Raiders reportedly refusing NFL orders to paint 50-yard line numbers in gold

Is there a more lovable outlaw organization in sports than the Raiders? Probably not.

The team that is notorious for not cooperating with the league is once again in the crosshairs of the NFL, this time for reportedly refusing to follow league directions to paint the 50-yard line numbers at O.co Coliseum in gold for its home games.

The league directed teams to have the 50-yard line numbers painted in gold as part of its “On the 50” campaign to celebrate the Super Bowl. Here are some of the aspects of the campaign:

The NFL plans to signify next year’s “golden” Super Bowl by using the color throughout the season in more ways than one. For starters, fans will notice an on-field upgrade, with the 50-yard line numerals and NFL shield logo painted gold in all 31 NFL stadiums. Team logos on sideline apparel also will feature gold accents, while the logos for official league events — including April’s draft, September’s Kickoff game and January’s playoff run — will adopt a golden hue.

The Raiders, being who they are of course, refused to put up the gold numerals for both of its home games. An NFL employee says that is because the team is still sharing the stadium with the A’s and that the marks would be put down after the baseball team’s season ends. However, the Coliseum’s GM says otherwise.

“It has nothing to do with baseball,” AEG’s Chris Wright told Sports Business Daily. “The last six home baseball games are through this weekend, and there will be no gold marks for the rest of the Raiders’ regular season.”

There is speculation that the Raiders are refusing orders in protest of the league awarding Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium with a Super Bowl, or because they are unhappy the league isn’t doing more to help their move. Whatever the reason, this is classic Raiders. Al Davis would be proud.

H/T Shutdown Corner