What's up with NST?

[Galen Sevinne]

I used to like reading the blogs there but everyting these days is about how these guys feel like they are being lied to all the time. Fist it was Bisciotti that "lied" to them about Billick being safe and then fired. Every other blog is now accusing Bisciotti of making all the decisions and how the Ravens are like the Orioles now and Bisciotti is the second coming of Angelos. Just don't see that.

Now there is a blog about McPhail again "lying" to them about the Bedard trade. If you don't think Bedard is going to be traded then where have you been all year? I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.


Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

[Rochardrik]

I used to like reading the blogs there but everyting these days is about how these guys feel like they are being lied to all the time. Fist it was Bisciotti that "lied" to them about Billick being safe and then fired. Every other blog is now accusing Bisciotti of making all the decisions and how the Ravens are like the Orioles now and Bisciotti is the second coming of Angelos. Just don't see that.

Now there is a blog about McPhail again "lying" to them about the Bedard trade. If you don't think Bedard is going to be traded then where have you been all year? I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.


Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings? It SEEMS like it's just here lately. I responded to his blog about McPhail lying, or Adam Jones lying. It's people like him... any reporter really, in an effort to scoop the other reporters, that cause GMs, etc to lie. They won't shut up and allow the deal to happen. Then they cry like babies.. he lied to me! He lied to me. And then they expect US to be all up in arms, like they are... Don't they understand? Reporters are a necessary EVIL...it's not about THEM!!!!!!:ref:

[HoustonRaven]

I used to like reading the blogs there but everyting these days is about how these guys feel like they are being lied to all the time. Fist it was Bisciotti that "lied" to them about Billick being safe and then fired. Every other blog is now accusing Bisciotti of making all the decisions and how the Ravens are like the Orioles now and Bisciotti is the second coming of Angelos. Just don't see that.

Now there is a blog about McPhail again "lying" to them about the Bedard trade. If you don't think Bedard is going to be traded then where have you been all year? I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.


Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

NST is the perfect example of that shock media.

Do or say whatever to get listeners and to hell with ethics or that pesky thing called the truth.

[festivus]

NST is the perfect example of that shock media.

Do or say whatever to get listeners and to hell with ethics or that pesky thing called the truth.

Houston, do you listen all that often? I think I remember you live in Texas. . . I don't think you're right, and I listen all the time.

The different personalities have widely different takes on many subjects, and they obviously spend a lot of effort, in the form of warm bodies at the facilities, trying to get real information.

Concerning your comment about 'ethics', they absolutely sit on stuff until they get confirmation, unlike some other local media outlets, which run with whatever stupid stuff they hear and later get embarrassed when it turns out they were wrong. . .

Responding to Galen, I can understand them being miffed recently. They, like everybody else, were lied to about the future of Brian Billick. So I would expect their tone to reflect what they have now learned about the Ravens operations: they are no longer above that kind of deception (or whimsy, select one or both).

[ravensfan1996]

I agree, the NST seems like a bunch of whiners lately.

Its great to have a locally owned, all local sports radio programming. Without it, we are stuck with national news and the once and awhile sports shows on wbal, and the 1300 espn radio that has some local shows but mostly national shows. Its nice to have around the clock local sports news and talk.

That being said they need stop whining, many people and fans including me are getting tired and turned off by it. If you keep whining, not only do the fans get fed up, but the ravens and orioles organizations will tend to not give you inside information after awhile. Why be nice if you are going to whine about it. Be nice to the hand that feeds you.

[Galen Sevinne]

Responding to Galen, I can understand them being miffed recently. They, like everybody else, were lied to about the future of Brian Billick. So I would expect their tone to reflect what they have now learned about the Ravens operations: they are no longer above that kind of deception (or whimsy, select one or both).

I don't feel like I was lied to so I wouldn't say "everybody else". I like wsnt and feel like it is an asset to baltimore sports. Lately though the blogs have become unbearable to read because there is no objectivity in their approach. Read the responses to the blogs...many people feel the same way and day after day it continues about feeling "lied' to.

