Live from Westminster: Ravens welcome Goodell, Madden to camp

WESTMINSTER, Md. — It lacked the hoopla of last season’s surprise visit from Snoop Dogg, but the Ravens rolled out the purple carpet for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden this morning at McDaniel College.
The two arrived shortly after 9:00 a.m. in the large Madden Cruiser—or whatever they’re calling it these days.


Goodell and Madden visited with general manager Ozzie Newsome and coach John Harbaugh before the commissioner stepped to the podium to answer questions from the Baltimore media. Goodell also met with Ravens season ticket holders at McDaniel as well as an encounter with the Ravens in a players-only meeting at noon.


“It’s exciting; it’s different,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not something that you’re kind of used to. You feel like you want to do a good job and show him that we know what we’re doing. Players are kind of excited.”
As for the action on the field Wednesday morning, Derrick Mason sat out the session as he recovers from a right ankle injury. He was walking around on the field—with the ankle taped—during practice and doesn’t appear to be feeling too many ill effects.
Cornerback K.J Gerard (hamstring) and offensive tackle Tony Moll (concussion) did not participate in the morning practice, but cornerbacks Chris Carr (back) and Fabian Washington (knee – sat out Tuesday afternoon) participated fully.
Harbaugh also said Matt Birk (elbow – PUP list) is close to returning, and Birk confirmed that he would see the team doctor today to get an update on his status.