I agree 100% with this column. Ray Lewis should "take less for causing more stress"! The Jet's signed B. Scott and the Cowboy's signed K. Brooking, so at this point where is Ray going to go. You do not bite the hand that feeds you!

Your not piling on?!?!? The heck your not. How many negative articles do you have to write about the man. Keep kicking him while he's down Preston, your a real hero!

You either pay him as a super star or you let him go. If you cut his stature by money or perks you end up with a malcontent in the locker room. Ray made this mess and I do not see how you resolve it.

You know...I'm not one to agree with everything you say. But this time I agree with everything you just wrote...down to the punctuation. Especially the clauses, he needs to do everything everyone else is doing... On another note...how about the Vikings trading for Sage Rosenfels with a 4th round pick...and Matt Cassel goes for a 2nd. Guess the price wasn't as high as people thought....it pays to ask at least...

well said as usual, Preston...

Mike, have u been stealing my stuff? I have been posting this on message boards for the last two weeks. Lewis has no leverage and the NFL is a business. Ravens are crazy if they give Lewis the figures that have been floated. He simply is not worth that kind of contract. I totally agree with knocking Mr. Ego down a notch or two. The favoritism he's been used to should be a thing of the past if the Ravens are really interested in promoting team unity. Ray has had his day in the sun and all the perks that go with it. It's time that Ray was treated as any other member of the team. If he doesn't like it, let him retire.

Mike,

Do you think their is some concern about Ray's career after football not being as lucrative as once thought?

Where does he go after football...he is a first ballot HOFer, he stands a reasonable chance to play for only one NFL team, in one city which still could erect a statue of him like Unitas at Camden Yards.

But outside of Baltimore, is Hollywood waiting? ESPN? The players room with Tiki and Jerome? The Madden video game industry? Our economy is a mess, who sponsors him after his playing days are through? Is he in debt? He does have a nice restaurant, though...

Mike, your comments are right on. I am a huge Ray Lewis fan and never let my emotions enter any sports discussions. But I must admit, the way he handled this has forever changed my feelings towards him. I would rather go with the young guys at this point and drop down a few notches defensively. I'm tired of all the Ray hoopla. Let's save the money for the big guys up front.

sounds like youre piling it on to me...

ray will get the same deal he was offered in the get go. in a way, he deserves it for all hes does for this team and city. but i do think he owes the fans an apology, considering the things weve been hearing are true.

he should definitely take this incident as an ego check and give some appreciation to the team and city who stuck with him through everything. we as fans deserve that

Right on target. I was hoping to keep Scott and wave good bye to Ray. Apparently Dallas, NY and others see things as Ozzie does. Is there value in letting him go like Mc Alister and spending that money elswhere. Or, are we too loyal?

If the Ravens were to follow your ideas
as far as Ray Lewis is concerned he would not be the same player who was the the leader of the Ravens.You keep talking about "Harbaugh's team" whatever that means.I will give you odds that Harbaugh will not be with the Ravens as long as Lewis has been.

I agree with your statement except I would honor the original contract offer.

I completely agree... He tried to play the Ravens and the gamble failed! Now the Ravens are in the drivers seat. The only other team i see coming in is the New England Patriots.

We have a young nucleus- lets build upon it.

Mya O'pinion.

WRONG!!!! If he'll take a bit less than the 24, I've got no problem with that, but the rest of this post accomplishes nothing but making Lewis hate the team and mgmt. No matter what, he remains the emotional leader of the team and our best shot at making a run is with him leading the charge. For all he's done for the Ravens, despite the last few weeks, pay the guy and don't forget how proud a man he is because to do so, will backfire on us in a big way.

Mike, I agree completely with you as usual, but there's virtually no chance of the Ravens getting that tough on Lewis.

Mike
I disagree completely. This is probably why you are a reporter and not running a multi- million dollar business organization whose success relies on the talents of creative artists. The advantage to Ozzie sticking to his previous offer is because it is in the Ravens best interests that he do so.
It is in their interests to have Ray Lewis as productive as possible.
Making him grovel publically or putting some type of ridiculous "negative comments" clause will only lead to less productivity in my view.
It is in the Ravens long term interest (beyond Ray Lewis) for players to know that the Ravens are a class organization and that they are above petty "gotchas" (even if their players sometimes aren't). This is a powerful message to all players on the team and free agents throughout the league.
The deal was reasonable then, it is reasonable now. Let's not forget Ray's tremendous contributions over the years which included many things he didn't have to do in leadership areas and which brought us the only Super Bowl win we have. He likely could have made John Harbaugh's adjustment very, very difficult, but he made that transition work very effectively (unlike CMac for example).
I am glad that Ozzie and Steve are running the team...not you.

Who would take his place?

Give it a rest Mike.

Ray Lewis might have a bruised ego from not getting the attention he hoped for in Free Agency, but I don't think he's lost a single thing in the locker room. He has done what most players do in Free Agency. He's looking for the best deal he can get. While it would have been nice to see him get a deal secured before becoming a Free Agent, I don't see anything that prevents him from being the on-field & locker room leader he's always been. If anything, he's shown by example that Free Agency isn't always the answer.

