Raiders Weigh a Boycott of Function Involving Chiefs

So Greg Townsend was suspended for his part in the melee with the Kansas City Chiefs?

Now the Raiders are contemplating suspending themselves from the AFC West Division spring publicity convention, apparently because the Chiefs will be there and the Raiders no longer care about doing business with the Chiefs.

“We feel it’s not in our best interests,” said Mike Ornstein, promotion director.

The decision is thought to have originated somewhat higher in the organization--try Al Davis. It may also apply to more routine exchanges, such as setting up conference calls between players the week before their game Dec. 14 in the Coliseum.

Townsend was suspended and 10 teammates were fined after the Kansas City brawl. Before the league office took action, Coach John Mackovic of the Chiefs showed film to the press of alleged Raider transgressions over the last two seasons.

Eight Chiefs were also fined for their parts in the brawl, but lesser amounts. The Raiders’ Howie Long, for example, was fined $2,000 for his fight with Brad Budde. Budde was fined $1,000.

The NFL has stated that its review did not start with Mackovic’s complaint.

The Raiders, of course, believe whatever the league says.