[News] Late For Work 7/29: Ranking Top 20 Ravens Players Of 2015

[BR News]

League suspension decisions won’t help Ravens. Ravens try out three QBs. Lewis wins 'Best of Best' bracket.

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[Bruce_Almty]

I look at that list of 20 players and say the Ravens have a very solid team that's going to do good things this year.

Stay Healthy

[jravens13]

So there are people in the Baltimore media that rated Flacco the 6th best player on our team? I think we need to stop reading the papers folks...

[#20=DA MAN!!]

Today everyone reports to camp!! We can finally have articles with some substance to them!! Yeah although the suspension news helps the Steelers, i just cannot fell bad for NE, Brady blatantly destroyed evidence that could implicate him, or as he claims prove his innocence. Why would he destroy it if he had nothing to hide? anyways, that list of fines is ridiculous!!! So on top of flags u get fined? and i don't think it should be universal. it should be a percentage. because $17,363 for roughing the passer to someone like Suh or Justin Houston, is nothing compared to $17,363 to an undrafted rookie making the bare minimum. u get fined for face masks? I don't get that, because inadvertent face masks happen all the time and now that all face masks are 15 yard penalties every flag is gonna be a fine. The NFL is wrong for this!!!!

[rmcjacket23]

Today everyone reports to camp!! We can finally have articles with some substance to them!! Yeah although the suspension news helps the Steelers, i just cannot fell bad for NE, Brady blatantly destroyed evidence that could implicate him, or as he claims prove his innocence. Why would he destroy it if he had nothing to hide? anyways, that list of fines is ridiculous!!! So on top of flags u get fined? and i don't think it should be universal. it should be a percentage. because $17,363 for roughing the passer to someone like Suh or Justin Houston, is nothing compared to $17,363 to an undrafted rookie making the bare minimum. u get fined for face masks? I don't get that, because inadvertent face masks happen all the time and now that all face masks are 15 yard penalties every flag is gonna be a fine. The NFL is wrong for this!!!!

If that's the case, then why not put fines on speeding tickets based on income?

 

The NFL is basically in agreement with just about any legal policy that exists in this country in this regards. Very few legal policies I'm aware of that allow people to fine based on income levels. Not a precedent you want to be setting.

[MichaelJ34]

Not worries about the suspension news for Bell and the Steelers. The Ravens have to focus on themselves and win as many games as they can The steelers will win what they win and we jut have to win more lets control what we can control. and thats The Ravens !!!!

[ken9]

Those fines are crazy. Not sure where the money goes, but if they donated all the fines to charity I'd be okay with it.

[BirdWatcher]

Those fines are crazy. Not sure where the money goes, but if they donated all the fines to charity I'd be okay with it.

The money does go to charity.

[MichaelJ34]

Those fines are crazy. Not sure where the money goes, but if they donated all the fines to charity I'd be okay with it.

Pretty sure it goes to the retired players and something to do with medical issues for retired players i forget what its called though Edited found this on a website....

 

According to the NFL, all money collected from fines goes to charitable causes, including supporting its retired players. In a 2010 statement, the NFL responded to public comments from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who publicly challenged the NFL to give back fine money in the event of a player lockout. They clarified that all on-field fines go to the NFL Player Care Foundation—which provides medical, emotional, and financial assistance to retired NFL players—and the NFL Players Association Player Assistance Trust, a fund that helps professional and amateur football players' families in a crisis. The money can also go to various disaster relief and health-related charities backed by the NFL.

Edited July 29, 2015 by MichaelJ34

[ravenwildman]

NFL decisions favor the Steelers over the Ravens .....LOL when in the history of the league since the Ravens are in the same division have they ever favored the Ravens?

 

In fact, even though the Ravens have gotten more respect then ever from the media, you can go to NFL Network, ESPN, and NFL.com and see the the media regular's "Big Ben super offense lovefest" and hear about Ravens "inconsistancies" lol.

 

Now, I am not privy to the inner workings of these networks, but my guess is it is an economic reason they push the Steelers so much. Big fan bases want to hear stuff that is good, even when reality is different. So go ahead league, keep up sliding it in favor of the Steelers......then go watch the Wildcard game tape from last year! GO RAVENS!

