THE MACHIAVELLI OF FOOTBALL

From my personal experience, Mark Heisler captured the paradoxical personality of Al Davis perfectly (“The Machiavelli of Football,” Dec. 15).

I was the director of marketing and sales for the Oakland Invaders of the now-defunct United States Football League. When the Raiders moved to Los Angeles, the Invaders leased their vacated administrative offices with the exception of Davis’ office, which he maintained.

For months, Invaders staff members saw Davis in the hallways; he never smiled or said a word. Then, at a late-night meeting prior to the Invaders’ inaugural game against the Arizona Wranglers, Davis entered the room.

With fire in his eyes, the artery on the side of his neck pumping and his teeth clenched, he addressed the group: “This is Oakland--win, goddamn it! Win, win, win. You’re representing Oakland. Uphold the tradition!”

TOM BLAKE

Dana Point