Baltimore Ravens mandatory minicamp started Tuesday and Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed was noticeably absent. He was expected to attend and no reason was given for his absence causing further speculation about his future with the team.
Last month Reed hinted about his retirement during an interview on Sirius XM Radio when he said he wasn’t 100% certain of his return this season. He is in the last year of a six-year, $44.4 million contract.
Under the new CBA agreement, players are expected to attend mandatory minicamps; skipping camp can result in fines up to $60,000 for missing all three days.
Other veteran Ravens missed minicamp, but they had extenuating circumstances and were allowed to miss it. Bryant McKinnie missed because of conditioning and Matt Birk recently had surgery on varicose veins. Unlike Reed, they participated in the team’s offseason workout program.
“I have not communicated with Ed, so I’m not sure what the situation is on that,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said after practice.
Teammate Ray Lewis thinks too much is being made of Reed’s absence.
“I talk to Ed all the time and I don’t expect nothing different,” Lewis said. “Ed is Ed and when July 25 comes up, Ed will be there and we’ll be getting ready to roll.”
I shouldn’t be surprised that Reed missed minicamp after he said that he’s not 100% committed to playing this season, but I am disappointed. Reed is a fan favorite, but now he’s starting to piss people off including me.
Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t understand how you can skip minicamp without telling anyone or giving a reason why you won’t be there. You are part of a team; you need to be held accountable for your actions.
This attitude of it being all about him is getting old. I don’t want a selfish player on my team. Either you want to play or you don’t. If not, there are many others who would kill for your roster spot.
Ed Reed, man up and get your ass to minicamp.
What do you think? Is it a big deal for Reed to be a no show or should he be held accountable for his absence?
Zennie Abraham