NFL notes: Ravens’ Steve Bisciotti says 2014 was ’worst’ year owning team
Steve Bisciotti sums up 2014 simply as his “worst year” as owner of the Baltimore Ravens. The team was engulfed in off-the-field problems – most notably the arrest and subsequent release of running back Ray Rice.
Five Ravens were arrested in 2014, including Rice, who was charged with assault in February after punching his then-fiancee in an elevator. Rice was released by the team after a video of the assault became public.
For Bisciotti, all of it overshadowed Baltimore going 10-6, winning a playoff game in Pittsburgh and nearly upsetting the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
“It was my worst year as an owner,” Bisciotti said Tuesday. “I had 14 good years and then I had an absolutely crappy year.”
Bisciotti and the Ravens came under fire for putting their support behind Rice until the video came out.
“We all agreed that we should support Ray Rice in February. And, we all agreed that morning that we couldn’t. I don’t regret either of those decisions,” said Bisciotti.
Around the league
The Browns have unveiled a new primary logo, and it’s not much different than the old one. The only NFL team without a logo decal on its helmet, Cleveland’s main logo remains its iconic helmet though with a brighter orange and a brown facemask. … The Falcons have re-signed fullback Patrick DiMarco and defensive end Cliff Matthews to contract extensions. … The Giants have released veteran defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka in a move that clears about $4.8 million of space under the NFL salary cap. … Two members of Congress have asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to clarify whether teams can lose draft picks if they do not properly address domestic violence. In a letter sent to Goodell, Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, and Rep. Jackie Speier, a Democrat from California, wrote: “We urge you to create accountability at all levels of the NFL, particularly among team owners, who have the most direct financial incentives to avoid long-term suspensions and quickly get players back on the field.” … The Inglewood City Council was deliberating late Tuesday night whether to approve plans to build a $2 billion NFL stadium in the city bordering Los Angeles without a public vote.