Harbaugh clan in the clear
The NFL said today there will be no fine forthcoming for Jim Harbaugh going onto the field to protest an official's call on Monday night in Green Bay. The Stanford coach and brother of Ravens coach John Harbaugh was on the sidelines the whole game and got emotionally involved when the officials reset the play clock in the final two minutes of the game.
"Yeah, we've got to get Coach Harbaugh under control, but it's the other one, right?" John said during his Wednesday media session. "One time I turned around and we were having the debate about the two-minute time management situation out there -- that the officials handled in a certain way -- and I look back there and there's Jim there screaming at the official. I was like, 'You can't be out here. Back up.' Have we heard from the league on that yet? We expect to hear from the league on that."
Likewise, veteran wide-out Derrick Mason will not get hit with a fine from the league -- even though he invited one -- for criticizing officials during his Wednesday news conference. Addressing commissioner Roger Goodell at one point, Mason said "it's getting ridiculous with the non-calls. I can see if it happens once or twice. But it seems like with us, it happens every time and we never seem to get the call."
Mason was flagged for offensive pass interference in Green Bay and drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a third-down play in the fourth quarter. The Ravens went from getting the ball at the Packers' 33 -- after Mason's catch -- to third-and-32 at their own 6 yard line after the double penalty.
A spokesman for the league said "there is no basis for disciplinary action in either case."
Comments
The officiating in that game was crazy... for both sides. They making some crazy calls, and the Ravens got screwed on the time clock, though it didn't really make a difference.
Posted by: Packer backer | December 9, 2009 5:17 PM
Ken:
I'd assume a coach or player just can't invite a family member or any Tom, Dick or Harry to be on the sidelines during a game without getting league approval. (I know that's true in the NHL.) Is there a protocol that has to be followed in the NFL?
Posted by: Flagtown '71 | December 9, 2009 5:54 PM
The harbungle clan does not belong on the field and certainly does not have any reason to be jawing at the officials. Maybe they could try teach John how to actually coach or at least manage the clock or maybe say something intelligent for a change.
That game was an embarrassment on so many levels.
Posted by: grey32 | December 10, 2009 8:23 AM
In one word, the Ravens, in totality, are a MESS.
Posted by: JB | December 10, 2009 9:06 AM
Great, I guess we'll see Jessica Simpson or whoever Romo is currently dating on the Cowboy sidelines. Ochocinco will probably invite Spike Lee or Flava Flav too. What a great precedent the NFL has set.
Posted by: GHTpdx | December 10, 2009 11:16 AM
Read this morning that Jack Harbaugh has been hired by his son Jim as an interim Stanford Asst. for the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. Too bad John will be coaching the Ravens. Perhaps, Stanford can fly him out as an honorary coach. Then John can prowl the sidelines, holler at the officials and truly make it the ultimate family affair!! Oh no, the NCAA probably wouldn't sanction this. Only in the NFL can you do this. Only authorized team personnel can be on the sideline. Makes good sense to me.
Posted by: AZ Raven Fan | December 11, 2009 1:21 PM