Oakland Raider Analysis: If the Raiders' Javon Walker wants to retire, Al Davis should embrace it

August 2, 6:46 PMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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If Javon Walker does not want to be part of the Raider Nation, he should be gone. Photo by Patrick A. Patterson

Word came out today that Javon Walker offered to retire and refund the Raiders his $11 million signing bonus. Rather than letting him go on to other pastures, supposedly Al Davis talked him out of retiring and going ahead to play. This is a move that is mind boggling, if Walker doesn't want to play, the Raiders should have jumped at the chance to erase his bloated $55 million contract from the books.

Javon Walker's struggles over the last couple of years have been well documented. From his bitter exit from Green Bay, the death of his close friend Darrent Williams in his arms, up to his own beating and robbery in Las Vegas in June. That extended turn of events is enough to push a man over the edge. It could well be that Walker needs to have a year away from the stress of the gridiron where he can just focus on pulling the pieces of his own life back together. He could fade away from the limelight, and grieve for his friend and find himself again without the distractions.

Walker's performance in training camp has been best described so far as sub par. Coach Lane Kiffin has been on him about his conditioning, and he has been out performed by several of the lesser stature receivers on the team. With his contract, he is impossible for the Raiders to cut or trade, so this retirement could have been a graceful way for the Raiders and Walker to part ways without damaging the team chemistry. Apparently, Al Davis didn't see it that way.

This should be setting off red flags of concern throughout the Raider Nation wondering if Walker's heart will be in the game. The last big name receiver in Oakland who admitted he didn't have his heart in the game was ultimately run out of Oakland on a rail, and that was Randy Moss. If Walker's heart is not completely in the game, he does not need to be suiting up on Sundays. If his heart is not in it, he will not be making that extra effort that is required to get the team over the hump. If his heart is not in it, he could have an extremely poisonous effect on the young clubhouse. Al, if his heart is not in it let him return the bonus and use it for someone whose heart is in it.