Marc Badain, one of the individuals who was instrumental in the Raiders move to Las Vegas, resigned on Monday after spending 30 years with the organization.
Badain began his career with the Raiders as an intern in 1991. In 2013, he took over as interim president before shedding the temporary tag just two years later in 2015.
During his time as president, Badain oversaw the Raiders historic move from Oakland to Las Vegas. He also proved instrumental in the construction of Allegiant Stadium, which has quickly become an envy of other teams around the league.
After the stadium’s completion prior to the 2020 season, Badain felt like now was the right time to step down.
“The successful construction and operation of Allegiant Stadium has been unequivocally the most challenging part of my 30 years with the organization. Seeing it through to the end has been rewarding beyond measure,” Badain wrote in a statement to ESPN. “Together the Raiders and Las Vegas accomplished what seemed impossible. Now that the project is complete it is time for me to focus on my family and look ahead to new pursuits. I am forever grateful to MD for his unwavering support and friendship. I wish him and the Raider family the best. I will always feel a part of the team because everyone knows… Once A Raider Always A Raider.”
Statement from former Raiders’ President Marc Badain to ESPN: https://t.co/gAVv88RmqU pic.twitter.com/UpYMT0wnK5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2021
The Raiders also issued a news release with a statement from owner Mark Davis, who called Badain “an integral part of the Raider Family.” Davis also revealed that things ended amicably and said that he loved Badain “like a brother.”
Still, some of the Raiders faithful couldn’t help but wonder if the resignation was a sign of deeper trouble within the organization. Earlier this week running backs coach Kirby Wilson retired, making for the second stunning departure in a short period of time.
Kirby Wilson… Marc Badain….
Resigning abruptly.
There’s a problem in the Raiders org… a much larger one than people think.
I’ve been saying this for a while, and something has got to give soon.
— CJ Errickson (@CJErrickson_NFL) July 19, 2021
Two surprising departures for the #Raiders in recent days: RB coach Kirby Wilson (retiring) and team president Marc Badain (resigning)
Seems a bit odd for this to unfold with training camp just days away.
— Nick Cothrel (@NickCothrel) July 19, 2021
On Thursday Marc Badain was giving an update on Allegiant Stadium events to the stadium authority, on Monday he resigns from the Raiders. Pretty crazy turn of events, to say the least. #vegas #raiders #raidernation https://t.co/2efgZen6pH
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) July 20, 2021
Although a few fans were wary of what Badain’s resignation might mean for the organization as a whole, many also took to social media to celebrate the executive’s rise from summer intern to team president, who led the Raiders through an unprecedented era.
It’s hard to imagine the Raiders without Marc Badain. He began working for the Los Angeles Raiders as a summer intern in 1991 and now resigns just before the start of training camp in 2021. He had one foot in Oakland and one in Las Vegas during construction of Allegiant Stadium. pic.twitter.com/V1HCtT2edz
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 19, 2021
#Raiders (former) president Marc Badain was always extremely helpful and resourceful when I reached out… a lot more than others within the organization. Without getting into details, he cared a lot about the fanbase.
He will be missed, for sure by me.
— Raider Cody (@RaiderCody) July 19, 2021
Just my opinion: Marc Badain is well respected all over Vegas and I’m certain what’s next will be in town and something worthy of his record of success #Raiders
— Scott Gulbransen (@LVGully) July 20, 2021
Marc Badain was always the consummate pro with me and with @SilverBlack2Day & @VegasSports2Day. I know he’ll do well whatever he’s on to. Thanks for always giving the time to us Marc!
— Scott Gulbransen (@LVGully) July 19, 2021
Badain himself released a statement on his resignation, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
A statement from now former #Raiders President Marc Badain: https://t.co/7a62BtjmrS pic.twitter.com/FEvjF1ofDX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2021
Dan Ventrelle will take over Badain’s role on an interim basis, effective immediately.
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