If I see anything.., I see a motivated and fired-up Ray Lewis going into next season looking to prove the doubters wrong. This guy is insane with his work-outs and preparation. Now that he's got a chip on his shoulder.., I can see him coming back and playing at a high level, but also, being the strong locker room and on-field motivating force that validates the greater payday.

Ray Lewis, like many athletes, isn't what he was in his prime..., but what he brings to the table has a lot of value and 3 years $24M, is fair market value.

Agreed but what are the odds that the Ravens would decrease their original offer? The odds are in the Ravens favor that Ray will return but cutting their previous offer could offend the aging star's already humbled feelings forcing him to leave.

Given the fact the Ravens have some weaknesses but no absolute needs, what do you think the Ravens next steps are? Do you think the Ravens would trade up to acquire someone like a Crabtree or Maclin?

Agreed, Mike. Ray needs to come back win and the fans favor. His loose talk has caused him problems. He is getting bad advice. He should talk to you and Shannon Sharp to get his head & heart back to the Ravens, which is where his legacy will be. It is not too late to correct his mistake, but it will take a significant effort on his part. We forgave him before and can do it again.

Backing off on the original deal for a worse one will either force Lewis into retirement rather than be embarrassed, or - worse yet - filter into his play. He may not be what he once was, but he's still pretty good and still has Haloti Ngata covering for his weaknesses. We don't need him cranky. He screwed up. Who hasn't?

But having said that, if he does not learn from this, then next time he should be cut straight out. Every dog gets one bite, and this has been Ray's. If he is still unaware that this is Harbaugh's team now, he'll have to learn the hard way. And if this city wants to be bashed in the press, we'll drag Robert Irsay out from under whatever putrid rock he is buried and have it done right.

Ray can easily put all this behind him. This is a forgiving town. All it will take is a bit of humility combined with some common sense and an agent who is not a sycophant.

I wouldn't worry too much, He's at peace with God about it.

Let Ray sign elsewhere. He won't get anywhere what he expected and he'll just be a grumpy old player.

Let him go.

Yes and No!
It should be a 2 year deal for $8 mil with an 3rd year option at the clubs discretion. No Bonus? Let be gracious. Lets not be as Ray has been! Yes the clubhouse percs are gone. Yes Ray MUST perform.

Yes Ray MUST or do not sign him!!!

The evil part of me agrees with you, but the realist says that what you are proposing is not only counter productive but not smart. The guy has been slapped. Enough already. Humbling him more could take a bad situation and make it worse.

All of you guys who pile on Mike- open your eyes! I disagree with him pon certain things as well- but ity's nice to have one stand up reporter around Baltimore who isn't all about sucking up to the players- but rather telling it how it is.

It takes a lot of balls to write the stuff he does and face these players all the time- so I don't think he's doing it blindly. I agree with him here to an extent. I don't think the Ravens should decrease their offer, but they should demand he travels with the team (something I did not know).

The only jersey I have ever owned since the team came to town is that of Ray Lewis- but after his comments and actions this off-season- coupled with some things he's said and done in the past- I'm over him. He's obviously over the city of Baltimore- whether he comes back or not.

His ego now outweighs what I appreciated about him.

All the times I've gotten into arguments defending him over his legal problems are over.

ps- I think it just really rubbed me th wrong way- his comments about wanting out an going to Dallas bla bla bla- is that Baltimore just had it's face spit on by Mark Texeira- when he said he grew up in Baltimore loving the Yankees- and chose them over us this off-season. Not a month or two later to have the cities biggest sport icon of the century basically snubbing us again.... too selfish for me. He could have handled this entirely differently and there would be no issues right now- but he had to let his ego get in the way of rational thinking.

And what message would pulling the offer to Lewis mean to the younger players that must be signed in the future? That the front office is not of its word, nor is it to be trusted. To pull the rug out from under arguably the biggest Raven icon ever, diminished skills or no, would put a cloud over future negotiations with the likes of Suggs, McClain, Flacco, Reed, not to mention free agents from other clubs.
Preston here is advocating an action that he would be highly critical of if the Orioles up the street tried the same thing.

As a huge Ray and grateful Ravens fan for him putting us on the map, I'm not sure what would be better. Ray staying here and ensuring we'll be competitive or going to New England, winning 3 super bowls and listening to all of our reporters and other knuckleheads shake their heads in disbelief at his accolades in those games. We can forget about playing with the Pats for the next 5 years if he goes there....but the Bengal games should be entertaining.

Well,Mike,if you cut the star's original offer would'nt you be dissing him after all the good years he gave?That would be tasteless,in my opinion.I hope you're not serious; trying to sell more papers again?Anyway,I did'nt know he did'nt travel with the team.Sounds like a Cal Ripken deal and the O's.He'll be a leader anywhere he goes-it's football,not like a country club.

I say let bygones be bygones and give Ray the original offer the Ravens offered him before free agency. Yes Ray made a big miscalculation and did not handle the whole situation properly.

But the Ravens should never of let it get this far. They should of locked Ray up last year to ensure he would be a Raven for his whole career.

Everyone makes mistakes and everything Ray has done for this team and the presence he demands on and off the field is well worth the investment for many years to come even after he retires.