McPhail and Bisciotti need to do what is right for these teams and if that means witholding information than so be it. If you feel like you are being lied to, you need to reasses your importance in this whole thing. Let go of the ego and write about sports.

[HoustonRaven]

Houston, do you listen all that often? I think I remember you live in Texas. . . I don't think you're right, and I listen all the time.

It's called steaming audio, maybe you've heard of it? But to your point, no I stopped listening about a year ago for the same reasons I dont read Preston all that much anymore. More often then not, they are wrong on their info and as far as their on-air talent, it's quite lacking. It's overly-sensationalized with gossip, rumor and inuendo. Not to say ESPN 1300 is any better -- they seem to do the same thing. When they start naming sources (something Steve Davis on WBAL is very good at doing), I will give them another try.


The different personalities have widely different takes on many subjects, and they obviously spend a lot of effort, in the form of warm bodies at the facilities, trying to get real information.

Having a warm body at 1 Winning Drive doesnt equal effective journalism (See Anita Marks).


Concerning your comment about 'ethics', they absolutely sit on stuff until they get confirmation, unlike some other local media outlets, which run with whatever stupid stuff they hear and later get embarrassed when it turns out they were wrong. . .

They report anything and everything, hoping it all sticks -- especially their comments about the Ravens FO. Without saying one source, they accuse everyone in that FO of lying. Im sure sometimes they are right, but that goes to my point. Throw enough crap on the wall and its bound to stick sometimes. Or maybe the right analogy would be the blind squirrel? Not sure which -- maybe both.

With that said, I dont blame them for what they do. They are the upstart (well, not counting their failed go at it back in 1999), trying to make a name for themselves. They are run by radio amateurs so they are learning as they go (and I give them credit for their success thus far). But Nestor lost a lot of props from me when he overstated the number of people at the Detroit game and his Free the Birds outing. While well intended and something I agree with, him overstating the actual numbers of people protesting was sour to me. THAT along with "everyone is a liar at 1 winning drive" theory is what I am refering to when I say ethics are lacking at NST.

[highwater]

I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.
Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

I don't read the NST blogs so I can't really comment on that, but my impression of Nestor from hearing him on the radio is that it is very much about personal feelings and not very professional. I like Drew and Bob and think they are very good, but Nestor comes across like a blowhard way too much. It's always very personal with him. I don't think this is different from how they've been for years.

[highwater]

It's called steaming audio, maybe you've heard of it?

"Steaming audio?" Frediuan slip, Houston? :roll:

[HoustonRaven]

"Steaming audio?" Frediuan slip, Houston? :roll:

buhahahaha .... quite possible! I will leave that gaff up. :happy:

[braven98]

It worked they got you talking about them

[HoustonRaven]

It worked they got you talking about them

Talking about a radio station doesnt translate into ratings and not their ultimate goal.

Speaking of good ratings, WBAL just announced it will get 4 more years of being the official Ravens station.

[tanman1125]

I have been thinking the same things recently. I didn't mind listening to them because some of there reports did have some good insight. But know, everything they have to say is negative about the Ravens and the Orioles. While the Orioles deserve some of it, the Ravens certainly don't deserve much. About the whole blog about MacPhail lying to us, if he had lied all he said was the trade hadn't happened yet, and as of 6:46 am on Tuesday, it hasn't happened. Don't really see how that is considered lying.

I for one am excited about the Ravens this season even if they go 6-10 I still think they will be exciting to watch unlike the last few season where they have been boring! And I don't feel anything the front office has done deserves the comparison to Petey Pete. A change was needed and a change was made, now its time for our vocal players to step up and prove that is was the coach and the system that was in place otherwise they are next!

