Raider Fans

Outside of The Times' sports department, I may be the biggest Raider fan at this newspaper. So the fact that I am not unhappy--and even a bit relieved--that "our" pro football team is leaving Los Angeles after 13 years to return to its roots in Oakland presumably says a lot about why the Raiders never caught on here. I'm part of the problem, as Raiders' owner Al Davis and some of his current and former players would define it. I am one of those apathetic L.A.

I love the Raiders as much as anyone. I even went to that Tampa Bay game where no one else showed up except the gangs in the end zone. But it's time to let go. We can't have all the fun. Why be selfish? The presence of the Raiders in Los Angeles did so much for civic pride and the stability of the inner city. Remember Mayor Tom Bradley's words in 1984 after Super Bowl XVIII that the Raiders "have brought this community together as never before in the history of this city."

The "Save the Rams" organization should change its name to "Save the Rams From Georgia." TAYLOR E. BROWMAN Newport Beach To all Ram fans, we empathize. As Raider fans, both in Oakland and Los Angeles, we know exactly what you're going through. We've always been expendable in Al Davis' eyes. To Georgia: It's called a shakedown, baby. For once, do something nice for L.A. football. Pay the money and leave, so Raider fans can have new seats. KEVIN CASH Hermosa Beach

As the Joint Operations Commander for Policing at the World Cup games held at the Rose Bowl, I would suggest the use of the Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department for policing at the next Ram-Raider game. We spent a lot of time and effort preparing to deal with hooligans at the soccer games and would like to put that training to some use. DONN BURWELL, Commander, Pasadena Police Department This is one person who fervently hopes that the Raiders and Rams leave California soon--and take with them the thugs who were more bent on turning Anaheim Stadium into a slugging arena than enjoying a game last Sunday.

"Pathetic," was Shane Conlan's word for it. "Stupid," Chris Chandler said. "Ridiculous," Todd Lyght muttered. And in another corner of the locker room, Jackie Slater sadly shook his head and noted, "A little bit of dishonor was involved here." Surprisingly, these Rams weren't talking about the Rams' playbook. Or the Rams' play in Sunday's dreary 20-17 loss at home to the Raiders.

Dear Art Shell, Just once I'd like to see you smile. Your team won when the ball hit the crossbar and you looked like you lost your best friend. Come on, Art, show some emotion. Look happy, act positive (John Madden did) and we'll see you at the Super Bowl. MARK BERGLAS Irvine After watching the Raiders for three quarters against the Oilers, I asked the guy in front of me to put on his huge, sight-blocking hat. STEVE DUE Inglewood I must agree with Art Shell in his gloating over the media "experts" who claimed the Raiders had no running game.

Whew! It's starting to look as if I can relax a little. During the NFL exhibition season, I was worried that all of the Raider Super Bowl tickets would be gone before I got mine. DON MOERY Irvine Pathetic. The only word to describe the Raiders. RON LAMBERT Westchester "Just win, baby" was never correct. "Just win my way and don't talk back," was always Al Davis' philosophy. Which, by the way, is the reason Art Shell is still coach. MICHAEL VALENTE San Juan Capistrano It's not the talent that is overrated, it's the coaching.

Downey's California: --Reason No. 1 why the Raiders should not move to Orlando, Fla.: Oh, the outcry after drunken Raider fans harass Minnie, punch Mickey into a coma and try to run down Pluto with their Harley-Davidsons. --Reason No. 2 why the Raiders should not move to Orlando: Temptation by locals to rename team the Orlando Raider, singular. --Reason No. 3 why the Raiders should not move to Orlando: We need four NFL teams in Florida like we need three more oil spills in Alaska. --Reason No.

Too many penalties helped Buffalo beat the Raiders. Bill quarterback Jim Kelly drew one Raider offside four times. How(ie) Long does a player have to play football not to be suckered so badly by the opposing quarterback? DAVID KOHNHORST Sunland Another typical Art Shell-coached game. When the opposing defense puts nine men up on the line, he runs up the middle. Can someone please tell him that when the opposing quarterback has time to sit in the pocket and pick the Raiders apart, it's OK to put pressure on him with a safety or linebacker.