Part 7/11:
Fisher’s actions exemplify this. Despite the Oakland Athletics' struggles and refusal to invest, he has recently handed out lavish contracts to mediocre players—most notably, signing big-money deals to players with questionable performance records. Meanwhile, he's pushing for a new Las Vegas stadium—funded by public money and outside investors—while deliberately suppressing Oakland’s team performance to drive away local fans and justify relocation plans.
Fisher's elevation to the league's executive committee is viewed as a blatant consolidation of power, allowing him and other owner-politicians to influence league decisions that favor their interests—ultimately prioritizing profits over the sport’s traditions, communities, and competitiveness.