Ornstein Announces Resignation

Mike Ornstein, a member of the Raiders’ front office since the team moved south from Oakland in 1982, said Tuesday he has resigned his position with the team.

Ornstein, 35, was a senior administrator with the Raiders, primarily involved in public relations, marketing and promotions.

He had previously served as an administrative assistant to Raider Coach John Madden in 1976-77 and spent five years in private business before returning to the team.

“I’ve just been here a long time,” Ornstein said. “It’s time to move on to something else. I’ve loved my association with the Raiders. It’s been absolutely fantastic. I’ve been involved with what I believe is the finest organization in sports.

“But as far as moving ahead in my career and reaching my ambition of someday becoming a general manager, I felt it was time to move on and explore other opportunities, hopefully in sports.”

Ornstein became a celebrity of sorts when he pushed commentator Irv Cross and told him to move off the Raider sidelines while Cross was on live television before the Super Bowl at Tampa, Fla., Jan. 22, 1984.

The Raiders beat the Washington Redskins, 38-9, in that game.