It will be hard enough for Ray to eat crow and come back to the ravens and it shouldn't have to be that way. The fans and the media should just let this whole situation go and lets open up our arms and show Ray some love.

Ray Lewis IS THE RAVENS and will be revered like Johnny U some day but only if all this ugliness goes away.

There are some great comments here.
My take is this:
Ray's poor handling of this situation is apparent to everyone at this point. I personally think less of him than I had. But, the Ravens will ultimately be able to get the most from him next season if they are able to help him save face now.
Give him the same contract, and allow him to maintain the same status with the team.
Yeah, they have to treat him with kid gloves, because his contributions to the organization are far and away more significant than this unfortunate situation. Too bad, but he's fallen from the Johnny-Lenny-Brooks-Jim-Cal echelon.

Keep in mind that Ray was quoted as saying, he'll go wherever God tells him to. So he shouldn't have a negative attitude coming back here unless the devil made him do it. This is exactly why religion has no place in sports. If there can be separation of church and state, can't we have separation of church and sports?

100% agreement

He should have been humbled by his time in jail and he should show management the same loyalty that management showed him when he was in jail.

He is so pissed right now he may go anywhere including Detroit at a lower price. Ray, you brought this on yourself.

Did he really need an agent to resign with the Ravens? What a wasted 3%!
David Dunn should waive his fee after this, agent generated, PR fiasco.

The Ravens should have focused more on Bart Scott. A player with a lot of gas left in his tank and someone who I think wanted to be here. Ray once was the best and was payed as such. Remember his last contract ?How much now does he have left? Also, Ray hasn't always been the best team player. If I recall correctly, only a couple of years ago Ray tried to renegotiate his contract through the media and aparently became a malcontent while nursing his injury in Miami. Hopefully, the Ravens won't let one player become bigger than the team. Remember the "streak" and what happened as a result to the other team ?

Although it may seem otherwise, I am not a Ray hater. My Ravens jersey bears the number 52 and I have enjoyed watching him play. It would be great if the Ravens are able to sign him, but, I chear for the Ravens, not just for Ray. It may be time to look forward.

Mike I rarely agree with you about much but this is a great column 24 million is too much money 18 is about right loaded with Incentives.

Just for the record, Ray's restaurant is closed. It was one of the most poorly run establishments in the city.

In this day and age of "free agency" and salary "caps", players deserve to get as much money as they can from management that will try to pay as little as they have to. From ownership down to the players, who actually have more at stake than any of the others, the game today is all about....money! Under the circumstances, no one has earned the right to a big final career contract more than Ray Lewis!

I thought John Harbaugh was supposed to have already kept players from doing the very things you propose they put in Lewis' contract. I guess the Sun was just keeping certain truths from us all last season because those facts didn't fit into their post-Billick utopia.

If Ray was smart he would retire but he like so many other athletes will hang around past his prime. I just hope the Raven's know when to cut him loose. Ozzie knows how to manage the cap, you have to look ahead and not just the here and now.

Ray said there wouldn't be any hometown discounts so there shouldn't be any hometown favors from the Ravens either.

Fans are just Rodney Dangerfield to these guys.

RAY, I HOPE YOU IS READIN CAUSE WE LOVED YA AND NOW WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU GO. YOUVE SHOWN YOUR TRUE COLORS AND THEY ARE NOT BLACK AND PURPLE; INSTEAD THEY ARE ALL ABOUT "ME".

WE DON'T WANT YOU BACK. YOU IS ONE SELFISH DUDE AND THE WHOLE NFL KNOWS IT. THEY DON'T WANT THE DRAMA YOU WILL BRING TO THEM. YOU TURNED YOUR BACK ON YOUR FAMILY. NOW YOU GOT YOUR AGENT SAYING BS LIES TO MAKE YOU SAVE FACE.

STAY IN FLORIDA AND TEACH YOUR KIDS NOT TO BE SELFISH. MAYBE WE'LL GET TO SEE ONE OF THEM IN A RAVENS UNIFORM ONE DAY. YOU ON THE OTHER HAD IS WASHED UP AND DANCE LIKE AN OLE MAN. RETIRE DUDE.

I think they should keep the same offer, that was a fair contract when first proposed and I still believe it is. Ray obviously overestimated his value on the market and no team will give him more than that contract. He still plays at a high level for his age and retaining him would not make our needs get bigger, which obviously is good.

Three years for an aging football player is too much.

PLEASE STOP WITH THE "For all he's done for the Ravens' stuff. He didn't do it for free. He got paid to perform at a certain level, and he did for the most part. He ended two years on IR...he is a mentor to the kids, offensively and defensively...hard to put a number on that. He got a record signing bonus, because he earned it! 3 years, 24 mill is too much based on on-field performance only. He certainly won't be worth 8 million the 3rd year. Ray is one of the few players that make his teamates better by what he teaches them. That will make up for the 2 million a year (roughly) that he is overpaid. As smart as he is, he'd seem to be on the fast track to being a d-coordinator...although that'd be tough cause he'd never find someone like himself.

After Ray signs off on his new contract tomorrow expect the typical BS. "This is where my heart is, where I belong. This is my city man. This is what God had planned for me." Ray forgot one thing, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Not so mysterious to everyone else watching this fiasco, but I'm sure Ray finds this to be one great big mystery.

