Once upon a time.....In 1996, Baltimore received the 26th overall draft choice, from San Fransisco. Ozzie Newsome and Co. selected Ray Lewis, from The U. From day one, Ray Lewis' presence was felt, becoming a force on his new team. The organization needed a face that all would remember, kinda like Brett Favre to the Packers, or Johnny Unitas to the Baltimore Colts. Ray Lewis willingly accepted that responsibility.
The people of Baltimore were happy. They were ecstatic. They finally had a football sport the purple and black. Ray loved the city of Baltimore, and the city of Baltimore loved him back.
Ray's career blossomed quickly. The Ravens went to the Super Bowl in 2001, under second year head coach Brian Billick. Ray was the MVP of the game. He then received not one, but two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. He has numerous Pro Bowl nods, and has been on the All Pro team selection as well.
A couple of years ago, Ray Lewis received a contract extension with a $19 million signing bonus. They made him on of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL. He was to retire as a Raven. Then, something went wrong.
No one knows exactly when this took place, but there had become a split within the locker room. Some players felt like the "superstars" were getting better treatment, unfair to the other guys on the team. This started a divided locker room that is not fixed as we speak. Ed Reed came along, and soon started to take Ray's place as "The Force" on the Baltimore Ravens defense. Ed and Ray were once extremely tight. Now, since the 2005 season started, Ed moved his locker to the end of the locker room, away from his "homeboy" Ray-Ray. Then, the unthinkable happened. Ray Lewis decided one day that he doesn't want to be the face of the organization anymore. He starts to deny interviews with the local media. He calls Kyle Boller out, indirectly (see Shannon Sharpe). He starts to turn his back on his fans, on his teammates, on Ozzie and even his new homeboy, owner Steve Bisciotti. He is now demanding a trade, simply because the Ravens won't give him a, get this folks, $50 million dollar signing bonus.
Is this what the NFL has come to? Nothing but money? Whatever happened to the fans that supported these players from day one? They don't have a say in this? Whatever happened to being loyal to your teammate's commitments to win? After all, you're getting paid to do what you love to do, and that's play football. I can recall a certain situation where Ray Lewis was involved in some kind of trouble, right after the 2000 Supr Bowl. Anyone recall that?
Not to bring up old situations (especially since he wasn't convicted of killing the people involved), but I do recall correctly that everyone called this man a Murderer...a Monster...I can remember peole saying, "Lock him up, and throw away the key". All because he was at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Everyone talked abd about him, that is, except for the die hard Ravens fans. The fans and the organization had his back like no one else had. They supported him through thick and thin. People attempted to make jokes about Ray, as well as the organization (even til this day), yet, we didn't care. He was one of us. Let some people off the street tell it, he acted like a true Baltimorean anyway (since B-More is usually in the Top 5 in the country for murders). We loved him, and he loved us back....or so we thought.
What has become of this man that people once loved and respected, even with his skeletons. Jealousy and greed. These two things break up most business relationships in the NFL. Look at the Terrell Owens situation. Enough said. However, if we as fans are going to talk about T.O., then Ray's name needs to be mentioned as well. He has become the reason why his locker room has been divided. He has received star treatment, yet that was not enough. Give you an example. Lewis "hurt himself" during the Chicago Bears game. Yet, he leaves to get "surgery", not by the team doctors, but by another doctor in FL. He has advised the Ravens that he is rehabbing in FL as well, which we know, most teams are dead set against. Then, he shows up on ESPN at a college football game, weeks later. What gives??
It's time for Ravens fans, and other people, to face the music. The league is getting bigger and bigger by the years, and those players that you thought will always be there, may not be there anymore. During traing camp, Mr. Lewis "picked and chose" who to sign autographs for, which was about 10 people in total, out of thousands. He looked unhappy. But Ed Reed, the 2004 DPOY, was the last in the line, signing every single person's item that needed to be signed. Whle Ray's stock has declined drastically, Reed's has risen to the top, because of this love and attention he shows to the fans.
It has been reported that Revens will only receive a 2nd round pick for Lewis. My opinion? Take the 2nd rounder and run like a bat out of hell. Get rid of this newfound cancer. Team chemistry is extremely important. And while Ray isn't the only problem child in the locker room (Jamal Lewis and Chris McCalister are also problem childs), he is the most noted, and most popular.
