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Oakland Raiders join the league in mourning the passing of Tony Sparano

In the storied lore of the Oakland Raiders, former head coach Tony Sparano is probably best known for burying a football on the practice field – literally – after taking over for the fired Dennis Allen after the team’s 0-4 start to the 2014 season.

Sparano, the former offensive line coach turned interim head coach, buried the ball to symbolize moving on from the past and making a fresh start for the beleaguered squad that went 8-28 in Allen’s disastrous two season and four game tenure.

Oakland still only went 3-9 to finish out that year with rookie quarterback Derek Carr under center, but – that 52-0 drubbing by the then-St.