To the outside world, Al Davis is the maverick, a rebel. To those in the league such as Pat Bowlen and commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Davis is trouble.

At 72, Davis hasn't changed much through the years. The competitive spirit hasn't died. He sued the NFL and owners for interfering with his plans to have a stadium built for him on the grounds of Hollywood Park. Despite losing the first round, Davis figures not only to appeal but he's trying to get depositions from the jurors.

That won't change. Perhaps no individual in sports has been more controversial longer during his reign. He coached the Raiders. He was commissioner to the rival American Football League that forced a merger with the NFL. He's in his fifth decade of professional harassment.

But he's also a mystery man, which is intentional. Those around him, though, see the sentimental side. It's been particularly noticeable since he turned 70, but only those who have worked or played for the Raiders see the generosity.

	Al Davis was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 1, 1992.

"Tradition is a very important word to Al," said his longtime aide and friend Al LoCasale. "Tradition is not a word but a style to him. He really believes once a Raider, always a Raider. Once a guy has played for us, whatever he needs, we do our best for him. But he does this quietly, not looking for publicity."

LoCasale revealed an interesting slant to that infamous attempt to move the Raiders to Irwindale. Remember how he accepted a nonrefundable $10 million check from the politicians in that Southern California city near a rock quarry? Had that deal worked out, Davis and the Raiders would have operated the stadium.

The appealing part to Davis is that he could have hired former Raiders players or employees to give them post-football career opportunities. Those who wanted to try a career in catering could have run the food services in the stadium. Those who wanted business experience could develop skills in stadium operations.

Don't laugh. Helping 10 or 12 players means a lot to the Raiders owner.

"He bonds with people who have worn the Silver and Black," LoCasale said. "Take our radio package, for example. There has to be a place for former Raiders. Tom Flores, our former coach, does the color. George Atkinson does the sideline reports. We use Jim Plunkett on TV shows. These people are part of our history."

If running a stadium created more jobs, great.

There is very little, in fact, that former Raiders aren't included in. Years ago, the Raiders had an exhibition game in Barcelona. He took 50 former players because he felt it was important to bring them along to any new Raiders experience.

But Davis is also smart enough to know that the nightlife in Barcelona doesn't end. He asked that at least 25 of them survive the endless nights to be at the practice field for the current players.

When Davis was enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he leased a plane to take former players, current front office executives and family.

Few will forget his 70th birthday. Davis was born fittingly on the Fourth of July, fitting for his bombastic style. Raiders officials joke that the Fourth of July is the only day in the year that the office closes. It's the only nonwork holiday that counts.

For his 70th birthday, Davis bought first-class tickets for 100 couples that meant a lot to him through years and flew them to Las Vegas. They were wined and dined for days. The accommodations were first-class. The days and nights were filled with shows. Lou Rawls even gave the group a private show.

"Al told everyone that you only make it to 70 once," LoCasale said. "Then he got upset when everybody came around thanking him. Al is a very special person."

As generous as he is to those close to him, he will be as aggressive leveling the competition trying to beat him. That's Davis.

"If there is one word to describe him, it's intensity," LoCasale said. "Everything in life has to be attacked in his mind. You control your environment. You create an environment for victory."

This may not resolve the Al Davis mystery but it sheds a little light on the man who made the Silver and Black an organization trademark.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.