Schefter Reporting Ravens' Last Week Of OTA Cancelled

[darksidious]

I think someone will regret this when it's time to report, lol, if that someone is still on the team that is.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='BadNewsBearBalto' date='07 June 2010 - 04:34 PM' timestamp='1275942848' post='418967']
JUST MAYBE someone didn't blow the whistle,maybe the nfl has found another way to attempt to control the season outcome and place dissension in our locker room. MAYBE more fans throughout the country are finally catching on to the clever manner in witch the nfl uses their specified officiating squads to control the outcome of games. MAYBE the fans are finally reaching the reality that nfl are a bunch of SCOUNDRELS that politically and financially have their own agenda at the cost of giving the fans fair play, especially, if their team is not politically correct!!! If a RAven did blow the whistle, which I doubt,than I say in the words that are found in the movie " The Imposters" Good Bye Bussy Bussy Boy" I wonder how many times the nfl has received such a complaint with no action.
[/quote]
Now, I don't think it's [i]that[/i] serious. Missing a week of OTA's is not as big a deal as it sounds, as it essentially amounts to a glorified practice with little-to-no contact. This is stuff that, theoretically, could be made up in individual workouts on players' own schedules, as well as extensive film study in that week lost. It's all about going through the motions. The real stuff doesn't start until training camp.

There is no conspiracy against the Ravens in the NFL. If anything, the league wants more teams to be like the Ravens since they are a model franchise. Check out this article: [url="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2009/11/Eisenberg_-_The_NFL_Hearts_Baltimore.aspx"]LINK[/url]

[Rinbee]

You also have to keep in mind that the NFL and Player's Association are (or should be) in the heat of ironing out a new CBA and either side can use little crap like this to make a point.

[McBoller]

[quote name='ravensfan160' date='07 June 2010 - 03:26 PM' timestamp='1275938766' post='418911']Man thats dissapointing to read. How many other employees can complain they're being worked too hard and not get fired? Seriously.
[/quote]

anyone in a union...

[RavensAllTheWay]

So to everyone bashing whatever player might have ratted on the NFLPA (which is more speculation), what if you found out it was one of your favorite players or one of the teams biggest contributers? Would you lose respect for them then? Would you turn your back on them then? First, it's "I have respect for everyone on this team because this team is really really good," but now it's "I can't wait to see Ray push them around the field and punish them" or something like that just making fun.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='07 June 2010 - 04:03 PM' timestamp='1275940994' post='418944']
It's just the principle of the matter. This is about a player complaining to the union for being worked too hard. It's not like a worker in a trade complaining because of unrealistic or unhealthy work conditions, this is a football player complaining about workouts. It's not as if they were being denied water or denied breaks or being worked beyond the allotted hours, it just sounds like someone lacking work ethic. Sure, temperatures are hot, but players are within their rights to request a break if they feel as if they are about to collapse.
[/quote]

Eloquent as always but I gotta disagree with you hear Franny. Yes, it's unfortunate that a player blew the whistle on the coaching staff but if they're in the wrong, they're in the wrong. These are OTAs, it's not like this is training camp. I don't understand why people are saying a Super Bowl isn't our focus because our coaches got a little overzealous and pushed our guys beyond what they're LEGALLY ALLOWED TO DO. I did notice that our team seems just as excited about this season as the fans, Harbaugh most of all. The articles that I've been reading have said that OTAs have been conducted at a high pace this year, assuming a [i]higher[/i] pace than prior years. I'd go so far as to say our players want it more this year than any other year so why would they complain if there wasn't a problem?

I think everyone needs to calm down, our team isn't perfect, boo hoo. It's not Spygate. It's not the Dallas Soap Opera. It's not the Bungles. Our worst problem is that our coach wants to win so bad he pushes the envelope. I think this is a good thing as well as a teachable moment for the coaches.

[TXRaven]

This is the biggest load of BS I have ever heard of. To much intensity, Tempo, and too much time at the facility... It was a volentary camp. Love to find out who the Rat is. Bet he won't be a Raven for long. Oh well, this could serve to bring the guys closer together, because I know the Ravens have thier sights set on the Super Bowl, and I am sure that most all of them will do what ever is needed to reach that goal. If the Rat is still on the roster in Training Camp he will pay the price. All I know is I would not want to be in his shoes. Lets get one thing straight. There is no such thing as to much intensity on the football field. You must be up tempo or risk not being prepared, And for the goal of reaching the SuperBowl and the amount of money these guys are paid there is no such thing as to much time at the facility. To the Coaches and the Players that are on board, keep this up don't change a thing.