So go ahead Ray. We wish you tons of luck. Hope you get the $50 mil you THINK you deserve. We have a new guy in Ed Reed, that wants to be here, and is ready to take over the spot you abruptly abandoned. Oh, and by-the-way, don't let the doorknob hit you where the good Lord split you, on your way out!!!!
What is happening to these guys? Just ridiculous with trade and contract demands. How about being thankful for the God given gift to play professional sports, and treat it like you just won the lottery? Though, some lottery winners don't even get that much money.
The Ravens deserve more compensation than a 2nd round pick...but I guess you get what you can.
ShooterB- I agree. A 2nd round pick is not enough. But Ray is aging. Who would want to pay a high price for a guy who has been in the league, going on his 11 NFL season????
ZHawkman- Because he wasn't convicted, I can't say that he doesn't belong in the league. If he was guilty, that's another story. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I really don't think he actually did it.
he was mentioned in a blog the other day by someone wishing he'd somehow get traded to the raiders....i still think thats the perfect place for him. its not prison, but it mite as well be.
Make that money Ray. if you broke your neck, the team might pay your salary for the rest of THAT season; and thats not even guaranteed. the current contract situation put us where we are now. What did people think would happen when we okay'd NON-guaranteed contracts in the worlds most dangerous sport? these fans, in their brokedown, ex-highschool ball years, are naive. You have to make your money while you can. if i cut and ran to another job for more money, no one would hold it against me. yet somehow, because you play football, its different. youre part of a team. and now youre a cancer... that line is played out. forget the fairweather fans, i'm your fan no matter where you play. i'm unsure why anyone would want a McDonalds receipt with your name on it. ####KEM. you heard your loyal "fan:" You. Are. A. Cancer. remember this ya'll TIMES CHANGE, PEOPLE DO NOT
Last edited by DaVaal on February 14th at 5:26 PM.
O Preach Davaal, preach, sorry I just agree with you wholeheartedly and the direction of the Ravens franchise is questionable to say the least. He is going into his 11th season as well, cut ties Ravens.
Ray Lewis should have never been the face of the Ravens. Even though I an a die hard Steeler fan. Ray Lewis is a murderer....anyway u look at it. and is a bad example for the team....now they have another "jail bird"...Jamaal Lewis
Real cute, Hardcore. Say what you want, but Ray was never convicted of a crime. An answer I would expect from someone that doesn't even have a blog page.
DaVaal, as for your comments, I'm a huge fan of the Ravens, not Ray Lewis. Look at the Steelers success. For as long as I can remember, they have been about TEAM UNITY!!!! I don't want to hear that BS about money. Ray has endorsement deals, investments that are going well (a restaurant and a mortgage company), yet he wants more money. If you think anybody is going to pat $50 mil for him, then you must be on something. Now he wants to cry like a baby and get traded because he won't get another pay day. Bye bye, then.
One more thing, in society, unless you are on TV, you're just a regular person, so you're right. No one would care. But he was a big part of the Ravens success, so his situation is magnified to a much bigger level then you changing jobs.
Last edited by hillhubbo30 on February 15th at 6:01 AM.
What a dissappointment. I really had high expectations of the Ravens this year too.
For starters, lets drop the whole murder scandel here. The man was not convicted, no matter what your opinion is or did you people just forget that the law works off facts not speculation.
As far Ray asking for a new contract, one side of me thinks it is ridiculus and the other side can see his point in wanting a new deal, not 50 million dollars though. The big question here what should the Ravens do. If what hillhubbo is saying is true, about the locker room split, they should ship his #### out on the first boat.
I just find it hard to believe that Ray is acting like this to the town of Baltimore. I guess money can bring out the worst in all of us. I just want to let the Ravens fans know that I feel for them at this point. Having your franchise player turn his back on you after you have supported him through thick and thin has to be hurtful.
cr, I'm not saying that I can't see his point. But because he's not getting it, he wants a trade? What kind of #### is that????? When he originally signed his contract, he was happy about it. Now all of a sudden, he wants to bail out.