[ravensfan1996]

I think the problem is wnst is taking it "personal" like its being done to just them.....but the seattle paper, espn, other sports outlets all reported is just about a done deal. All should have realized Sneaky Pete might just step in. Maybe they should just report now when they have a source " the deal is about done barring pete's approval" then everyone would know its not a done deal!

WNST has to realize they are looking bad whining, you dont see ESPN whining about being "lied" too, they just report what they hear. The orioles deserve some negativity after the YEARS of being dysfunctional, the Ravens on the other hand have been nothing but a stellar front office since they came 1996, if they had 5 straight years of front office problems, then maybe, but come on already. talk sports, support your home town teams but of course dont be a homer about it.

[festivus]

It's called steaming audio, maybe you've heard of it?
I have heard of it. I know they have it. I also guessed correctly you don't listen, as you confessed, and my question did not call for sarcasm on your part.


But to your point, no I stopped listening about a year ago for the same reasons I dont read Preston all that much anymore. More often then not, they are wrong on their info
You make a lot of general comments like this, and I suppose as opinions you are entitled to them. But their info is right, pretty much always, as anyone who actually listens to the station knows.

You are entitled to your opinion, even if you never listen to the station.

[bmorefan83]

Without sounding like an ESPN apologist, which I know this will inevitably come off as, I would like to make one point. Everyone saying that at least NST has someone on the ground actually reporting FACT unlike other local radio stations. Case in point, the McAlister knee injury. When Anita Marks reported that CMac hurt his knee and would be out 6-8 weeks, everyone jumped all over her. Well, low and behold, he was injured, and everyone that was talking smack wound up with egg on their face. So really, we have to take all of the radio with a grain of salt. But NST, and more specifically Nestor, has taken the most offensive stance, and it has been a topic of conversation fairly often on the station recently

[HoustonRaven]

I have heard of it. I know they have it. I also guessed correctly you don't listen, as you confessed, and my question did not call for sarcasm on your part.


You make a lot of general comments like this, and I suppose as opinions you are entitled to them. But their info is right, pretty much always, as anyone who actually listens to the station knows.

You are entitled to your opinion, even if you never listen to the station.

:laugh: Mr. Sarcasm himself is somehow troubled about sarcasm directed back at him.

Ratings say it all, my purple-bleeding friend. And thank you for allowing me to be entitled to my opinion. ;)

[HoustonRaven]

Without sounding like an ESPN apologist, which I know this will inevitably come off as, I would like to make one point. Everyone saying that at least NST has someone on the ground actually reporting FACT unlike other local radio stations. Case in point, the McAlister knee injury. When Anita Marks reported that CMac hurt his knee and would be out 6-8 weeks, everyone jumped all over her. Well, low and behold, he was injured, and everyone that was talking smack wound up with egg on their face. So really, we have to take all of the radio with a grain of salt. But NST, and more specifically Nestor, has taken the most offensive stance, and it has been a topic of conversation fairly often on the station recently

Local sports radio, like anything consumer-related, is looking for that edge. NST and ESPN are no different so I dont fault them there.

Nestor has drive and a great idea, but his bias gets in the way, IMO. He seems to think since the front office over at Camden Yards is bad, then the FO at 1 Winning Drive must also be bad. I am fine with that actually as long as the show is focused more on the entertainment factor as opposed to being factual.

Where I fault Nestor and the folks over at NST is that rumor and speculation seems to become "facts" in their head and then comes acros as such on their shows. Marks isnt innocent in this either. But to satisfy folks like Festivus, I will give them a weeks-worth of listening again.

That's why I find Steve Davis a breath of fresh air. He will report the same rumor but will say it as such. He is far more responsible with his broadcast. His show on a part-time sports station draws far more listeners than ESPN and NST (combined, I think). A lot of that may have to do with the lead-in from Ron Smith, granted. But the quality of the show is superior, IMO.

[Ravens23]

I like the radio station (when I can get it tuned it...) but that Web site is a mess. That Web site is a good case study for how NOT to do a Web site.. it is impossible to find anything on there .. TOO MUCH CRAP!!

