In this explosive episode of Locked On A’s, we sit down with Zennie Abraham, a media trailblazer and Oakland insider, to break down the real reasons behind the A’s departure to Las Vegas. After hours of research, I came into this conversation ready to argue that poor attendance and ownership failures played a central role in the team’s exit. But Zennie dismantled that narrative with cold, hard facts. What I thought was a clear-cut issue quickly unraveled into something far more complex—Oakland’s government failed to get the job done. The city wanted the A’s, but bureaucratic missteps and missed opportunities sealed their fate. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the truth rarely comes easy. 

As the episode unfolds, we discuss why mainstream voices like Casey Pratt and Brodie Brazil avoid this conversation and why a real, open debate featuring all key players will likely never happen. I throw down the gauntlet to The Last Dive Bar: facilitate a discussion between Zennie, Casey, Brodie, and former mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and I’ll donate $2,000 to an Oakland charity of their choice. But will they step up, or will they hide behind a narrative built on convenience? This is part one of a two-part series—today, we expose the failures of Oakland’s leadership. Tomorrow, we dive into Las Vegas and the media’s role in shaping the A’s relocation. Buckle up—this one’s going to ruffle some feathers.