The Oakland Raiders made the decision last week to part ways with longtime punter Marquette King after six seasons with the team. However, it wasn't the move to cut him that caught most eyes; instead, it was how they did it. King was visiting the practice facility when he was released before having a chance to even meet his new head coach, Jon Gruden.
The fashion it was conducted in has created a sense of disdain toward the organization from King about the entire situation. Following the decision to join the Denver Broncos on Thursday on a three-year deal, the 29-year-old threw his own shade at Gruden, according to Micheal David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
“I just saw him on car commercials and stuff,” King said in a conference call with Denver writers, via quotes distributed by the team. “I get to see him two times a year [now].”
There is clearly no love lost with King, who never had the chance to even establish a relationship with the Raiders; new head coach. Instead, he was given the boot before that could ever transpire. He is now set to join Denver with a chance to play against Oakland at least twice a year for the next three seasons.
This just adds another spark to the divisional rivalry between the two franchises when they take the field against each other in the 2018 campaign. King may be a punter, but he has proven to be one of the better players at his position in the league, and his contributions on special teams could have a major impact on the game.
There could also be some jabbering on the field from King directed at his former team that could see a celebration or two after a punt. All of this should bring another factor to tune in for what should be a more intense AFC West rivalry.
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