[OwingsMillsAlex]

NST's blogs have become personal as of late but it also goes in cycles. Later in the year we'll get the O's vs NST blogs but around those we'll get some good thoughts and opinions on what's going on with the O's and Ravens.

ESPN 1300 needs to dump Anita Marks. Her show is just horrible to listen too. She tries to act cutesy and like "one of the boys" and it comes across as lame and desperate. At times she acts like your buddie's girlfriend who is trying to fit in with the group. She also drops names way too much. I don't care that you used to have dinner with Alex Rodriguez and that you're going to Jonny Ogden's birthday bash. Big woopie! Give me some sports, talk, and opinions on the matter at hand.

Don't give Viviano a free pass either. His show is also hard to listen to as the over opinionated Damon Yaffe opens his mouth one too many times. And I've said for years that Viv can't give the "whole truth" as he'll lose any credibility he has on WJZ and in the locker rooms.

WBAL may have the better signal but Steve Davis, Keith Mills, and Peter Schmuck are horrible to listen to when they do a show together. Steve comes across as smug and many times has the sound of "I'm better then you" in his voice. There is a reason he was demoted from full time to weekends at USA 9 in DC when he took the Head Sports Department position. And this was within three weeks of working there. Schumck is just that. And Keith is a local guy that at times needs to stop trying to be funny and just tell the facts. His jokes, at times, get in the way of the news he's trying to deliver.

[Ravens23]

I've got to agree with Alex...

Especially the Anita Marks part. That show is unlistenable. I only switch to her during commercial breaks on the better stations. She stutters and stammers worse than Porky Pig . .how did she ever get a broadcasting job?

I'm guessing these had something to do with it...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/217J75YQKHL._AA160_.jpg

[festivus]

:laugh: Mr. Sarcasm himself is somehow troubled about sarcasm directed back at him.

Ratings say it all, my purple-bleeding friend. And thank you for allowing me to be entitled to my opinion. ;)

I try to respond to good manners with good manners, but whatever, as far as the sarcasm goes, do what you want.

Ratings don't say it all, unless you are a fan of professional wrestling, and you absolutely are entitled to your opinion, however well (or otherwise) informed it may be.

Also don't go listening to NST on my account, I really couldn't care less.

[Greg]

Nestor has drive and a great idea, but his bias gets in the way, IMO. He seems to think since the front office over at Camden Yards is bad, then the FO at 1 Winning Drive must also be bad.
Not at all the case. For quite a long time he compared the two front offices and gave the Ravens high reviews while appropriately crapping on the Os' front office.

When the Ravens deserved it he called them out. The facts are Billick was not handled well at all and the coaching search was not clean and smooth like a fan would hope. Please don't try and sell me that shit sandwich and call it tuna salad.

[ravenjoe]

. .how did she ever get a broadcasting job?

I'm guessing these had something to do with it...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/217J75YQKHL._AA160_.jpg

OUCH!!

[HoustonRaven]

Not at all the case. For quite a long time he compared the two front offices and gave the Ravens high reviews while appropriately crapping on the Os' front office.

When the Ravens deserved it he called them out. The facts are Billick was not handled well at all and the coaching search was not clean and smooth like a fan would hope. Please don't try and sell me that shit sandwich and call it tuna salad.

Ok. I agree with you. I wasnt making that particular comparison. Like I said, I have not listened in some time. I remember a time when early last season Nestor was railing on and on about Ozzie for some reason (the actual reason escapes me) when not one other journalist was reporting the same. That particular rant was the tipping point for me as far his constant comparisons (at the time) between the fuck-stick that's running the O's and Bisciotti. I had enough.

For the example you bring up, the handling of Billick is a matter of opinion, not fact. Was it bad form that Bisciotti changed his mind last minute? Sure. But that one incident does not reflect on the orginization as a whole. There are many glaring examples of FO's run MUCH worse then ours.