Then you have people saying that this sport is so dangerous and blah, blah, blah. But the fact of the matter is, they knew the risks of playing the game way before entering the league. For anyone to get paid to do what they love is a plus, anyway you look at it. No one made these people enter the league. They did so at their own risk. It's hard for me to side up with someone who only thinks of themseleves, 3 years into a then-blockbuster deal.
One more point I'd like to add. HE has turn HIS back on us,the fans. He turned his back on the organization. HE is demanding a trade. No one pushed him to this point. So what are Ravens fans supposed to do? Kiss his #### and beg him to change his mind? Don't think so. No one wants a player that doesn't want to be there.
DatSTAR, as far as the "direction" you speak of, the Ravens need an O line and QB, that's it. We were ranked 5th on defense, and with Mason, Clayton and Heap catching the ball, and the right guy behind center, the Ravens are a playoff contender.
this is business. we like to pretend its "all about the team," but the fact remains this is a billion dollar business. so youve determined, in all your wisdom, that he's made enough money? he should just shut up and play, right? every other man on the planet has a right to persue his 'fair market value' - except Ray Lewis. not Ray, he 'OWES' Baltimore something - they supported him thru his murder trial.
Whatever
Ray doesnt owe the ravens anything, they paid him to do a job. The Ravens dont owe Ray anything either, he's already been paid. its not your right to determine when and if he's made enough money. rather begrudge Bill Gates for enslaving us to his OS or Orpah for taking over the media industry before you begrudge a man simply asking for more money. we should be praising his efforts to pursue the Dream. Which one of us wouldnt take 50 million if we thought we could get it. and its a signing bonus, which means that even if he breaks a leg (TO, CHATMAN), or hurts his shoulder (PENNINGTON), the Ravens (his TEAM, wont be able to demand he take a pay cut or be released. thats how much 'the team' cares about their players.
Last edited by DaVaal on February 15th at 6:23 AM.
don't disagree with you on who would take a $50 mil signing bonus. The question is, who would give it to him. He is no longer in his prime, and I find it hard to believe that a team would pay that kind of money for him. Manning got $35 mil. He has set the statute for the NFL. Manning has some years left in him, about 8 or 9, because of his position and his line. If you can tell me that you honestly believe that you expect someone to pay $15 mil more for a player at his position, who has had 2 season ending injries already, then I say go. I just don't see it happening.
And you're right. It's not my right to determine anything. I'm just a regular person, who helps pay his salary, because I'm a season ticket holder. So although I can't do anything about it, I can say how I feel about it.
Thanx for the debate, though
Last edited by hillhubbo30 on February 15th at 6:35 AM.
I agree with you hillhubbo. Honestly, I think there should be no negotiating after a contract is signed. If the player signs the deal, then live by it. On the other hand, I feel the team should also have to live up to the deal. They shouldn't be allowed to just cut players at their desire.
I know this is not what is taking place right now but it has very much to do with it.
The reason these guys think they are worth so much is the fans fault to certain extent. We the fans, put these guys up on another level. I'm not real sure why we do it either. These NFL players are no different than me or you, yet for some reason they get to be millionaires just for playing sports. Like you said, they are getting paid to do what they love. These guys are the luckiest SOBs in the world. But the fans allow them to act like they are better than us hard working "normal" people.
Really, in all honesty, they are like race horses in my eyes. I don't understand why we seem to praise the old players either. All these guys did was play football, yet we praise them like they led a revolution or something. Us fans need to sit back realize who the real impotant people of America are, they sure aren't football players.
i'm sorry... i'mma very, very bitter cowboyz fan. Jimmy Johnson could have won 4 superbowls. but Jerry Jones showed him, didnt he? no one will open your eyes to business reality faster than Jerry Jones *shudder* owners like him create TOs and Ray-Rays.
aint no one getting paid more than Peyton... certainly not ray
How come everybody complains about millionaire players wanting money and not about the billionaire owners making money hand over fist. Ray Lewis was the face of the Ravens, a Hall of Famer, a Super Bowl MVP. If he can get $50 million, God bless him.
cr, I agree. We treat them better then our own relatives. So when we feel betrayed, we get upset. DaVaal made a valid point that it's the business, but I just don't like when a player signs a contract, then decides they want more money right after. Let's just have one year contracts, then. So everyone can get what they think their worth.
