The Oakland Raiders have been an active team in free agency this offseason and after dealing with the arrest of linebacker Kaluka Maiava for assault, the team will still be ready for training camp on the strength of Nick Roach, Charles Woodson, Kevin Burnett and D.J. Hayden.
Maiava and his brother were charges in Maui for assaulting two men in a bar brawl and were hit with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, and fourth-degree criminal property damage, a petty misdemeanor and will have to be back in court later in the month when they are arraigned. The date is July 25, which is the day the Raiders are scheduled to start training camp and if the two are convicted, they could face up to a year in jail as well as a fine.
The Raider are following the situation and the report says that the fight occurred in March, coming just says after the linebacker signed with the team. Maiava came to the team after being drafted out of USC and playing with the Browns for four seasons and he signed a three-year, $6 million contract for general manager Reggie McKenzie. Maiava and his brother, who lives in Oahu, were not arrested, but they face serious charges for the crimes.
Raiders spokesman Will Kiss said the team had no comment and the team will be ready for training camp either way based on how McKenzie retooled the defense. This past offseason the Raiders signed Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett to play linebacker and they also added depth to the secondary with Woodson, Mike Jenkins and Tracy Porter as well as draft pick DJ Hayden, who was taken with the number 12 pick in the first round.
The Raiders went just 4-12 last season and are expected to improve despite trading away quarterback Carson Palmer and losing players like Philip Wheeler, Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour. McKenzie likes the team they have put together and new quarterback Matt Flynn is expected to be solid as the team puts in a new offensive scheme.
Darren McFadden is hoping to come back fully healthy after dealing with injuries throughout his career and since it is a contract year for the running back, he may be motivated to stay on the field. The team ranked 28th in rushing yards per game last season while he dealt with injuries and if he can stay on the field, the offense should be much more consistent.
