When Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh spoke on Baltimore radio station 98-Rock, he thought it would just be a basic, quiet, almost boring interview. However, when he responded to a question about the New Orleans Saints 'Bounty-Gate' issue, he made more than a passing comment about the New England Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick and their three Super Bowl titles over the past decade or so.
"In the end, everything is brought before the light of day," Harbaugh said. "Even the thing in New England, no matter whether those things had any impact on whether they won their championships or not, they got asterisks now, it’s been stained. So to me, it’s never worth it. You’ve got to figure out ways to use the rules to your advantage."
Pro Football Talk posted a story on the subject, and then followed up with an update a few hours later. It appears Harbaugh felt his comments might have opened up a hornet's nest of activity and felt what he said needed to be clarified.
The team, decided to head off any snowball-gathering steam, issued an official statement as well. Click on the 'Jump' to read the full statement from Coach Harbaugh through the Baltimore Ravens PR Department.
May 1, 2012
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT FROM COACH JOHN HARBAUGH REGARDING TODAY’S APPEARANCE ON 98 ROCK
"While on the 98 Rock show this morning to talk about the run to honor O.J. Brigance and raise funds for ALS research, I answered a question about playing within the rules and referred to the perception that the Super Bowl championships won by the Patriots and Saints have a stain. My reference was to the perception out there that came as the result of the league’s actions.
"I could have been more clear that I was referring to those viewpoints. I totally believe that the Patriot and Saint coaches and players earned those championships. Bill (Belichick) and Sean (Payton) both know that.
"There has been some distortion about what I said.
"The original tweet indicated I pointed the finger at Bill Belichick and mentioned Bill’s name. I did not. I have so much respect for Coach Belichick and the job he does and has accomplished in his Hall of Fame career. I called him to remind him of my respect for him. I also reached out to Tedy Bruschi, who rightfully defended those Patriot players and coaches on ESPN, to tell him that I agree with him that the Patriots earned every victory."