Edited July 29, 2015 by ravenwildman

[BirdWatcher]

A little dated, but I don't think it has changed:

By The Associated Press | Posted Oct 30, 2010

NEW YORK -- The NFL handed out fines worth $262,500 last week. Where does all that money go?

"Player fine money is used to support retired player programs, as well as other charitable causes as agreed upon between the NFL and NFL Players Association," said David Krichavsky, the NFL's director of community affairs. "Every letter notifying the player of a fine indicates where the fine money goes. I have gotten feedback from players who don't like writing the check to the NFL, but they are pleased to know it does not go back into our coffers but to charitable organizations."

Fines to coaches are treated the same way, and the payments come directly out of a player or coach's salary. In recent years, the NFL has issued fines totaling between $3 million and $4 million a season, a hefty amount for sure.

In January, the league gave $500,000 to the American Red Cross for relief aid in Haiti following the devastating earthquake.

[TheRavengers]

WAAAAYYY too many fineable things up there.

[Nick04263]

I kind of doubt I am in the minority but I prefer the Steelers kick the crap out of the Patriots. I hate the Steelers but at least respect what they do. I wish the Patriots were just dissolved and their fans told to just go away. Neither the team nor fans would be missed.

[rmcjacket23]

I kind of doubt I am in the minority but I prefer the Steelers kick the crap out of the Patriots. I hate the Steelers but at least respect what they do. I wish the Patriots were just dissolved and their fans told to just go away. Neither the team nor fans would be missed.

Bischotti would miss them. He reaps part of the massive revenue benefits that Tom Brady and the Patriots bring to the NFL and therefore every team in this league.

[DarthSizzle55]

I am with Nick04263. I hope the Steelers Donkey Punch the Patriots.

[budman]

With all the well deserved praise and accolades, I wonder just how much Yanda will cost us? McJacket will probably know this one.

[Quiet Man]

The NFL should consider using a fines chart that is based off of percentage of salary. $28,000 is nothing to some of these guys.

[ellicottraven]

Tom Fraudy is in such denial. Unreal that despite such clear evidence of his cheating, he is unrelenting with his lies. This leads me to believe he is probably a pathological liar and cheat.

[rmcjacket23]

With all the well deserved praise and accolades, I wonder just how much Yanda will cost us? McJacket will probably know this one.

Average of the 5 highest paid guards in the league based on AAV currently = $7.6M

Average total guaranteed money of the 5 highest paid guards in the league = $18.7M

 

Most recent contract signings:

 

Mike Iupati - 5 years, $40M, $22.5M guaranteed. Signed in 2015.

Orlando Franklin - 5 years, $35.5M, $15.5M guaranteed. Signed in 2015.

 

Given Yanda is older than both, but probably better than both (or at least Franklin), I'd say Franklin's deal is a decent barometer. Maybe a little bit shorter of a deal, in the 4 year range, but probably at around $7-8M a year and possibly with as much as half guaranteed, given his long track record of success and mostly durability.

[budman]

Average of the 5 highest paid guards in the league based on AAV currently = $7.6M

Average total guaranteed money of the 5 highest paid guards in the league = $18.7M

 

Most recent contract signings:

 

Mike Iupati - 5 years, $40M, $22.5M guaranteed. Signed in 2015.

Orlando Franklin - 5 years, $35.5M, $15.5M guaranteed. Signed in 2015.

 

Given Yanda is older than both, but probably better than both (or at least Franklin), I'd say Franklin's deal is a decent barometer. Maybe a little bit shorter of a deal, in the 4 year range, but probably at around $7-8M a year and possibly with as much as half guaranteed, given his long track record of success and mostly durability.

Sounds about right. You came through like I knew you would. Thanks!!

[January J]

Tom Fraudy is in such denial. Unreal that despite such clear evidence of his cheating, he is unrelenting with his lies. This leads me to believe he is probably a pathological liar and cheat.

I was thinking the same thing. He's done it so much he's starting to believe his own lies. Or he thinks if he passionately defends himself that will create more doubt and ppl will believe him. Funny he can respond in text on Facebook but he won't get infront of a camera again and answer questions . Bc this way he can meticulously plan his wording , get help from the lawyers, and not get caught off guard and backed into a corner. The first conference he gave was so awkwardly bad and the lying was so obvious you could read it all over his face and hear it in his tone. His lawyers probably instructed him to not go infront of a camera again regarding this incident. I think his answer to the question is tom Brady a cheater says it all. "I don't believe so".