DaVaal, I can't sympathize. Although the 'Boys didn't go to the playoffs, they had a record over .500. You got the defensive players to be something special, and Bledsoe is one of my old time favs. I don't like what I see in the Giants, the Eagles need some work. The Skins are your only competition. Can't say the same for my team.
DrCarb, I agree. If someone is willing to pay him, then go. I really hope that what we aren't hearing, is that someone has actually offered him that kind of money. If that is the case, then I take all of this back. I just don't like the way the situation went down, though.
GOT, Marvin Lewis would love him!! But you know we aren't THAT stupid to send him there. LOL! Although, the Bengals was one of the teams that was reportly interested.
Some info I found on the Manning- Palmer salaries:
Player Team yrs/value Annual avg
Peyton Manning Colts 7-$98M $14M
Michael Vick Falcons 10-$130M $13M
Carson Palmer Bengals 9-$119M $13M
Brett Favre Packers 10-$100M $10M
Tom Brady Patriots 6-$60M $10M
Donovan McNabb Eagles 12-$115M $9.5M
I know when they signed him before the "accident"; he had the biggest contract in the NFL. This may have changed since then.
Our defense needs a seasoned player like Ray Ray. Although I am not big on him personally, I think he would be a tremendous asset to the team!
From the middle to the outside baby! Odell is awesome, but Ray Lewis brings leadership and energy. It is not always about the big play. It is about making plays. Our defense need serious improvement and I think Ray Lewis is the guy to do it. I honestly think Ray would come to Cincinnati for less just to play with Marvin.
Okay guys, I am in no way a Ravens fan and as far as the character goes, not a Ray Lewis fan either but I do have to say that I do not fault Lewis for wanting to be traded or out of Baltimore. In fact, I don't fault anyone for wanting to go somewhere else. The reason I say this is because the owners have done their fair share of sending people packing as well. If he's not happy there, let him go somewhere else but do what is best for your team. If you were the Raven's GM, what would you take for him. I personally think he is on the decline of his career but could still be a formidable LB for a couple of more years. I do believe Dallas would be a good fit for him, not because I am a fan but because they are trying to win another Super Bowl while Parcells is there. Lewis may assist an already good defense. The Raiders are always a perfect choice for big mouths and hated players, but there won't be enough money to get him there even if Lewis takes a significant cut. He may be hated and he may not be as good, but you have to admit when he is on the field, he makes a huge impact.
GOT, he would be a really good mentor to Thurman, I think. For him to be able to learn from one of the best would be great for the team.
Pipsy, while I agree with you, I guess the point I am trying to make is, I don't even see Ray getting the same amount of money he got with his last contract. This is about the dollar, so why would he leave to take a pay cut? Depending on what the Ravens do this offseason, and upgrade the positions needed, they could be a playoff contender. As stated earlier, the defense was ranked 5th overall, without him for much of the season. I just don't see how him leaving would benefit anyone.
Hill the problem with those salary stats is this: all are offensive players!!! Ray is an Defense.
I find it embarassing for these guys to ask for so much money. The problem Crab with paying the guy $50 million is that will set a line so that everyone else will be asking the same price. And who gets to pay that salary? The fans do. So instead of paying $60 bucks for a ticket now they are paying $100 a ticket, and not to mention playoff games going up to. How about the "pro" players shut up and show some class and dignity for once and make a believer out o####uy who is losing faith in pro sports all together. The NFL I am sorry to say is becoming a reality: The Longest Yard. Where all who play are some kind of criminal in one way or another.( Not refering to Ray here but alot of other top notch players getting caught doing stupid things).
Last edited by LSUfan on February 15th at 8:11 AM.
OMG LSU, I never even thought of that aspect. The more these players make, the more our ticket prices will raise. Very valid point. Plus, I just don't see any team paying a defensive player a whole buch of money. Safeties are starting to get more and more popular, thanx to Reed and Polamalu, yet they have one of the lowest avg salaries by position.
Last edited by hillhubbo30 on February 15th at 8:20 AM.
50 million say it aint so. The problem with the NFL the NBA and most other big named sports is the whole Hollywoodization of the sport. Everyone wants to be an icon they have moronic agents that feed their trifling egos.
