Back in the ‘90s, after one of the many times that Mike was banned from the Raiders’ locker room by legendary owner Al Davis, Amy--the NFL’s first woman CEO--had to cut a $10,000 check to the league to pay off the fine. Their remarkably chummy professional relationship survived that and many other adventures, including the 2002 Sports Illustrated profile that spawned her iconic nickname. In Part 1 of our wide-ranging conversation, Amy explains to Natalie why Al despised her dad (it’s a compliment… really!), reflects on the late legend’s penchant for second chances and push for social justice and reveals why the Raiders resonated with her as a kid.
Why did Mike get banned (repeatedly) by the Raiders--and why does Amy view it as a sign of Al’s respect? What did Amy scream at the NFL’s supervisor of officials during the infamous “Tuck Rule” replay review in the 2001 playoffs? What did Amy’s sixth grade teacher tell her mother about her intellect, or lack thereof? Did Mike or Amy terrorize Paul Revere Jr. High teachers more? Will any of these three Cal alums live long enough to see the Golden Bears play in the Rose Bowl? Why did the Raiders perpetually “abstain” in league votes, and how did Amy get Al to change the policy? Which Raiders victory brought Amy AND Mike to tears? We have answers. You won’t be disappointed.