have/had for football and is an interesting story.

[seriously]

I think its the opposite. Shanny IS the guy who'll hold a grudge forever.

Al Davis stiffed Mike Shanahan of money, early in his coaching career. I'd hold a grudge against him forever. See what the Shanny Broncos did to the Raiders all those years


Took the words right off my keyboard lol...

And watching this game on tv (Lions/Bears) I have grown even more content with Shanny as our coach, Gruden is a complete moron and it's become even more evident that he just rode Dungy's team to the Super Bowl.

[Laxpunk2006]

Its still the same guy. Same personality. And as for it being disrepectful:
a. it is (allegedly) true
b. Al Davis was a divisive figure. This highlights that. Nobody is trashing Al Davis, if anything it makes Shanahan look like a tool. Personally I think it shows the passion both of them have/had for football and is an interesting story.

Perhaps I'm being overly sensitive. I percieved this thread as celebrating a low point in both Mike and Al's career. That being said I seem to be over analyzing the situation so I will agree to disagree.

[Califan007]

Perhaps I'm being overly sensitive. I percieved this thread as celebrating a low point in both Mike and Al's career. That being said I seem to be over analyzing the situation so I will agree to disagree.

It's a funny football story from the past involving our current head coach and a legendary NFL owner who just passed away. Nothing more.

[seriously]

It's a funny football story from the past involving our current head coach and a legendary NFL owner who just passed away. Nothing more.

exactly, anything else- get over yourself people. geez

[skinzplay]

They could've waited a few more days to publish this.

[Thirtyfive2seven]

why is everyone freakin out? Al Davis was known for making enemies and that was a good thing. It lead to us having a super bowl.

[Rpredskins]

why is everyone freakin out? Al Davis was known for making enemies and that was a good thing. It lead to us having a super bowl.

Exactly. He thrived on conflict. Ignoring that is to ignore who he was and who he chose to be.

[donpappagiorgio]

This thread is in extremely poor taste and has zero to do with the Washington Redskins.

I think you need to lighten up. Great story, thanks for sharing!

[Tastes Like Chicken]

I call bs on that tight spiral part.

[Genghis Khan]

Just hit the arrow that points left if you don't like the story or the conversation.

[SirClintonPortis]

Mike Shanahan also wanted even more touchdowns in that San Francisco Super Bowl. The 42 year old Mike Shanahan still was "young" in a sense. lol

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Perhaps I'm being overly sensitive. I percieved this thread as celebrating a low point in both Mike and Al's career. That being said I seem to be over analyzing the situation so I will agree to disagree.

I was a big Al Davis fan. Had a lot of respect for him, felt he got a bad rap in his later years and that people had forgotten all that he had done for the sport. I was sad when I heard the news. To me, this is just a classic Al Davis story. He was who he was, the good and bad. This is part of it, it involves our current head coach, and it's funny. It's sharing a memorable story. I don't think it's disrespectful at all.

[Boss_Hogg]

After 17 years, I believe Al would have laughed at this.

Al lived, slept, ate, and breathed football. The guy loved competition and ruffling the feathers of his adversaries.

[Bibby]

Awesome story. Very cool history piece.. I'd like to think Shanahan would tell Rex to do the samething to Jerruh. One can dream...

[Spearfeather]

This is hilarious.

Imagine though if he had hit him: " Shanahan orders QB to throw at Davis. Shattered sunglass lens scrapes cornea."

To even risk something like that; he must have really not liked Davis.

[storretti]

I wonder what would've happened if the football did hit Al Davis, you think Davis would've ran towards Shanahan and start throwing hay makers? I would've never thought that Shanahan would've done something like that, but he did hate Al Davis.

[Rpredskins]

Al wouldve sued him for sure

[SkinsFTW]

Also he was almost 70 years old lol. Imagine throwing a football at some 70 year old.

[Bubble Screen]

I wonder what would've happened if the football did hit Al Davis, you think Davis would've ran towards Shanahan and start throwing hay makers? I would've never thought that Shanahan would've done something like that, but he did hate Al Davis.I heard a guy on the radio say today that Al Davis was only about 5'5" 130 lbs. So, I'm pretty sure Mike wouldn't have been the least bit scared of the guy.

[jazzy1]

lol at grbac being intimidated enough to do something as stupid as that on the orders of another grown man. I woulda tossed Shanny the ball and walked off and said you do it.

[Bubble Screen]

lol at grbac being intimidated enough to do something as stupid as that on the orders of another grown man. I woulda tossed Shanny the ball and walked off and said you do it.Yeah, it was stupid of him to even throw it. No way I would have. That's just piss poor sportsmanship. And you're right, I probably would have told Mike to take it up with Al himself. I have a hard time believing this whole story is even true.

[FrFan]

lol at grbac being intimidated enough to do something as stupid as that on the orders of another grown man. I woulda tossed Shanny the ball and walked off and said you do it.

+1
Throw it yourself. :D

[NewCliche21]

This thread is as hilarious as the story.