[FerrariFan87]

Coach Harbaugh and Ozzie have both admitted to taking things too far, so whoever complained was completely justified in doing so.

[RavensAllTheWay]

This would be a whole board of Jarret Johnson haters if it were him wouldn't it? A whole board of Rice haters if it were him wouldn't it? A whole board of Flacco haters, Dickson haters, Suggs, Oher, whoever it may be. Am I right? Think about that for a minute.

And secondly, whoever it was (if any player at all, I don't think we know) it's only a matter of time before they pay a price for it and learn from it. Not to worry, we'll move on shortly.

[T-ray]

How in the world can someone overlook Gaither as the culprit??? The signs are on the wall people. Think about it; who was crying about a bruised toe?? Who hired the worst agent ever?? Who in the world got upset over being moved to RT, where he belongs?? Who wouldn't sign their tender?? Signs are there.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='funky141' date='07 June 2010 - 02:59 PM' timestamp='1275937168' post='418879']
Looks like there is a bad link in a Raven uniform. One or many players complaining to the union that they are working to hard. I guess a Super Bowl is not on their 2010 agenda. Need to weed these players.
[/quote]

A Super Bowl win didn't seem like it was on the Colts' 2009 agenda either. Did you get a speeding ticket on your way to your computer to point out you believe the Ravens have a 'bad link'?

or... An agent did it... or a 'known cut' did it. This is something to talk about, but it's not the end of the world.

[BuckWilds]

You know, in the Army's 'new' basic training they have something called 'time out' cards. Basically, if you think the Drill Instructor is being too mean to you, you pull out the card...

If I had pulled out that card with my Drill Sergeant when I went through basic, I would have been given an enema with it. That's about the depth and breadth of this little stunt.

If you're man enough to open your mouth about not wanting to play football 'too hard' than you need to be man enough to open your mouth about being the one who said it.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='07 June 2010 - 05:09 PM' timestamp='1275948545' post='419014']
Coach Harbaugh and Ozzie have both admitted to taking things too far, so whoever complained was completely justified in doing so.
[/quote]

.... um what do you expect them to do? Fight against the league and get more penalties? What right does the league have to ban an optional training camp? How can you ban a player from practicing of his own volition? Is it an "unfair advantage" to be working your *** off to improve while others lounge around and do nothing?

But despite the inanity of the cancellation, no one should be worried. No OTAs doesn't mean no practice, I'm sure the real Ravens will be doing their own training anyway, while the lazy ones get cut when they can't perform on the field. And I'm sure Harbs will just make training camp that much more intense.

[Malkavian Raven]

This is absurdly ridiculous. Practicing too much is a violation? Seriously?... ...Something smells fishy and it isn't the bay.

And this goes against my ethics but, I have to say I agree with the Colts' fan...

[quote name='funky141' date='07 June 2010 - 03:59 PM' timestamp='1275937168' post='418879']
Looks like there is a bad link in a Raven uniform. One or many players complaining to the union that they are working to hard. I guess a Super Bowl is not on their 2010 agenda. Need to weed these players.
[/quote]

...today would be a good day for everyone to buy a lottery ticket.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

I agree, the player that made the allegations to the NFLPA should "man up", but I don't see that happening. I am really appalled that a player(s)made the allegations. Their is no "I" in TEAM. OTA's don't even allow contact. How is this complainer(s) going to perform when he gets to training camp - with pads on, if he thinks the OTA's were overbearing??? Has this ever happened to the Ravens before?

[Man Crush on Flacco]

I bet Frank Walker was the narc, he wanted to <expletive> the Ravens one last time before he left.

[Perfekt]

you know what they always say whats done in the dark will come out in the light. i think we are blowing this out the water. im sure who ever complained will be punished if not cut. im pretty sure ozzie has connections maybe even foxworth can find out and then a trainning camp from satans bedroom will be on that player. until then lets just keep it moving were still a top of the line team without the extra powder puff practice.

[BirdWatcher]

Keep in mind that this could very well have been several players who got together and filed the complaint. The NFLPA negotiated regulations on the length and intensity of practices so as to protect the players. If we broke the rules (which it appears we did), they were within their rights to complain.

I don't like it, but I don't like that we broke the rules, either. How would you feel if your NFL career was ended on a practice play that never should have been run?