Tell me the ESPy's aren't more entertaining then the OScars and are becoming better TV then the MTV music awards.
Can you imagine getting handed millions to do what you love for 3,5 10 years. Sure your body gets beaten the hell out of but you knew the job was dangerous when you took it.
Ray has been in and out of defensive schemes for the last couple of years so I will give him a break on being tired of the Ravens stuff, but 19 million in one swipe of a pen?
Also its not like these guys have a real off season anymore but 19 million and at least a 700K for base salary. Where do I sign up?
Ray has been the best middle backer in the league hands down and he is far from geriatric. He is nowhere near as old as Brooks, and you saw brooks in the probowl rolling.
Ray if you want a trade ask for a trade. Don't come off like TO.
bigbrutha, that's how people in BMore feel. That's he's being like TO. I said it before, and I'll say it again. If you know a team that will give you $50 mil, go for it. Obviously, we as fans want him to stay. Thsi blog is more of frustration, because you see a player that you love, and he wants to go for one more payday.
I agree, though. The ESPY's have become very entertaining the past couple of years. Pro athletes are now in the same category as Hollywood celebs. How many regular magazines have you seen Tom Brady in? Plenty
Well done post, I can't just blame the players but front offices, why sign coaches that try to change what great players do extremely well.
You make an investment in a player and then you sign some clown to come in adn start changing what guys have spent 4 years of college learning how to do. You know speaking to players that are in the league it takes most players at least 4 years to actually know what they are doing out there.
As a fan sometimes you just have to let him go and you can still be a Ray fan but don't take it personal.
Never personal. I love football more then the next, but it doesn't pay my bills. I just feel like the loyalty factor has gone waaaayyy down. How many people actually stay with the teams that dratfed them and allowed them to have the success they have???
The free agency system killed loyalty in football. You rarely if ever see a guy take less money to stay with a team, even when that money is only a million less. What's $15 mil vs. $14 mil? I don't understand. They make more money than God but it's never enough.
Nice post. I won't miss Ray's attitude one bit. If only he would take Jamal with him ...
First thing you need to learn as a modern day football fan is there is no such thing as loyalty, its a thing of the past like 12 round drafts, no salary caps, and no drug testing, and 100 man training camp rosters.
The game is more about the business, its about your seasons tickets going up only because they want the ticket price to raise, you've heard it too many times that the owners really don't need fans to show up to make money.
You very rarely see drafted players lasting 10 years because of the dollars and the business of the sport. Your DC leaves you spent your first two years playing by the seat of your pants as you try to understnad the game then finally you get it and you are now playing with more than ability and then he leaves, then a new DC comes in and changes the scheme now you are trying to remain on top but like anything else you have to learn something new. Fans don't understand the changes they just think you are now lazy and uninspired. Well let's wish Ray luck, we can only guess whats going on in his mind or in the front office over at the Raven facility, we'll never know.
Ray wants to go? Let him. He wants 50 million, F him. These players "deserve" it? No, we fans deserve to have the ability to go to a ####*ing football game that we can fu*king afford. Fans should be allowed to wear their favorite player's jersey for more than 2 years because that player wanted more money. We deserve the respect that we give our teams through all of the #### that we buy. Why should we have to save up money just to go cheer for a player that doesn't think that 1 million doesn't go as far as it used to?
"If he can get more money, God Bless." We always seem to forget who pays that money to the players. Wouldn't it be nice to have enough cash to go see a few games with the family? Nah, the player "needs" 50 million for his family.
It is sad that it has come to this, Ray was the face of this team. The Ravens were known for a great D, and Lewis was the first one you'd think about. Now he only wants money. It is freakin sad that athletes do this. The City of Baltimore supported him when he (alledgedly) was a part of a murder. Baltimore did all this, and he spits in their face, only for the Almighty Dollar.
remember: this is business. contracts arent guaranteed in the NFL, the only money you KNOW youre gonna make is your signing bonus. the team is under no obligation to keep you the length of your contract - and like SC - the NFL is a Work at your Risk. you couple this with a restrictive salary cap that basically forces teams to chose between their Star QB or their star WR - and now you have TO debacle. The majority of these players used football as an out from their perspective hells. you can hate TO or Ray or Latrell Sprewell, but go down to TO's old #### and learn the lesson that he did: make as much money as you can, and never let anyone take advantage of you.The NFL and its teams generate about 5 billion dollars in annual revenue. 65% of defined gross revenue is paid to players. i argue that a $3mil a year/7mil(sign bonus) WR has every right to act up when he outplays his $115mil QB (TO vs McNabb). i'd want my money.