You'll see the light one day Ray. We all will. It'll be on a Sunday in early September, at the end of the tunnel and you'll dance through that smoke with the crowd going nuts just like we always have. Can't wait !

It's good to have you back Ray, even if it did get a little ugly there for a bit. All will be forgotten especially after that first massive hit, double nod to the sideline and crowd and tirade (something like,"I'm a machine, Jerk !). Can't wait for that to.

All haters and pilers on you'll be eating crow once the above mentioned comes to fruition. Don't get me wrong, I definitely didn't like the way this all went down but the bottom line is we (Raven Die Hards) got what we really wanted in the end. Ray Lewis in Purple and Black for just a little bit longer.

I'm out !

Before all you Ray haters start piling on about his greed, just remember that the average NFL player lives to be 55 (52 for linemen). That gives Ray about 20 years to enjoy whatever money he has left.

Now how many off you guys want to trade about 20 years off your life for the fame and money? You think those guys don't pay a real price for all those hits?

things have turned out the way I figured all along. Bart Scott to the Jets (a.k.a. olivion) for all the $$$'s he could get, Ray finishing his career as a Raven and you heard it here first Suggs next year becoming the Raven's highest paid defensive player.

The one thing I DO NOT like about Ray's behavior in the past several weeks are how he mixes God, The Cowboys, MONEY, and his "it's a buisness" attitude." Maybe Ray needs to understand, the Good Lord wants him to be Humble and retire as a Raven. All shall be forgiven, "I thank yah Jesus" Ray-Ray.

I am glad to see so many Ray Ray fans fight the good fight to the very end. Ray Lewis is arguaby my favorite Raven of ALL-TIME, but believe it or not (eventually you will) he is not the same player he once was, and regardless of how motivated he is or how hard he trains in the off season, the next three years will show why a 24 million dollar contract is too much for a 34 year old linebacker. You do NOT pay a player for what he has done for the organization, he already received those checks, you pay him for what he will do. The fact that not one team has knocked on his door should tell you that Ray is not worth 8 per year. I am all for keeping him, but for market value, which is not 8 per year or other teams would have matched or upped that offer. I love Ray, but I love the Ravens more, and contrary to popular belief, the team will not stop playing once Ray retires or signs with another team. Go RAVENS!!!

by ray, watch out for the door-you don't own the team ,you play for it!!

I agree Lewis vastly overplayed his hand and it would serve him right to get a little smackdown. But if you can give a backup corner (Foxworth has started less than half the games he's played in) almost $7 million a year for four years, why not give a HOFer like Lewis $8 million for three? Of course, they overpaid Foxworth about $4 million a year, but that's another story for a different day.

Lewis entered the free agent market hoping it would give him greater leverage in his negotiations with the Ravens. To date, with no teams showing an interest in Lewis, the move has reduced his leverage with the Ravens. If Lewis' stock with the Ravens has fallen so be it. If Lewis has been humbled by this experience so what. He's a grown man he can take it. Humility can be a positive thing. It keeps you grounded. It keeps you woking with others on the same footing. The Ravens should continue to conduct their negotiations with Lewis in a professional and confidential manner..Beyond that they are under no obligation other than to offer Lewis a contract that is fair and in the best interest of not only Lewis, but the Ravens.
tntoriole - If Lewis had made Harbaugh's transition very very difficult there would be no need for us to be discussing his situation now, and rightfully so

Sign the MAN. He brings more leadership to the team than any other person who ever played for the RAVENS. Even Anita disagrees with you (what is happening between you two?). When Ray has a great season in 2009, you will be the first to say how great he is. Still wondering why you aren't the GM.

WHY ARE WE WASTING TIME TALKING ABOUT RAY LEWIS. WE HAVE A LOT OF YOUNG, FAST, AGGRESSIVE LB'S ON THE TEAM. THE RAVENS SHOULD NOT WASTE CAP MONEY ON RAY. THE RAVENS SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR A SIX FOOT THREE INCH WIDE-OUT THAT CAN GAIN SEPARATION AND CATCH THE BALL ON THE RUN. WE ALSO NEED TO GET A TIGHT END THAT CAN CATCH THE BALL.

If the Ravens did what you said to Ray, how would the other players react to the Ravens? I think you set a negative tone for the organization that could hurt you in free agency down the road.

There are ways to handle Ray that help save face and could help the Ravens more. Make the deal a four-year, $28M deal with the same $17M signing bonus. This reduces his salary cap hit, helps him feel better, and makes the organization look better to other players.

Ravens should go out and get what they need first and put Ray Ray on the back burner. That what he did with the Ravens. Sign Marvel Smith (OT),Nate Washington (WR) and Bo Scaife(TE) then say well we have 15 mil left with no signing bonus and you have to play every game to get your 15 mil over three years.

Over the past few years, I've noticed that Lewis' pregame sideline, rah-rah huddles are attended by only young backups and the established veterans that make the team successful are not part of it. Is Lewis still the real leader on the team or is his leadership more hyperbole from the past? If he really gets special treatment, that will eventually cause problems if it already has not in the past.

