Mark Davis and the Oakland Raiders fired Zak Gilbert as media relations director after an unflattering portrayal of the state of the franchise in the final years of Al Davis' life.
The dismissal was viewed as some as a potential message to Reggie McKenzie.
"Not at all," said Davis. "Reggie understands why I made the decision I made. Look, I understand what Reggie is trying to do. Reggie's fine. He's the one guy that I've hired. I've got to give him room to do his job."
McKenzie is entering his second season as GM of the Raiders.