I wouldnt try to sell you on anything, Greg. Well, maybe to get you to change your drink du jour to Grand Marnier instead of Banana Rum! ;)

[highwater]

I don't necessarily disagree with Nestor's views, especially as they pertain to the Orioles, but almost every time I hear him on the radio, he comes across like a raging egomaniac. He may be a very nice guy, and I admire his passion, but he just seems to be too wrapped up in himself. He talks about himself so much that he eventually gets to a point where it's hard to take his opinions seriously, even if he has a legitimate point.

[purplepoe]

If I win the lottery tonight Im gonna start my own radio station.

PP

[braven98]

get sirius radio you will never go back

[HoustonRaven]

get sirius radio you will never go back

Had it. Hated it.

[shaslers]

get sirius radio you will never go back

I used to say that. But I did go back.

I got Sirius originally because of Howard Stern. But Stern was dishonest about not having commercials. His show has a couple decent commercial breaks per hour. And they play the lamest, sleaziest spots you can imagine ("We'll help you cheat on your spouse!") On top of that, Stern never told his loyal listeners that he was only going to work four days a week. Plus he takes literally 10 weeks of vacation a year.

And when he does work, he spend most of his time bitching about having to work and looking forward to retiring. The best part of the old show was the interviews and guests. They absolutely can't get a guest on the new show. Zilch.

All in all, Howard, Robin and the rest of them have become over privledged, over complaining, under working bores.

As for the rest of Siruis, there were some music channels I enjoyed. But there are more and more HD local stations and there's always the iPod. The sports programming is a big disappointment. It's basically the same ESPN shows on regular radio, with the same commercials.

The one bonus is the NFL network.

But it's hard for me to tell someone to buy the hardware and the monthly subscription to listen to NFL network.

I guess I should add, I simply stopped listening to Sirius and gave my wife the unit.


As for WNST, I agree with a lot of what's been said.

Drew Forrester, the leading critic of the Ravens, has made a couple valid points, but he's gone way farther than I can agree with in making his conclusions.

He points to the fact that Bisciotti told Billick and the media that Brian was staying. They were stating it publicly as late as 3 days prior to firing Brian.

Drew points to that and says, "They Lied!!" I don't see it. I believe the Ravens story that Bisciotti simply changed his mind. A lie means Bisciotti purposely mislead. Where's the evidence that he intended to screw Brian all along? Don't see it.

The second accusation Drew makes is that this reversal of field on Bisciotti's part was not only a lie, but an orchestrated plot by the "business people" to thwart the better judgment of "the football people." This is where the Angelos comparison comes in. Drew claims that he has it on good authority that Dick Cass has teamed up with Bisciotti to start making football decisions, while ignoring the GM and the heads of pro and college scouting.

When callers have inquired how he knows this, Drew says that he has connections inside the Castle and they tell him this. But he can't reveal the connections or the details. So we're just going to have to believe him.

Very Prestonesque.

Frankly, I'm sick of hearing him throw out this accusation, again and again and again with his smug little chuckle, as if to say he knows more than we do and anyone who doubts him is an ill informed dolt.

He may have a good source, but you know what, it's lousy reporting to base weeks and weeks of morning shows and blogs on non-information.

You can report it once maybe--my source says that Ozzie's first choice was not John Harbaugh--but don't build a month's worth of whining on one incident, blown up to be something more than you're willing to prove.

The Orioles have dozens and dozens and dozens of these small incidents that establish a clear pattern. Okay, a reasonable person has to concede that the club is badly managed.

But Drew's taken an awkward firing, and perhaps some internal disagreement on the relative merits of various replacement candidates, and blown it up to be the same thing as these nine years of Orioles aimlessness.

You gotta give me a lot more than "trust me, I have a source" if you want me to sit and nod my head as you trash the organization for a month.

[ExiledRaven]

Everyone is freaking out because of Peter Angelos. The owner made a decision! Slippery slope of doom!!! Oh noes...