[Bruce_Almty]

The NFL should consider using a fines chart that is based off of percentage of salary. $28,000 is nothing to some of these guys.

I find it hard to understand why the players allow the league to fine them for most of these in-game infractions. Does the NBA fine players for goal-tending or charging or pushing off? NO! They get fined for egregious infractions, generally a technical foul. Face mask, late hit, low block, so many others are just unavoidable. The PA needs to re-visit this issue.

Edited July 29, 2015 by Bruce_Almty

[rmcjacket23]

I find it hard to understand why the players allow the league to fine them for most of these in-game infractions. Does the NBA fine players for goal-tending or charging or pushing off? NO! They get fined for egregious infractions, generally a technical foul. Face mask, late hit, so many others are just unavoidable. The PA needs to re-visit this issue.

No doubt they have in the past, and like most of these "what was the NFLPA thinking" unfair rules that we are seeing, they likely caved on this issue in the last CBA and will probably cave again.

 

I remember a few days ago ESPN had a legal analyst on and he was explaining why the NFLPA would agree to allow Roger Goodell to be the judge, jury, and executioner in this process. He made some great points...

 

1. The average NFL player plays for 3-4 years, and generally makes close to the league minimum. There primary goal is to maximize their revenue and benefits.

2. Basically 95% of the NFL player population will never have a run-in with Roger Goodell from a punishment standpoint in their entire career, regardless of tenure. Players that know this are far less likely to care about who is overseeing a punishment process and how the process works when they know they aren't likely to ever be privy to it.

 

Basically, while this is a hot button issue now and has gotten plenty of questions, in the grand scheme of things from a CBA standpoint for ALL players, its simply not that relevant of an issue to all the players overall. As such, its something they're likely to cave on in exchange for something else, such as an increased drop from the revenue bucket.

[rmcjacket23]

I was thinking the same thing. He's done it so much he's starting to believe his own lies. Or he thinks if he passionately defends himself that will create more doubt and ppl will believe him. Funny he can respond in text on Facebook but he won't get infront of a camera again and answer questions . Bc this way he can meticulously plan his wording , get help from the lawyers, and not get caught off guard and backed into a corner. The first conference he gave was so awkwardly bad and the lying was so obvious you could read it all over his face and hear it in his tone. His lawyers probably instructed him to not go infront of a camera again regarding this incident. I think his answer to the question is tom Brady a cheater says it all. "I don't believe so".

While I largely agree, keep in mind that there is ZERO lawyers in this country, or any intelligent person in this country for that matter, that would subject themselves to public Q&A session a day after launching a legal process against their employer.

 

There is zero reward and 100% risk in doing that.

[stixfix69]

My feeling regarding the Brady situation is the writing was on the wall when Kraft backed out of his promise to sure, and took his punishment....He had to know they had enough on him to hand out a punishment, because losing first round picks is worth so much more than Brady missing 4 games.....

[January J]

While I largely agree, keep in mind that there is ZERO lawyers in this country, or any intelligent person in this country for that matter, that would subject themselves to public Q&A session a day after launching a legal process against their employer.

There is zero reward and 100% risk in doing that.

I hear that. But if I was completely innocent and I knew it- I would not hesitate to answer anybody's questions at any given time. That's just me though.

[Bat-mite]

If we go 12 - 4, it won't matter how many games Brady and Bell were suspended. And if we go 10 - 6 and don't get in, that's our problem, not theirs.

[rmcjacket23]

I hear that. But if I was completely innocent and I knew it- I would not hesitate to answer anybody's questions at any given time. That's just me though.

Fine by me. I wouldn't do it, simply because I know that any gesture, word, or body language indication I give while answering questions or even giving a statement will be disected by the media and the public.

 

If I swallow during speaking, there will be people who indict me as guilty just for that. If I fumble a word or given any indication that I'm nervous (which anybody accused of a crime always is), it will be questioned why I act that way and imply guilt.

[ellicottraven]

I was thinking the same thing. He's done it so much he's starting to believe his own lies. Or he thinks if he passionately defends himself that will create more doubt and ppl will believe him. Funny he can respond in text on Facebook but he won't get infront of a camera again and answer questions . Bc this way he can meticulously plan his wording , get help from the lawyers, and not get caught off guard and backed into a corner. The first conference he gave was so awkwardly bad and the lying was so obvious you could read it all over his face and hear it in his tone. His lawyers probably instructed him to not go infront of a camera again regarding this incident. I think his answer to the question is tom Brady a cheater says it all. "I don't believe so".

