Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
‘Tis the season for firings and hirings. And the first head coaching vacancy is now upon us. It didn’t matter that the Baltimore Ravens won their final game of the 2007 season. In finishing 5-11, eight games worse than last year’s 13-3 mark, the Ravens fired head coach Brian Billick today. This news comes less than a year after Coach Billick signed a contract extension through 2010 and just a couple weeks after he made an announcement that he would return to coach the Ravens in 2008. So this comes as quite a …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Four Baltimore Ravens players have been fined for violating league rules prohibiting the abuse of game officials, the NFL announced today. Linebacker Bart Scott was fined $25,000 for verbally abusing game officials and throwing an official’s flag into the stands during last Monday night’s Baltimore-New England game. Cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister, and wide receiver Derrick Mason were fined $15,000 each for publicly questioning the integrity of the officiating in last Monday night’s game against the New England Patriots. The Ravens lost the game 27-24. NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens each selected a player in today’s seven-round supplemental draft. The Chargers, picking 28th, chose cornerback Paul Oliver of Georgia in the 4th round. The Ravens, selecting 31st, picked Maryland tackle Jared Gaither in the 5th round.
Paul Oliver (6′0′ 208) was among Georgia leaders in tackles last season (5th with 57) and had two sacks. He limited Calvin Johnson (Lions), to two catches for 13 yards in the Bulldogs’ season-finale win last year. In 2005, Paul won Georgia’s Most Improved Defensive Player Award.
The 6-9, 350-pound Jared Gaither …read more