I say pay him (and any other player)market value and if that's one year at a few million dollars, then that's it. Lewis is the one who says it's a business and that cuts both ways.

He's done a lot for the Raven's, the Raven's have done a lot for him. Call it a draw, give him the original offer and let him retire a Raven. It's the way it should be.

Mike:

What's going on with Ray Lewis? I think that renowed psychologist, Carl Jung, may have had the answer. Jung said, "An inflated consciousness is always egocentric and conscious of nothing but its own existence. It is incapable of learning from the past, incapable of understanding contemporary events, and incapable of drawing right conclusions about the future. It is hypnotized by itself and therefore cannot be argued with. It inevitably dooms itself to calamities that must strike it dead." (Psychology & Alchemy, 1944, in CW 12. P. 563)
Ray's ego is not in touch reality. If it was, he would have accepted the Raven's offer BEFORE Free Agency.

I think they should pay him. He might not be worth it by market standards, but Ray sure has earned it. Ray Lewis has been the backbone of this team since the beginning, and without him the Ravens would not even compete. Along with his physical talent, he brings intensity, and the rest of the team feeds off of it. So all of you that are bashing him, take a walk, because he Ray deserves the money. And when he retires, they need to throw a statue up there next to Unitas.

Ray will NEVER be revered like Johnny Unitas is....EVER!!

excellent comments and opinions on both sides of this issue.

But really, when is this crap just going to be over with?

After Lewis burying his reputation with the fans and losing Scott, I'd just kinda like this to be over with. My faith in the organization has taken enough shots already.

Seriously though, when are these deals going to be over with?

to people complaining about the foxworth signing: read the details of the deal. it was a good signing. its a back loaded, incentive heavy contract. if he turns out to be a star it will be an excellent move. if he flounders, cut/trade him.

Ray will play this season in San Diego, next to his friend Shawne Merriman.

It's been a long time since someone has got a pie in the face like Ray did this week. It was deserved, all by his own making. Mike your articules have been dead on this week. Lets hope, as you said, the "Ray/Raven thing" works out well for both.

Are you insane? The only thing worse than not having Ray Lewis, is having an unhappy Ray Lewis. We need to honor this 3 yr 24 million deal or we will just be bringing back a malcontent. We might as well trade for TO and Pacman, cuz our chemistry will be shot to hell.
I agree that Ray has not been loyal, and been greedy, but we cannot shoot ourselves in the foot. Bring Ray back on the 3 year deal, maybe the 3rd year only partially guaranteed, and then we can start rebuilding our team over the next 2-3 years. Plus next year we have alot of cap room and some compensatory picks, so we should be set if we can bring back Ray to bridge the gap and guide the young players. Imagine in 3 years a LB core starring Suggs, Mclain, Gooden and Johnson/barnes. That is the future, let Ray help us establish it.

Both sides of this discussion are valid. One point that I would add is that its easy for those of us who are not professional athletes to sit in our chairs, laptop in tow (like I am now), and write these "insightful" comments.

Few of us (if any) has ever taken a violent NFL hit. Perhaps fewer still have ever competed at a high level in any arena.

My point is this: The NFL is a sport, but more than that, it's entertainment. Unlike most other forms of entertainment, though, these players, like Ray Lewis, endure and perpetuate violence the likes of which most of us can't imagine. And when he was at his best, we were all cheering right along with him; loving the Super Bowl win, loving the good times. This will likely be his last big contract. No one likes to admit that the end is near for something that they love so much (see Brett Favre). I don't blame him for trying to make this one count; although, like many, I disagree with the way this is going down.

So, the man has made an error in judgement. Who hasn't? Should your check be cut because you are older and maybe not as sharp as you once were? Or perhaps because you made a statement that you may now wish you hadn't?

Being a fan means not only taking the good, but the bad and the ugly along with it. I love how folks are ready to ditch a player one day, and be on his bandwagon the next.

Learn the meaning of what it means to be a true sports fan. I remember the virulent comments and lackadaisical attitude towards to Colts right before they left. The stands were empty, and the fans felt entitled. I also remember, with clarity, the way I felt when the Colts left. And the long years without a team, and the NFL's seeming indifference to our City's pain.Guess what? Once they were gone, suddenly, everyone "loved" the Colts. They were "Ours". Maybe they were, and there were certainly other issues involved, but there was a sense of entitlement among the "fans" who thought that it was unthinkable that the Colts would leave. Colt bashing was alive an well around that time. How quickly we forget. Enjoy Ray, and enjoy winning. Most of all, don't forget...sometimes getting what you wish for isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

Our vaunted defense has taken some hits this off season. Don't get it twisted; we will not be what we were this year. And we need Ray, older, maybe a little slower, and all that - to win next year. We have become spoiled - we think that a great top 3 defense year after year is a given. Make no mistake, we will need Ray and all the help that we can get next year.

I am thankful as a sports fan, no, as an NFL Footaball fan - as a RAVENS fan, for everything that Ray Lewis has brought to our team and to our city. He should remain a Raven. Nothing else would do. The pride that drove him to make this error is the same pride that drove him to excel on the field, and contribute to so many good times for our team. Let's not be so quick to forget.The young guys will indeed have their day when the time comes, but I for one, will be hoping that Ray's time here is not over yet. And when it is, I hope that he is sent off in style.

maybe he can pitch for the orioles...

