THE GRAPEVINE: Ravens Rumors & The Inside Skinny

According to Aaron Wilson Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron recently reached out to retired NFL quarterback and former Raven Marc Bulger to gauge his interest in returning to the team. We’re told that Bulger would consider it if Joe Flacco goes down with an injury.

Smart move by the Ravens! They have a battle tested QB familiar with their offense ready to go at a moment’s notice. In essence the team gets to carry a 3rd quarterback without: 1) paying him; and 2) accounting for him on the 53 man squad.

PLUS he is better than anyone else currently on the market.

That’s like having a good neighbor (State Farm) without paying the premium.

David Reed has been suspended for one game due to a substance abuse violation that will actually cost him two game checks totaling $52,941.

Back in February it was reported that Reed received a STET for the marijuana offense. But as our capologist and resident lawyer Brian McFarland reminds us, usually a STET does not trigger a suspension, since there’s no finding of guilt.

Further investigation into the online Maryland case records now shows that Reed instead received a verdict of Probation Before Judgment on August 17, 2011. A PBJ is given after a finding of guilt, but the judge gives the defendant a little leniency.  Since there is a finding of guilt prior to a PBJ, Reed was then subject to league discipline. 

But what caused the STET to be removed?

Basically, a STET is placing the case on an inactive docket, but for the 1st year, the State can reactivate the case for any reason.  Often the STET comes with some conditions (such as remaining lawful, going to counseling or rehab, etc). 

At this time we aren’t sure what motivated the State to reopen the case, but it would be a pretty reasonable guess that Reed didn’t do something he was supposed to do. Let’s hope his responsibilities didn’t slip through his hands like slant passes during the preseason.

It appears that 2hatever he did or didn’t do turned a non-suspension into a suspension.

Ravens fans are concerned about the recent inactivity of Lee Evans. A couple of sources have shared that it isn’t anything to worry about. Evans, a reliable starter who has missed only 3 games during his 7 year career (all in 2010) is simply resting an ankle that has been a mild problem recently. The respite is said to be precautionary.

Don’t be surprised if you hear about a Ravens trade or two today. They won’t be difference maker deals but they could be a way for the team to get something back for a player that they intend to cut anyway. Think back a couple years ago when the Ravens were set to cut DB Derrick Martin but instead got a serviceable reserve offensive lineman in Tony Moll from the Green Bay Packers.