[T-ray]

Come on, don't use the death excuse on some stupidity that the NFL organization is cooking up today. Players have died before in camps, and the NFL did not embark on investigations into a team's camp to see if the team is working too hard. So don't even try that one on us. You know just like the rest of us that there is no way in heck that NFL had any right to embarge on a VOLUNTARY camp and tell us not to work too hard. If anything, they should be on teams like the Raiders for not going hard enough.

[Malkavian Raven]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='07 June 2010 - 08:20 PM' timestamp='1275952831' post='419062']
Keep in mind that this could very well have been several players who got together and filed the complaint. The NFLPA negotiated regulations on the length and intensity of practices so as to protect the players. If we broke the rules (which it appears we did), they were within their rights to complain.

I don't like it, but I don't like that we broke the rules, either. How would you feel if your NFL career was ended on a practice play that never should have been run?
[/quote]

Getting a career ending injury during a voluntary no-contact practice would give me an indication I was probably too weak & pathetic to be playing full contact pro-ball.

Just kiddin'... but seriously... it's voluntary. No one made them dress out and participate, just like Mr. Fitzgerald my senior year in high school -- I never dressed out for co-ed rec. I already had that credit and I was slacking... that man hated me by mid-term.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand -- rules are rules I suppose, but rules can be changed.

[BloodRaven]

Exactly, maybe if someone had blown the whistle back in 2001 Korey Stringer would still be alive. These guys know their bodies and since there was more than one complaint we can assume that they were being overworked.

[J-man]

Calm down, it's just OTAs, you'll only need to get pissed if was training camp.
Besides, it doesnt shock me that a player snitched, you complain about practice all the time when you play a sport.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='07 June 2010 - 06:54 PM' timestamp='1275954891' post='419088']
Exactly, maybe if someone had blown the whistle back in 2001 Korey Stringer would still be alive. These guys know their bodies and since there was more than one complaint we can assume that they were being overworked.
[/quote]

Things have come a long way since Stringer died, teams are much more aware of the dangers of heat stroke and have doctors at practice. It's a little ignorant to compare this situation to his death, especially since you and I both don't really know exactly what the practices were like.

But somehow I doubt these practices were fatally intense, considering all our players are still alive. Yes, you can die if you practice too hard. But just because multiple people complained you assume that they must be correct? Just because it was more than one person doesn't mean they're right. How about the other 50 or so guys who weren't complaining?

And since these practices are optional, if I was a player who felt that practice was more than I could handle why would I complain to the NFL and take away practice from my teammates and hurt the team when I could simply not attend?

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='J-man' date='07 June 2010 - 08:51 PM' timestamp='1275958267' post='419107']
Calm down, it's just OTAs, you'll only need to get pissed if was training camp.
Besides, it doesnt shock me that a player snitched, you complain about practice all the time when you play a sport.
[/quote]

There's a [u]massive[/u] difference between:

[b]"Geez! It's hot!" [/b]

and

[b]"Let's get together and narc on our coach!"[/b]

I won't even get into he 'calm down' opinion regulation attempt...

[noy]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' date='07 June 2010 - 08:51 PM' timestamp='1275958276' post='419108']
Things have come a long way since Stringer died, teams are much more aware of the dangers of heat stroke and have doctors at practice. It's a little ignorant to compare this situation to his death, especially since you and I both don't really know exactly what the practices were like.

But somehow I doubt these practices were fatally intense, considering all our players are still alive. Yes, you can die if you practice too hard. But just because multiple people complained you assume that they must be correct? Just because it was more than one person doesn't mean they're right. How about the other 50 or so guys who weren't complaining?

[b]And since these practices are optional, if I was a player who felt that practice was more than I could handle why would I complain to the NFL and take away practice from my teammates and hurt the team when I could simply not attend?[/b]
[/quote]

You're assuming that the player is wrong in his complaint. Overly intense practices increase the risk of injury. This is a known fact. Should we be reminded of Jamal Lewis, who was injured in a freakish accident? It may be an age old "excuse" for not wanting to train, but such complaints should be held at the highest standard during voluntary workouts; why would a player volunteer to a workout that is substantially higher in risk of injury than it should be? And like what has been said before, the players know their bodies and anybody who thinks otherwise is at fault.

And we're not the freaking Raiders, everyone on our team wants to work and knows the potential of this team. You guys really think Ray and Harbaugh don't remind them of that?

I highly doubt it was just one player that complained, if the players did actually complain. My theory is if it were one player, they would have expressed their disapproval openly to teammates, looking for reinforcement. You think they would have then complained to the NFLPA knowing that the other players know how he feels about the practices, risking disapproval from them due to the NFL's resulting action? Doesn't make sense to me, unless the player is really foolish. So we're left with the option that it was more than one player, which increases the probability that the practices were too hard for being voluntary. Just my thoughts..