Stop it! Ray Needs to be in Baltimore. He's worth twice that much money. Dont "Flex", dont take advantage, show respect to the face of Raven Football. Give the man his money, and lets get a ring in '09.

wow, all the Ray Lewis hate! I think what Ray has done and said has been pretty bush league to be honest, but you can't pull the contract now. They should have never offered him 24 over 3 to begin with, what Mike is saying was what I said all along 18 over 3, but with about a 10 signing bonus. They went a little higher than I think they wanted because they even thought like Ray and his agent did that there would be 2-3 teams interested in his services. Has to humbling to have Dallas go out and sign Keith Brooking

Here's why Bisciotti is a billionnaire and all of us our average joes. His life is about personnel and people and not just talking about personnel. He was right with Harbaugh. He's right with Lewis. I'm okay with overpaying the best player in your franchise and best MLB in history of the game. One of the best leaders of all time. Bisciotti understands this more than Preston and others who play GM. With Lewis, all the standard numbers and standard "here's what you pay" go out the window. I'm glad Bisciotti and Newsome understand this. If you take back the offer, you risk brining back a distgruntled superstar. Can't risk that. And to all the Bart Scott fans: We all know what 52 can do without Scott and the others. Problem is the Sharper's, Thomas', Hartwell's found out the hard way what they can do without 52, not much.

Ray wanted to know his market value.now he knows

I could not disagree more unless you are ready for this team to begin a rebuilding stage under coach Harbaugh. The smartest move the coach and organization made last year was retaining Rex Ryan as DC to provide some continuity. Ray was instrumental in building the bridge from the locker room to the coaching staff. With the departure of Rex and now Bart Scott it is the Ravens who are in a bad bargaining position unless they are ready to start from the ground up. Ray Lewis has been a stalwart for this team, his effort on the field is unparalleled. He has a right to be compensated partly because of past service as well as future expectations. Every time I see a photo or trading card of John Unitas wearing a Charger uniform I become physically ill. I hope I never have to expeience the same with #52. His posturing during the negotiation process may have left a sour tatse to some but by no means does this out weigh the years of dedication and commitment he has given this city and organization. I wish Ray God's richest belssings regardless of the outcome.

Preston is the guy you love to hate but I must say I agree with him on this one

Ray--U will not have the same respect of the fans from here on out, U may want to start over some where else

U have it all wrong-U didn't do a lot for Baltimore----Baltimore did a lot for U

I think that Ray's worth to the Ravens is about what the team has offered him and maybe a little more than he deserves at this time . But you are right in taking away some of those perks he's been getting from the team and told to go out and bring the team together with his leadership which at this time is extremely valuable from him . Welcome home Ray , we still love you .

I see him playing on the west coast next year, not necessarily with the Raiders.

Have you have lost your stock raven mind? Let Ray go and the Ravens will go down. Let me remind you the Harball is robin and Ray is batman. This franchise had a good season and it has gone to your head. That's exactly why I am not a Ravens Fan......loyalty? Ray has help to build this team and how do you reward him with home town discount offer. Ray can wait you Baltimore Crows out get a reasonable offer.

Ray should have jumped on the Ravens deal and got it done before FA. This would have solidified his iconic standing in the city of Baltimore. But he didn't and some people are hurt some mad and some disapointed. Me, I'm indifferent. He will always be a great player who I have a great deal of respect for (as a football player). The Ravens are a class organization and should not and would not alter their offer to Ray.

I'l say again, please keep Jim Leonhard.

My goodness, I have now read everything from a junior psychologist who has never met Ray to those who think anyone can replace Ray.

Fact #1: Ray is no longer the best LB in the league. Ray is still Top 10 or 15 and out of 96-128 starting LBs, that is pretty elite.

Fact #2: Ray's play last year plus he played all 19 games means he should get a signing bonus. Ray has only played 77% of the regular season games in the past seven years, so sky's not the limit.

Fact #3: Without Bart still on the team, it is unlikely there is a DQB in waiting on the Ravens D. That means whatever leverage there may be in socking it to Ray, he does have more actual value to this team.

Fact #4: The whole point of not franchising Ray was to buy time for Terrell's contract (which has now gone up in value) and keep Ray from being disgruntled. Making a power play on Ray may soothe Joe Sixpack's inflated ego (sorry, had to do that) but would give the Ravens exactly what they didn't want when it came to assigning tags.

Fact #5: New England traded Vrabel as well as Cassel. Lower Ray's price, NE swoops in. Maybe some other team as well. Lower Ray's price, and he would be justified taking even a slightly lowball offer from somewhere else to say he felt wanted elsewhere. All the arguing whether that was true or not would not change Ray not wearing purple.

Fact #6: There will be life without Ray someday. That someday will be soon or sooner.

Ozzie has offered Ray three years, two guaranteed via the bonus. The reality is Ray is likely to fulfill that contract while the Ravens transition more smoothly. If Ray wants to posture for another week, let him. We waited for J.O. for months on two different offseasons.

