I’m old fashioned. I’m reminded of that often when talking to and about modern day athletes. My old school ethos regarding team sports is along the lines of “all for one, one for all.” “win as a team, lose as a team,” rah rah, blah, blah. So you probably understand why I blanche at comments by athletes that come across as selfish.

Following the Ravens 38-7 defeat at Pittsburgh- an emotional and embarrassing loss- linebacker Ray Lewis boastfully pointed out that the Ravens defense held Steelers running back Willie Parker to a mere 42 rushing yards. Ray also made mention that Steelers running back Najeh Davenport had just 34 rushing yards. Finally, ESPN’s Sal Palantonio, in a group of reporters interviewing Lewis, said, “Did I miss something? Didn’t you just lose a game 38-7?” Great question, Sal. Ray’s answer: the turnovers by the Ravens offense gave Pittsburgh a short field and you can’t expect the Ravens defense to stop them in those situations. So much for “win as a team, lose as a team.”

That bugs me…allot. Now, Ray Lewis is right: the Ravens offense makes it tough on the defense (and has for several years). But what good does it do the team to bring that out in a post game commentary? How does a divisive comment from a player serve the team in any positive fashion? And regarding the boast about stopping the Steelers running game: so what? Ray’s analysis of what went well amidst disaster falls under the category of the famed follow-up question: “Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?”

Football is a team game, and who are the best teams in the NFL these days? The New England Patriots? Maybe the Indianapolis Colts? And what do those TEAMS have in common? Besides having great quarterbacks, the Pats and Colts both operate under the old school “all for one, one for all” ethos that I admire. In fact, if you listen to the Patriots talk- they are more humble in victory than the Ravens are in defeat. Besides the post-defeat boasting by Ray Lewis, Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce pointed out that he saw Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throwing passes “with his eyes closed,” just chucked the ball and apparently got lucky (Big Ben threw 5 TD passes!). Come on, Ravens! You were beaten badly. I know it hurts to lose, but it’s even more painful for this observer to see and hear grown men speak like children in defeat. I find it embarrassing. Then again, I’m old fashioned.

Posted on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 at 6:38 pm.
Categories: Opinion.
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