Now we can cherry pick what parts of a player or coach's history matter. I guess that we can't ever talk about a player's childhood, NCAA, or NFL experience? I mean, it has ZERO to do with the player as a Redskin, right?

Come on, now.

[wilco_holland]

Doesn´t beat Snyders vanilla story:

Early that season, after a Redskins loss, Snyder told Nolan that his defensive calls were “too vanilla.” Like the other coaches, Nolan had figured out by then that trying to explain football to Snyder was pointless, since he already had the game figured out. A few days later a gallon of 31 Flavors ice cream showed up on Nolan’s desk with a note that said, “This is what I like. Not vanilla.”

Nolan laughed and sent Snyder a note: “Thanks for the ice cream. My kids enjoyed it.”

“The first time it was actually kind of funny,” Nolan said. “I didn’t mind it at all.”

The next time wasn’t as funny.

The Redskins lost on the road to Dallas, and Nolan went into his office late Sunday night to start looking at game tape. When he arrived, there were three giant canisters of melting 31 Flavors ice cream on his desk with another note: “I wasn’t joking. I do not like vanilla.”

But Al was loved and hated around the league...but he loved football.

[LD0506]

Oh noooo, Al Davis croaked so now he's up for sainthood.......

Wotta crock, and not some artsy pickle crock that a yuppie overpays for in an antique store, a large reeking crock o'****.

Al Davis reveled in the way he could get under someone's skin, he has a long history of going out of his way to publicly be a prick when he wanted to. I'd lay even money that if he was told that the week after his death this story would be related, he'd have loved it to know that he pwned Shanny badly enough to make this happen.

[MLSKINS]

Only on ES can a story like this Al Davis/ Mike Shanahan be taken so seriously :ols: .

That Mike Nolan/Dan Snyder Ice Cream story always makes me laugh.

[Park City Skins]

lol at grbac being intimidated enough to do something as stupid as that on the orders of another grown man. I woulda tossed Shanny the ball and walked off and said you do it.


Yeah, it was stupid of him to even throw it. No way I would have. That's just piss poor sportsmanship. And you're right, I probably would have told Mike to take it up with Al himself. I have a hard time believing this whole story is even true.


+1
Throw it yourself. :D

:doh:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/jayman42/esmancard.jpg

;)


Funny story. :) May Al rest in Peace,but doesn't surprise me a bit. Matter of fact,I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't other instances of some subtle and not so subtle instances like this happening many times to Al over the years.

[LD0506]

Funny story. :) May Al rest in Peace,but doesn't surprise me a bit. Matter of fact,I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't other instances of some subtle and not so subtle instances like this happening many times to Al over the years.


Like Lane Kiffin throwing an overhead projector at Al? :ols:

[2cents]

I hate this about our society today. Yes Al Davis died, and that is too bad, but it is part of life. Al Davis was also a prick of the highest order if you look at the way he treated people who he did not like or did not agree with him or give him what he wanted. Just because he is dead doesn't make it not true and saying it isn't horrible.

[wilco_holland]

I never heard of Elvis Grbac...but after some research it only get´s more funny:

Grbac was featured as People's Sexiest Athlete in 1998. Sportswriter Jeff Pearlman claims this was because of a mistake by a photographer, told to photograph "the Chiefs quarterback," who accidentally photographed Grbac instead of the intended Rich Gannon.

Lol, guy is going to have some good story's to tell his grandchilderen.

[Blue Collar Skins]

It happened a decade before he was the Redskins coach. Would it be relevant to bring up events of players 10 years before they played for the Redskins? No, it wouldn't.

Beyond that we all realize Al was a bit cooky even in his younger years. Generally when someone passes there is a certain degree of discretion that is taken when discussing their legacy. Al Davis did more for the NFL than nearly anyone else that has ever been involved in this league. Love him or hate him he is a legend. There is a time and a place for things and this is not it. Appreciate Al for what he did for all of us, or ignore him altogether. This thread is a shade off from kicking a man while he is down. It's in poor taste. No one is making fun of Al Davis. No one. The man did a ton for Football and was a visionary. Al Davis is probably up there, in heaven, and chuckling at this. Now if someone was making fun of Al Davis, I could understand you being up in arms, but no one is doing that. They are relating a funny story about our Head Coach and Al Davis.

Anyway, I think the funniest line of the whole story is: "I know, I had the same exact thought: Who knew Elvis Grbac could throw a tight, hard spiral 30 yards and barely miss his target by inches?"

[ouvan59]

It happened a decade before he was the Redskins coach. Would it be relevant to bring up events of players 10 years before they played for the Redskins? No, it wouldn't.

Beyond that we all realize Al was a bit cooky even in his younger years. Generally when someone passes there is a certain degree of discretion that is taken when discussing their legacy. Al Davis did more for the NFL than nearly anyone else that has ever been involved in this league. Love him or hate him he is a legend. There is a time and a place for things and this is not it. Appreciate Al for what he did for all of us, or ignore him altogether. This thread is a shade off from kicking a man while he is down. It's in poor taste.

