Baltimore Ravens Breaking the Rules with CBA Infraction

The Baltimore Ravens are facing a possible fine and loss of practice time by having players in full pads during rookie minicamp.

There are multiple reports that the NFL is investigating the Ravens for violating the collective bargaining agreement when players took the field for rookie minicamp last weekend.

The organization faces discipline for players wearing full pads for a portion of practice on May 6. The team says the pads were worn during a non-contact punt protection drill, and thought that rookie minicamps did not fall under the same rules as organized team activities.

Ben Watson, the player’s union representative, clarified the rules and the players were out of pads after five minutes. The team continued with the drill and has said that the activity was taped to match their description of what happened.

At this time, the person who reported the potential violation is still unknown. The only way an investigation can take place is if a player reports a violation.

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This is not the first time that John Harbaugh and the Ravens have had this type of issue come up. Baltimore had to cancel the final week of offseason workouts in 2010 after players complained about late meetings and the amount of time spent on the practice field.

Teams are not supposed to dress in full pads until training camp. For a complete list of dates of the Ravens workouts this offseason, click here.

A possible punishment for five minutes of practice? Give me a break. Whoever made the complaint about this must have a thing against Harbaugh. How hurt can you get in a punt protection drill anyway?

This sounds like a case in which someone is happy with the coaching staff coming off a 5-11 season. The Ravens are not used to being a losing team, and there could be some rumblings going on inside the locker room.

This will not have an impact on the Ravens in the regular season regardless of the repercussions. It’s just an annoyance that the team does not need to deal with at this time of the year. Steve Biscotti is also not going to be happy if he has to write a check to the league office.

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We were excited to see Ravens on the football field, but they are facing punishment for possibly breaking CBA rules. If found guilty, it’s just another thorn in the side after a disappointing season.

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