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Lynch reminds media how much control he exerts over any interaction

Marshawn Lynch gave America five minutes and thirty-three seconds of his time, did not amplify on his posture during the pregame of Friday nights game in Arizona, and dropped a Peace, out.

Now how much Marshawn Lynch can you get?

He talked, thereby satisfying people. He didnt not talk about the National Anthem, the country, current events or anything remotely close to any of it, this disappointing those same people. He crossed the myth about elephants and mice with the popular Oedipal reference to make a new Marshawn Moment, which ranks up there with the tennis shoe hanging from the telephone wire retirement announcement.

And yeah, that is so much Marshawn Lynch, too.

Lynch, ultimately, interacts with the amalgamated media rabble (my ID number is #287,449/A) by reminding it how much control he exerts over any such interaction, and by giving it only his presence rather than his attention. He is phenomenally predictable that way, and it is to our shame that we keep thinking he will break the pattern out of some misplaced sense of obligation.

He is, in his own way, a recluse in full view. He insists on being the master of his surroundings in a business with many assumed masters coaches, front office people, fans, marketers, media, even the oft-repeated myths of the game like ones responsibilities to the greater amorphous whole. I even suspect he has the power of invisibility, like Doctor Fate, Martian Manhunter or The Watcher.

In which case he should gain about 7,500 yards and score 130 touchdowns and be able to sit whenever he wants for more reasons than his own. After all, America tends to bend its willingness to accept eccentricities like his when he is helping their team entertain them successfully.

After all, we know what our true cultural priorities are.

NAPA Marshawn Lynch spoke with the media Thursday for the second time as a Raider. He was quick-witted, disarming and, as always, not suitable for work.

It was five minutes of peak Marshawn, where he brought light to his charitable endeavors, called himself the daddy of his position group and cleverly sidestepped all things nation anthem.

He was asked four questions on other topics before elephant in the room was mentioned. It didnt stick around long.

I think the elephant left the room because a little mouse ran in here, Lynch deadpanned. Didnt they say elephants are scared of mice or something? That [expletive] left the room, cousin.

[RATTO:Lynch reminds media how much control he exerts over any interaction]

Two more related questions came down the pike. The first was about Del Rio letting players be themselves. He answered a different question instead.

Yeah, because on doctor-24, its a designed way that youre supposed to run it but I have all freedom to go any way that I choose to run it, Lynch said. I would say, yes.

The final anthem-esque query was deflected in a similar fashion.

When we run 74 or something like that, where I have to scan and read on both sides, that is pretty difficult. For the most part, Im a veteran so I can make it work.

Two things were crystal clear after speaking with Lynch.

He didnt miss football one bit during his year in retirement. Lynch said this spring he decided to return after the Raiders were approved to relocate away from his native Oakland. He wants to represent his hometown well and give them something to cheer before the team leaves for Las Vegas.

Thats why hes fired up even for Saturdays exhibition against the Rams hes expected to make a cameo in that game his first in Oakland wearing silver and black.

Its truly a blessing and just to have the opportunity to go and do that is a good [expletive] feeling, Lynch said. Its a good [expletive] feeling.

Lynch has always been active in the community, and hopes him playing here will bring more visibility to whats being done to help kids in Oakland.

I plan on continuing to do what I do in the community, Lynch said. Itll probably be that now that Im here, more people that are in the community might actually come out and support what it is that weve got going on.

AP

NAPA The Raiders spent 18 days in isolation at the Napa Valley Marriott, pouring complete focus into season prep. Head coach Jack Del Rio considers his team better for the experience.

The Raiders moved back to their Alameda facility after Thursdays practice, the 14th of this training camp, ready to complete the preseason. The next milestone comes in Saturdays exhibition against the Los Angeles Rams.

I think we came in with a purposeful mind going after things, accomplishing things, Del Rio said. In terms of installation, in terms of situational awareness and those things, were coaching and teaching. I think we were able to work and get guys either back or really close to being back and I feel really good about the way camp went. It was a strong camp. It was very purposeful and very productive.

The Raiders left relatively healthy, despite longer-term injuries to Keith McGill and Denver Kirkland. There were some issues unresolved during this time.

Donald Penns contract holdout continues after nearly three weeks. First-round pick Gareon Conley still hasnt seen the field while dealing with a shin injury originally suffered in a June minicamp.

Jihad Ward, Ben Heeney and Cooper Helfet joined Conley and Penn as players who didnt participate in a camp practice.

I know the natural question is going to hit me on a couple of the guys. Obviously, one is not here, his choice. You have a couple of others that havent been able to join us at practice yet, and theyre working, Del Rio said. Theyre doing everything were asking. Theyll come back when they can. Until then, we just move on. Were looking forward to playing at home this week in front of our crowd. Im excited about that opportunity to kick that off.

QUICK SLANTS -- The battle to be quarterback Derek Carrs backup wages on, though Del Rio said EJ Manuel has a leg up at this stage. That supports what was seen in training camp, when Manuel took most every second-unit snap.

I think the time we had here and the first game the other night, I think (Manuel) has done a little more, done enough to be in the second slot, Del Rio said. I think theyll continue to alternate reps and both get opportunities to show us. Im pleased with both of the guys. I thought both guys operated pretty darn well (on Saturday at Arizona).

-- The Raiders concluded camp with a punt catching contest. Each phase sent a representative to catch a Marquette King punt, with pushups going to the loser. Interior lineman Jon Feliciano caught his volley. So did backup long snapper Andrew East. Defensive tackle Justin Ellis couldnt corral three angled attempts, meaning the defense had to do pushups.

-- The Raiders held a glorified walk-through practice on Thursday, working in jerseys and shorts. They will hold a formal walh-through on Friday in Alameda before Saturdays game at Oakland Coliseum.

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