I'd want my money too! I also want to go see a game with my family. I want to believe that its difficult for someone to live off of a $20 million signing bonus. I want to believe that the Cubs will win the World Series before I die. I want to believe that football is a game and not just a business. If I believed that it was just a business, then I would be in front of IBM or Motorola cheering their employees. But I'm not.
Also remember that there are things called endorsements. That make up another aspect of the players salary as well. So on top of $50 million what endorsements does he have?
I know a former NFL QB that still gets paid $700 grand a year, plus still has his endorsements from acertain shoe company. So needing $50 million up front to keep playing is just hogwash.
which Qb is making 700k ? I find that hard to believe. I an era where NBA guys can't even get a great shoe deal, Football players have always had #### shoe deals because let's face it football shoes are seasonal.
I can't just blame the players I think the league has to bare some of the burden.
Like it has been said the owners don't need ticket buying fans tv money corporate ticket holders did you see the break down for the superbowl? How many tickets were left for walk up fans?
If you want to take the family of four to a great game head to your local big university, or div one school for Saturday football. You know the guys are hungry, the over and under isn't important, and the kids will be in an exciting football atmosphere.
To Domer, bigbrutha, smoke, and MrNFL, right on. Totally agree.
Vaal- not that I totally disagree with your point, but these players need to remember that if you sign a contract, you have to honor it. No one put a gun to their heads and said to sign it. With TO, the NFLPA told hm not to sign the contract with the Eagles, and he did so anyway.
LSU, I mentioned earlier that Ray has endorsements, as well as investments. This is the main reason why I feel Ray is over his head. He is receiving money from other places, other then the NFL. I just don't think it's right to have a fit, because you aren't getting your way. That's life, no matter who you are. It's hard for me to feel sorry for a dude that is making that much money.
Also, bigb, although you make a good point about seeing college football instead, there's one problem. I have a 7 yr old son who think's he's the second coming of Deion Sanders(not the Neon-Prime Time Deion. And yes, my son knows who Deion is), so he can't relate to the college players. He has no idea who they are. He wants to see players he is familiar with. When Ed Reed signed my son's football last summer, he was the happiest kid out there. He sees Ed on TV, knows that he plays for his favorite team, so he can relate.
The thing about the NFL players getting shoe deals over NBA players has to do with popularity. A top NFL player is more recognized. NBA is falling as a sport. The way the NHL has come back from the dead, they might even pass the NBA if it doesn't change.
As far as the post, I can see where hill is coming from. You watch a player develop from a rookie into one of the best at his position. You want them to stay with your team. The Ravens should trade Ray based on how he is acting in the locker room.
I know the owners make a ton more money than the players, but you don't really think of them as much. They aren't the face of the team, outside of maybe Snyder and Jones.
Ed Reed came along, and soon started to take Ray's place as "The Force" on the Baltimore Ravens defense. Ed and Ray were once extremely tight. Now, since the 2005 season started, Ed moved his locker to the end of the locker room, away from his "homeboy" Ray-Ray. Then, the unthinkable happened. Ray Lewis decided one day that he doesn't want to be the face of the organization anymore. He starts to deny interviews with the local media. He calls Kyle Boller out, indirectly (see Shannon Sharpe). He starts to turn his back on his fans, on his teammates, on Ozzie and even his new homeboy, owner Steve Bisciotti. He is now demanding a trade, simply because the Ravens won't give him a, get this folks, 
will always be there, may not be there anymore. During traing camp, Mr. Lewis "picked and chose" who to sign autographs for, which was about 10 people in total, out of thousands. He looked unhappy. But Ed Reed, the 2004 DPOY, was the last in the line, signing every single person's item that needed to be signed. Whle Ray's stock has declined drastically, Reed's has risen to the top, because of this love and attention he shows to the fans.