Quietly tell Ray he has a week to decide because if he doesn't want to come back, the Ravens need to move on. That way Ray can come back on his own terms and be the enthusiastic DQB that has been the cornerstone of a Raven D being in the top ten for over a decade.

If another team comes in or if Ray wants to stall extra long, then life without him will be sooner than soon.

I didn't like Ray courting DAL and NYJ any more than anyone else did. But in the end, the choice is to pay him nicely and welcome him back, or to say goodbye. Punishment in between would be counter-productive for all invovled -- including the fans.

OK RAY..you are 33, and guess what my season ticket increased..I want traded wawa..cmon grow up Ray, you have done well and 20 million..are we all just becoming numb to these figures as if they are trivial amounts..really millions and millions ..well Ray hope there is no bailout package here...Fred from Hagerstowm..

I agree 100%. If Ray wanted to "see what he could get," that's fine. Now that he knows the answer to that question, it's time for the RAVENS to see what THEY can get. Two years at $12M with no guaranteed money sounds even better. When Ray's 35, he'll be done anyway.

I say give him the 24/3 but no bonus. It allows him to save face and remain a team leader, but it also takes into account the drama he stirred up.

Ray Lewis should go elsewhere, if the Patriots or Lions will sign him. He's really severed his relationship with Baltimore and the fans. I don't see how the Ravens or the fans could feel the same way about him. As great a player as he once was, his ego has tarnished his image forever !

We all make mistakes, but he said that he would trust in GOD to guide him. GOD would never instruct him to disrespect the Ravens and the fans with the things he's said.

His legacy went up in smoke, just like Favre's in Green Bay.

May GOD Bless Ray, and may he see the truth of the mess he's created.

ray lewis is baltimore and as a die hard raven they need give ray what he wants becuz he has done to much for the ravens for them to do anything but the right thing he brought a championship and all you people talking bad about ray are nothing but some bandwagoners and no nothing about football and for people to ray is diminished are smoking something because he looked like ray lewis of old last year case in point pro bowl player and one last thing RAY LEWIS IS THE GREATEST MIDDLE LINEBACKER TO EVER PLAY PERIOD NO ARGUMENT

Any chance that it killed Ray on the inside that Rex wanted Bart over him?

Wrong: I keep hearing about decline but ray had his best year in the last five years and made the pro bowl. So if Bart Scott who has had only one pro bowl year can make 8 miilion a year than ray deserves it easy. He was resposible for our rookies coming along so fast. Lets not get cute we were one win from the superbowl last year so now is not the time to cause bad blood with your field general. Bart Scott will do what every defensive player that leaves baltimore do. Nothing

Sugar Ray will most likely stay. I'm still concerned about some of the wildcard teams out there that might need a veteran to help gel a team together. The Chiefs most certainly need someone like Ray, after signing Cassel, to mold the future defense of their franchise. They have enough cap room to do it. I still think the Pats could snag Ray if they don't get Peppers. Sugar would love to have such a dominate presence on the other side of the ball. Ray would definitely have to play the waiting game though until all the big action plays out.
But if your Ray Lewis you have to be smart about the team you are joining. Just remember we went out and drafted Haloti Ngata a couple years back so that "you can do what you do." Haloti makes half the plays happen for Ray Lewis. The man is an absolute beast! A word for Ozzie, in the world of a post $100 million Haynesworth contract and an unpredictable future in the salary cap, we need to be saving our money for the REAL future of this organization. Ngata is the core of this defense, Period. Football is a simple game that is first and foremost fought in the trenches. We need to prepare for the signing of one of our most valuable assets, Mr. Ngata.

This idea of offering Ray less money now that he has less options, has to be one of the most stupid things ever. You might as well tell the man to pack his bags and go, only a non-Raven fan like Preston would suggest such nonsense. Ray anchored the Ravens D again, led in tackles, made the big plays when they had to be made, had a pro bowl year, much better he was named an all-pro. But u don't want to pay him what he's worth bcos he's old. (33). He's not playing like he's old, and should be paid like a top LB in this game. Ravens would regret it dearly if the don't sign Lewis....Ravens strength is still the D, the D's strength is based on negating the run and making the other team one dimensional and exposed to their pressure packages. No Ray, and the run defense is no longer automatic, the defense struggles and the ravens are done. Pay the man!!!!!

you are out of your mind !! ray has made this defense what it is today. give him what he deserves and he would have nothing negative to say. the ravens are stiffing him on a good contract , and you all know it . he is the best , and should be paid accordinly !! ravens fans have become " what have you done for me today " fans . if he goes to another team , which there are plenty of teams that could use him, you will all be crying next year when our defense sucks !!! way to go preston, kick him while hes down again !!!!!

Mike, I got one better. Release Lewis and spend the money on players of the future.. One day, sooner then later, Ray will retire .Ray is 34 and the chance of injury is high based on his tenure. Ray is running back with his tail between his legs. I say take your chances on the draft, free agents, and current players to fill the gap. Good-Luck Ray-Ray

Ray is a legend and hero in Baltimore. Do you hear the crowd when he comes out? Do you see the plays he makes? He's everywhere. Have you read how many players look to him for advice and how many he takes under his wing? Have you seen what his charities have done for Baltimore. Ray is the man and we can only hope he will stay in Baltimore and continue to play with all his heart as always and help lead our Ravens Team to more victories. It's business, is someone getting some kind of pleasure out of trying to punish Ray? We Love Ya Ray!