So dying makes all his misdeeds forgiven? Al Davis did a lot of great things for the NFL but he was an unqualified *******. I'm happy acknowledging all the great things he did but just because he's dead it doesn't make him any less petty. This isn't kicking a man when he's down. It's presenting all sides of the man. But feel free to bury your head in the sand and genuflect at the Al Davis altar if you'd like.

[brasi]

It happened a decade before he was the Redskins coach. Would it be relevant to bring up events of players 10 years before they played for the Redskins? No, it wouldn't.

Beyond that we all realize Al was a bit cooky even in his younger years. Generally when someone passes there is a certain degree of discretion that is taken when discussing their legacy. Al Davis did more for the NFL than nearly anyone else that has ever been involved in this league. Love him or hate him he is a legend. There is a time and a place for things and this is not it. Appreciate Al for what he did for all of us, or ignore him altogether. This thread is a shade off from kicking a man while he is down. It's in poor taste.

Dude...relax. Please.

[skinsfan44]

I like Shanahan even more now. :D

You Da Man, Mike.

[2cents]

And the untold part is Al was probably standing at the other side talking to a D-lineman saying....You see Shanny over there, I'll give you $10,000 if you run him over when warm ups are done.

[GSF]

And the untold part is Al was probably standing at the other side talking to a D-lineman saying....You see Shanny over there, I'll give you $10,000 if you run him over when warm ups are done.

I was thinking that too. Shanny and davis really hated each other, and their teams played each other at least twice a year for a lot of years. It was probably an on going battle between those 2 lol...

---------- Post added October-11th-2011 at 02:38 PM ----------

I also vaguely remember a QB talking about thowing the ball at the head of a ref during a play b/c the ref had pissed him off with a real bad call or something like that. I'm pretty sure it was Boomer during the old cincy days, but I couldn't find anything on it.

[eljeasel]

Shanahan pulled Grbac aside, Grbac recalled, and gave an unusual order: ''See Al Davis over there? I want you to throw the ball right at him.''

A shocked Grbac replied: ''I can't do that. If I hit him, do you know what he could do to me?''

Shanahan looked at Grbac with his intense glare and said, ''Throw the ball.''

I had Cobra Kai flashbacks:

Sweep the leg.

What?

Do it.

[BRAVEONAWARPATH]

That's great. Shanahan doesn't seem like the type who would hold a grudge for 20 years.
Shanahan is indeed the type of person to hold a grudge for 20 years.

In addition to being a top flight coach, he is known around the league as being arrogant and very vindictive.


Edit: Not a big fan of his...personality-wise

[gortiz]

They could've waited a few more days to publish this.

funny story and by no means do I feel offended ... i'm not a big Davis guy but there is no denying he was a giant ... maverick, and forefather of the game we all love. so yes, they could have waited a little to print.

[B&GVol24]

My favorite line of the article:


I know, I had the same exact thought: Who knew Elvis Grbac could throw a tight, hard spiral 30 yards and barely miss his target by inches?

:ols:

[HailGreen28]

Great story.

[Jeffro]

Here is the original story - http://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/13/sports/pro-football-the-broncos-shanahan-is-ruthless-for-a-reason.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

This was a great read past the story about ordering Grbac to throw the ball. I'd suggest everyone read it to understand his expectations etc.

[Kelvin Bryant]

Yawn. If Shanahan had ordered Elvis to *bring* him Al's head, then you'd have a story.

[Bubble Screen]

Anyone else think Laxpunk might be a Raiders fan, or at the very least, they are his second team?..."Lax"punk? "LA" Raiders (back in the day). Hmm....

[ECU-ALUM]

I think its the opposite. Shanny IS the guy who'll hold a grudge forever.



Yes he is! I was at training camp in 2010 and I mentioned something about Haynesworth and the guy next to me said, "I'm Mike's photographer I've been with him since Oakland he will never forget what Haynesworth has done to him. You do not cross Mike he will never forget it if you do."

[SittingBull]

I don't see why this thread or story is in bad taste. The man died, what better way to honor him than to recount moments/stories in his life that are funny or awe-inspiring. What would be in bad taste would be to keep silent and not talk about such things and let the man be forgotten.

[thebluefood]

I think the most shocking thing about that story is that Grbac almost hit him.

There are some wild stories that have come out of sports. That's certainly one of them.

[kevinklein]

Haha, awesome. I love football.

[KAZEstrong]

This thread is in extremely poor taste and has zero to do with the Washington Redskins.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tMmPuz1hGg/Tg3gk-yQZcI/AAAAAAAABDA/Uvg3jfUsgB4/s320/debbie%2Bdowner.jpg

[2cents]

This thread is in extremely poor taste and has zero to do with the Washington Redskins.

Then don't read it.....

[HailGreen28]

*sniff* *sniff* Smells like football rivalry in here.

If Grbac had connected, it couldn't have happened to a nicer person. Especially as long as there was no lasting injury.