SF Examiner: San Francisco's Candlestick Park turns into combat zone

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

So now what do we tell L.A.? That we have as many thugs at our sporting events as they do? That Candlestick Park is every bit as dangerous as Dodger Stadium? That the scofflaws and punks have imposed their will on society, just like in Southern California?

Fans entering NFL games are patted down. As if it does any good. Fights — brawls, really ...



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Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Will Jackson's Enthusiasm Win for Raiders?

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

NAPA, Calif. — He is behind a temporary podium facing the setting sun. Not a comfortable position for Hue Jackson, but neither is his new job, head coach of the Oakland Raiders, the franchise that used to be.

America knows this city and valley, some 40 miles north of San Francisco. The country's wine capital. Grapes not of wrath but of potency and fame.

America knew the Raiders as the demons of the NFL. "The autumn wind is a Raider, pillaging just for fun ..."

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© RealClearSports 2011

SF Examiner: Quarterback questions loom for Bay Area football teams

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

Yes, as Jim Harbaugh pointed out, we love talking about the quarterback position. Why wouldn’t we? Arguably, it’s the most important in any team sport. It’s the position that wins games. Or loses them.

We know quarterbacks. We’ve watched Joe Montana and Steve Young and Jim Plunkett. What we don’t know, after six seasons, is whether Alex Smith...

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Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Randy Moss: Brilliant and Bewildering

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

The apparent departure of Randy Moss from the NFL — one never can be certain when athletes announce they are retiring — brings to mind the adage about the glass being half full or the head being half empty. Or something close enough.

Moss was one of those skilled athletes who was part awe, part irritation and part, "It's my world, and you're never going to figure me out.''

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© RealClearSports 2011

SF Examiner: New 49ers, Raiders leaders have their work cut out

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

New coaches and old stadiums. The Black Hole and holes to fill. Pro football is back by the Bay — dare we say welcome? — and now that the talk has shifted from lockouts to wideouts, the major questions are whether there will be a last hurrah for Al Davis and the Raiders and a first hurrah for Jed York and the 49ers.

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Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company