Forget $18M. This can be like Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers. Offer two years for $10M. He doens't want it? Let him go. At this point the Ravens aren't going to win with or without him.

Ray got a slap in the face and fell off his high horse! No team needs him now and the Ravens would be smart to lower that deal now and make it 2 years. You all know verry well that Ray wont play three season!

There is no need to lower the contract originally offered to Ray. It would be counterproductive and not good for business. Ray messed up and everyone knows it. Let's turn this into a more positive situation and move on.

I'm convinced after all these post we really got a raw deal on Lewis all along........He never did much anyway......Ozzie screwed up when he drafted him........It would be a mistake to underestimate how he gets the RAVENS players to play for him.........but whatever

It is easy to get angry when you look at the amount of money that the players are getting upset about these days. I think a lot of Americans could retire and provide for their family on $24M. It is not Ray's fault for wanting to maximize his opportunity. If you had a job offer that was less then what you made in you last job or less then what you felt you were worth would tou take it? Mike would you go write for Capital after being with the Sun for all these years? I know I never want to go backwards on my salary.

Some of these comments are killing me. It is not like he sat on the bench injured all or part of the year and is coming back asking for a big payday. The guy led the team in tackles this year and is a big reason why we were # 2 in rushing this year. He is playing lights out football at 33. He constantly plays at a high level and lifts the players around him to play better. He has kept hope alive for many of us fans as we painfully watched Billick run through QBs and try to turn Boller into Unitas. Sorry to burst your hate bubble, but Ray is the modern day Unitas. It will trully be an end of an era when Ray does leave the team and I really hope that era does not end now and in this way. You shoud step back an think about everything he has done to lift this team and this city before you go bashing him for asking for what he deserves.

Hey, teams all over the league make adjustments with players. I agree, Ray is a great player and has some gas left in the tank. However that tank is going dry, so why not re-fuel. Remember there' s no "I" in team. If the team resigns Ray, what do we have? Do we have a player with a contract or a player that shows up everyday for work. The Ravens have always drafted well, and the chemistry would be redfined, but the defense could be good without Lewis.

Quote of the day- "Spend the money wisely"

Ray should get his fair deal 3 years 24 million 17 million bonus. Seriously he brings leadership. I will not deny that he has slowed a little and that we need the defenders to keep blockers off of him, but he gets the team prepared to play. There is no debating that this is John Harbaughs team. Ray gives a veteran presence and he has given Baltimore a lot. We have also given Ray a lot. Lets be honest players out there are making ridiculous money. The following things are common: Bart Scott was not worth the money he signed for. You can't plan any team around one player. The Ravens have had a great defense over the past 10 years and the one consistent thing has been Ray Lewis. Ozzie appears to have worked his numbers and they include Ray Lewis 3 years 24 million. That being said... Lets pay him and keep a relationship with him. I wouldn't say to pay him any more, but what is fair is fair and if we can do it without hurting the team then I feel we should. We have to remember that Ed Hartwell went to Atlanta and Jaimie Sharper went to the Texans. Both of those players could have led the team but they did nothing. So the whole team chemistry and leadership is worth the 24 million dollar contract...

I agree with everything you say, Mike, although if he acquiesces to the points you made, I'd still offer the 24 mill. No doubt the past weekend was a real wake-up call for Ray. And the Ravens are in a more powerful bargaining position. I would like to see a little give and take and have this issue settled and Ray signed. I think fans would (eventually) get over Ray's PR blunders if he plays well, and when it sinks in that this future HOFer is going to finish his career as a Raven. It still bothers me that Johnny U ended his career in San Diego...

Here's the answer. The Ravens need to put a time line on the contract that's on the table for Lewis. If it's not signed/agreeed by Friday at midnight ,then it's off the table. Ray's playing the Ravens and he knows that the team wants him to sign. I tell you this, if the Ravens pulled thier offer, he will play for alot less, millions less. The Ravens can't move forward on other issues until this plays out one way or another. What about young Flacco. Address the offense with some of the cap money.

Something need's to give here... I tend to lean toward the idea of helping him save face, get him back here, we need him, he need's us. The Patriots thing has been in my head since the second I heard about the Cassell trade. It absolutely fit's their "M.O.". Especially being weak at LB late last year. Bringing Seau back. Bruschi after the concusion's. A-D breaking his arm. It's too perfect for Ray. He can talk about alway's wanting to play with Tom Brady and Randy Moss, and a high powered offense, and Bill B. blah blah. I can already see him in the uniform, and the Pat's flying so low under the radar, and Ray doing the same right now, only re-affirm's my feeling that "something's up". That's how they roll. Like a snake in the grass. I wish he'd just be content with having a legacy in a town that's even more rare to achieve than the MILLIONS of dollars this is coming down to. Unless the Raven's REALLY think Gooden or McClain are going to play at the level Ray will for the next three years (MAYBE by the 3rd year it'd equal out...??), then they still need him...