Mike Silver, who used to work at the Press Democrat, published a fascinating column about Hue Jackson. He says Mark Davis fired Jackson because Jackson witnessed and knew how shabbily Al Davis treated his son Mark. That humiliated Mark and he did not want someone as coach who had seen all that. Silver also says Reggie McKenzie should not have fired Jackson.

I disagree with Mike on the firing. I believe it was correct to fire Jackson. But disagreements happen between columnists. Mike and I are friends and I respect him tremendously.

In the course of his column, Mike related how Al treated son Mark. Al routinely told Mark to shut the (expletive) up in front of coaches and other non-family people. Al routinely demeaned his son in public. Can you imagine how Al treated Mark in private?

I know something about being a son and a father. I am confident in what I do in my life because, when I was a kid, my dad (and mom) told me I was special. And they meant it. I came to feel special. A young man or woman can benefit from –needs — a parent to believe in him/her.

I always encouraged my stepson Brian and my son Grant and told them they are special. I still do. And they ARE special. Being encouraging comes with being a dad.

Knowing your dad does not believe in you is an incredible obstacle to overcome. If Mark is a loser — I have no idea one way or another — part of the reason is that his dad projected him as a loser.

I despise the kind of father Al was — I believe Mike Silver’s facts on this one. The kind of father Al was shows the kind of man he was.

To read Mike Silver’s column, click here.