Agreed! I think it all started at the very beginning after he was outed right after the AFC championship game. I like many others strongly believed the Patriots shouldn't be allowed to participate in the SB. Was never going to happen, but perhaps in the back of his mind, he was worried about its ramifications for the SB (I mean his acceptance of deflating balls).

 

So he created a scenario where he distanced not just himself but his other goons from accepting responsibility for an obvious human incident. Then came the excuses as he enrolled others into the lie, the excuses became more and more ridiculous (such as the deflate meaning weight loss)  and more incredulous denials by Yee and even his old dad! Kraft had to protect his investment so he started lying as well for Brady. It just collected moss as he came downhill. When it stopped it was a huge, chaotic mess of lies all jumbled up and he was so caught up in that web, there was no untangling from his own web of lies!

 

Now he is so far down that road, he can ill afford to reverse himself, because he'll make everybody he enrolled including his sleazy owner look really bad! So, here he is stuck in this rigamarole till he is no longer believed ever again. He basically took a perfectly fine nail in the wall, extracted it and impaled his own behind with it!

[rmcjacket23]

Agreed! I think it all started at the very beginning after he was outed right after the AFC championship game. I like many others strongly believed the Patriots shouldn't be allowed to participate in the SB. Was never going to happen, but perhaps in the back of his mind, he was worried about its ramifications for the SB (I mean his acceptance of deflating balls).

 

So he created a scenario where he distanced not just himself but his other goons from accepting responsibility for an obvious human incident. Then came the excuses as he enrolled others into the lie, the excuses became more and more ridiculous (such as the deflate meaning weight loss)  and more incredulous denials by Yee and even his old dad! Kraft had to protect his investment so he started lying as well for Brady. It just collected moss as he came downhill. When it stopped it was a huge, chaotic mess of lies all jumbled up and he was so caught up in that web, there was no untangling from his own web of lies!

 

Now he is so far down that road, he can ill afford to reverse himself, because he'll make everybody he enrolled including his sleazy owner look really bad! So, here he is stuck in this rigamarole till he is no longer believed ever again. He basically took a perfectly fine nail in the wall, extracted it and impaled his own behind with it!

This whole thing could have been handled incredibly differently by ALL parties involved. Had I been running the NFL, its pretty simple what I would have done:

 

1. Spend MAYBE a week actually identifying whether the footballs were deflated at a level that indicates tampering.

2. Once I determine they were likely tampered with, I lay a significant fine on the organization for doing so. This is how football tampering is handled in the past. Recently, we've seen everything from stern warnings to small fines, and generally the public is completely unaware of any of this. Given its the Patriots and they've cheated before, I probably lay a harsher fine and consider taking away a mid-round draft pick. The Patriots likely don't argue with this and risk a full-fledged investigation, and the matter is done.

 

If I'm running the NFL, I could care less about "who done it". This isn't a game of Clue. I understand the severity or lack thereof of a standard equipment tampering violation, and I administer punishment as such. There doesn't need to be a 6 month long investigation, and I don't need to lock 27 people in separate rooms and interrogate them for hours. Its just simply not that important.

 

In doing so, we've accomplished multiple things:

 

1. We've issued a harsher punishment that the Patriots will still "feel".

2. We've saved probably hundreds of people time and millions of dollars that has now been wasted on this farce.

3. Most importantly, I don't drag my league through a long, meaningless process that makes my league look inept and overreactionary to an incident that simply doesn't warrant it. There was no issue with "lying" or "destruction of evidence", because I didn't need to discuss that with anybody nor did I need any phone records in order to determine fault, because I don't care who's fault it is.

 

Now, my league has to go to federal court and embarrass itself with this farce. There are no winners at the end of this case, regardless of what a judge says. There's a loser, and there's a bigger loser, and in almost any aspect, the biggest loser is going to be the league. They're already mocked for going light on punishments for events that actually matter to the public, and now they're being mocked for handing down similar type punishments for events that don't matter to the public (or more importantly, their sponsors) nearly as much.