Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is upset with the National Football League’s rules regarding the preferential treatment of its quarterbacks. During today’s 27-21 loss to the New England Patriots, the Ravens’ defense was flagged twice for roughing-the-passer penalties, resulting in the continuation of two drives and then two scores for the Patriots.
On one play, it appeared that Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs just swiped at and maybe brushed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s legs, but didn’t really even “touch” him (UPDATE: After re-watching this, Terrell Suggs did bump Tom, but it wasn’t anything more than that). I would have to agree with …read more

Baltimore Ravens tackle Jared Gaither is ok after a frightening incident in today’s game against the New England Patriots. The crown of Jared’s helmet slammed into quarterback Joe Flacco’s back as he tried to block a pass rush. The result of the play left him on the turf for 10 minutes before he was strapped to a board and taken from the field on a stretcher.
Jared had movement in all his extremities but was taken to Mass General Hospital for tests. The X-rays on his neck and shoulder were negative but an MRI couldn’t be taken because Jared was too …read more

While he hasn’t given his employers an official notice, 35-year-old Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason says he’s going to retire after 12 seasons in the National Football League. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, especially because Derrick’s decision was based more on (lack of) desire than any kind of contractual squabble. Certainly, it’s a blow to the Ravens offense—specifically quarterback Joe Flacco—who relied heavily on Derrick as his leading receiver (80 catches, 1,037 yards, five touchdowns) during a very successful rookie season last year.
Derrick’s agent, C. Lamont Smith, released the following statement today:
“On Friday July 10, I received a …read more

Nashville Police officially announced a murder-suicide today as former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was shot and killed by his 20-year-old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, four days ago. Investigators believe Steve was sleeping on the sofa in the couple’s downtown Nashville condo when Ms. Kazemi shot him in the right temple, twice in the chest and then in the left temple from inches away. Then, Ms. Kazemi shot herself in the right temple and died.
This is just an incredibly sad and gruesome account of a situation gone terribly wrong. Interviews with friends revealed that a distraught Ms. Kazemi was making payments on …read more

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair (Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens) was found dead yesterday with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to his head. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman, identified as as 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi, who was also shot and killed in a downtown condominium. Steve was found on the sofa in the living room and Ms. Kazemi was very close to him on the floor.
Titans owner Bud Adams released the following statement upon hearing the news:
“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today. He was one …read more

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has to be happy about this. Today, the Ravens signed former Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith to a one-year contract, giving Joe yet another weapon in his continually evolving offensive arsenal. Along with Todd Heap, this gives Baltimore two top-level, pass-catching tight ends. As improved as I think Joe will be this season (and I think he will be vastly improved over his impressive 2008 rookie season), adding L.J. is only going to make him that much better. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was in a pretty good mood …read more

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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is staying right where he belongs — with the only team he’s ever played for. After nearly a week of uncertainty and frustration, the team re-signed Ray to a three-year, $22 million deal today, most likely keeping him in Baltimore for the remainder of his Hall of Fame career. In a statement released by the Ravens today, Ray said:
“From beginning to end as a Raven … Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn’t happen in the NFL. The bottom line …read more

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The Baltimore Ravens released cornerback Chris McAlister today. Chris has spent all ten of his NFL years with the Ravens, but his exit physical this afternoon turned out to be his final exit from the team after a meeting with general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome. Needless to say, Chris was shocked at the disheartening news:
“It’s one of those things that no player, especially after being with an organization as long as I’ve been, wants to hear that they’ve been released. It happens. It’s part of the game. There’s nothing I can do …read more

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was presented with the 2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award today. Joe was one of five finalists for the honor — running back Matt Forte (Bears), running back Chris Johnson (Titans), quarterback Matt Ryan (Falcons) and running back Steve Slaton (Texans).
You might recall that Matt Ryan won the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. So here’s how this thing works. The five finalists were selected because of their outstanding performances throughout the 2008 NFL season. Each week, five nominees were chosen for the Diet Pepsi NFL …read more

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Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee is ok after taking this horrific shot from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark yesterday. According to my Ravens media relations peeps today:
“Ravens running back Willis McGahee was released from UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh early this morning and returned immediately to Baltimore. He is resting at his home today. It is expected that Willis will have a complete recovery from the head and neck injuries he suffered last night.”
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com