[funky141]

[quote]If you're man enough to open your mouth about not wanting to play football 'too hard' than you need to be man enough to open your mouth about being the one who said it.
[/quote]

Yes, agreed.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='noy' date='07 June 2010 - 08:33 PM' timestamp='1275960838' post='419142']
You're assuming that the player is wrong in his complaint. Overly intense practices increase the risk of injury. This is a known fact. Should we be reminded of Jamal Lewis, who was injured in a freakish accident? It may be an age old "excuse" for not wanting to train, but such complaints should be held at the highest standard during voluntary workouts; why would a player volunteer to a workout that is substantially higher in risk of injury than it should be? And like what has been said before, the players know their bodies and anybody who thinks otherwise is at fault.

And we're not the freaking Raiders, everyone on our team wants to work and knows the potential of this team. You guys really think Ray and Harbaugh don't remind them of that?

I highly doubt it was just one player that complained, if the players did actually complain. My theory is if it were one player, they would have expressed their disapproval openly to teammates, looking for reinforcement. You think they would have then complained to the NFLPA knowing that the other players know how he feels about the practices, risking disapproval from them due to the NFL's resulting action? Doesn't make sense to me, unless the player is really foolish. So we're left with the option that it was more than one player, which increases the probability that the practices were too hard for being voluntary. Just my thoughts..
[/quote]

I agree with most of what you're saying but I think we're coming to different conclusions.

"You're assuming that the player is wrong in his complaint."

Yes, and you're assuming he's correct in his complaint.

"Should we be reminded of Jamal Lewis, who was injured in a freakish accident?"

What does that have to do with training too hard? Football players get hurt all the time, it doesn't mean they're training so hard that they're falling to pieces. Yes, hard practices do increase the risk of injury. In case you didn't realize it, players are going to practice hard in training camp anyway.

"why would a player volunteer to a workout that is substantially higher in risk of injury than it should be?"

If a practice is too hard for them, then DON'T volunteer, that's why they call it optional.

"And like what has been said before, the players know their bodies and anybody who thinks otherwise is at fault."

I agree that players know their bodies, but that doesn't mean that they are infallible workout machines who always practice to their limit. Every athlete knows the feeling when you feel like its impossible to go any further and are feeling defeated. It's the coaches job to push them past that and recognize their full potential. Just because a player doesn't WANT to work any harder doesn't mean they're working as hard as they should be.

The bottom line for me is this: if you don't want to participate, fine. But why take away the opportunity from your other teammates?

PS: I think it's funny how people mention the Raiders as being a lazy team, yet they had the same thing happen to them a couple years back:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-otas-0608-20100607,0,5658981.story

"This isn't the first time that an NFL team has been penalized for such an infraction. Three years ago, the Oakland Raiders had to forfeit a week of offseason practices because they were too physical under then-rookie coach Lane Kiffin."

[Alexir]

[quote name='T-ray' date='07 June 2010 - 06:38 PM' timestamp='1275950324' post='419032']
How in the world can someone overlook Gaither as the culprit??? The signs are on the wall people. Think about it; who was crying about a bruised toe?? Who hired the worst agent ever?? Who in the world got upset over being moved to RT, where he belongs?? Who wouldn't sign their tender?? Signs are there.
[/quote]

And the fact it was 7 on 7 drills and the complaint was Offensive line and defensive line was going at it.

[Alexir]

Also,

Snitches get stitches lol

[DocMartin]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='07 June 2010 - 04:03 PM' timestamp='1275940994' post='418944']
It's just the principle of the matter. This is about a player complaining to the union for being worked too hard. It's not like a worker in a trade complaining because of unrealistic or unhealthy work conditions, this is a football player complaining about workouts. It's not as if they were being denied water or denied breaks or being worked beyond the allotted hours, it just sounds like someone lacking work ethic. Sure, temperatures are hot, but players are within their rights to request a break if they feel as if they are about to collapse.
[/quote]
I think it has something to do with the rookies. Before the Rookie camp, everything was fine, and then 2 or 3 practices later, this comes up. Either NFLPU had someone watching and making notes, or one or more rookies squeeled. I agree with your point about the principle of the matter, completely. We may never find out how this came about. But that was the time where rookies could separate themselves a move up on the depth chart, but now, we are almost back to square 1, I guess. It will be interesting to see how will things go forward at the next session, it would be no surprise if the sparks will fly.