The San Francisco treat

Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders lost their recent suit against the NFL but they parted with a nice consolation prize: a two-year supply of Jerry Rice.

The Pro-Bowler and future Hall of Famer will play for Oakland in a two-year deal worth $3 million to $4 million. Released by the Niners because of salary cap problems, Rice was also looked at by Seattle, Detroit and Cleveland. What else but cap problems could force any team to let go The Greatest Receiver of All Time... 1,281 receptions, 186 touchdowns, three Super Bowl titles, MVP honors in '87 and '90, 14 winning seasons and holder of every significant NFL receiving record.

Rice joins players like Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, Tom Rathman and Charlie Garner as former 'Niners who crossed the Bay to play for Davis. But this is different. Not since Joe Montana split for Kansas City has such a departure left a gaping, irreparable hole in the 'Niners roster.

The legacy and memories will remain forever in San Francisco. But the flesh, bones and talent will now join Oakland and the Raider Nation.

Besides the money and continuation of a storybook career, Rice gets to play with a legitimate Super Bowl contender, an MVP quarterback in Rich Gannon and, in John Gruden, a coach who favors the West Coast Offense. Plus a loyal, hungry and rabid fan base.

Skeptics will say that the 38-year Rice has played his better days already. That he's "lost a step." You could argue that any lost step by Rice only levels the playing field for opposing cornerbacks. Deion Sanders once said, "Going up against Jerry is the ultimate challenge. I can make a mistake against most guys and make up for it. With Jerry, if I make a mistake, it's over."

With one of the most stacked offenses in the NFL, Rice's playing time might be a factor, but not likely. If you're an Oakland fan, you drool at the thought of Rice joining another Pro-Bowl receiver, Tim Brown, on the line of scrimmage in a two-receiver set.

Off the field, Rice brings his impeccable reputation and work ethic to a team known for its tough-guy, outlaw image. Rice has been in commercials endorsing Nike, Visa, Sprint, Disneyland and Powerade. The last Raider with this kind of commercial appeal was Bo Jackson.

Not to mention Rice's charity work with the March of Dimes, Big Brother, Big Sister, the United Way and the United Negro College Fund.

Consider the possibilities, and the irony: Mr. NFL Nice Guy wearing the Silver and Black? Intriguing. Bold.

Scary.