Everyone needs to calm down, and i think most on this board are calm and levelheaded about the hiring and firing process. Then again, like Mike Preston, even those who proclaim to hate keep on listening. Either way, it's money in their pockets.

[festivus]

But Drew's taken an awkward firing, and perhaps some internal disagreement on the relative merits of various replacement candidates, and blown it up to be the same thing as these nine years of Orioles aimlessness.


Good post overall, excellent contribution.

I can't agree with this more. Comparing Steve Bisciotti to Peter Angelos is at *very* best premature, and at worst a terrible insult to Bisciotti.
:toast:

Nevertheless I'm a big fan of NST and don't feel like I have to agree with everything each host says.

[HoustonRaven]

You gotta give me a lot more than "trust me, I have a source" if you want me to sit and nod my head as you trash the organization for a month.

Exactly my point. I see that nothing has changed over there as far the sourcing and rumors go.

Not sure why Festivus agrees with you though -- you said exactly the same thing I've been saying all week (but not with the eloquence you displayed here!) ;)

[ravenwoman]

Good Post Slaslers. I for one, am very excited about the changes the Ravens have made. The Ravens are run by committee for the most part, and organizations that are well run, take into account, the opinions of all of their higher level managers. To think that the football operations people have lost all control over in OM is ridiculous.

As far as WNST is concerned, I like the reporting of Casey Willett, Aaron Wilson and Bruce Cunningham. The weekend programs are good, too. I just think a lot of personal feelings were expressed when the Billick firing took place, because Billick was a friend of the station and I don't think they have too many friends. Say what you want about Anita Marks, she really gets the guests and she was the first to report on Sunday after the Steelers game that Brian Billick was on thin ice. She said that Jay Glazer was reporting that the Ravens were interviewing personnel about keeping Brian. WNST said that Brian was staying. When Brian was fired, it made them look bad. That is the reason for the whining. It will stop soon, life goes on.

[festivus]

Exactly my point. I see that nothing has changed over there as far the sourcing and rumors go.

Not sure why Festivus agrees with you though -- you said exactly the same thing I've been saying all week (but not with the eloquence you displayed here!) ;)

Houston, the difference is, he made a very specific point about a very specific argument from exactly one of the personalities. An opinion I happen to agree with.

You on the other hand made broad and inaccurate statements about the station as a whole.

Now you know.

[HoustonRaven]

Houston, the difference is, he made a very specific point about a very specific argument from exactly one of the personalities. An opinion I happen to agree with.

You on the other hand made broad and inaccurate statements about the station as a whole.

Now you know.

For someone that doesnt care you sure do spend a lot of time twisting my words around.

I wasnt aware that opinions could be "inaccurate".:girlfight

[highwater]

I really don't know why you guys are bickering. Here's an idea -- let's start over.

Festivus, I'd like to introduce you to Houston.

Houston, this is festivus.

<shake hands> :thumbup:

[festivus]

HW, between you and me, I'm not sure I'm the one who needs to be introduced to Houston.

On page one of this thread he ripped a local media outlet with broad generalizations - nothing specific *at all* - for a solid *full page* of blasting.

Lo and behold he later admits he never listens to the station at all.

Along comes another poster, who makes a carefully worded precise point about one host on the same radio station, and I agree with him.

Back comes Houston, claiming what this second poster said is what he'd said to begin with.

HW, I understand Houston better than you think I do.

On the firm advice of another poster here, I've put him on my ignore list.

[ClericBlackDave]

Not at all the case. For quite a long time he compared the two front offices and gave the Ravens high reviews while appropriately crapping on the Os' front office.

When the Ravens deserved it he called them out. The facts are Billick was not handled well at all and the coaching search was not clean and smooth like a fan would hope. Please don't try and sell me that shit sandwich and call it tuna salad.


Thank you, a voice of reason.


Wake up and smell the coffee, people. WNST may be taking a hard stance, but they aren't that far off on this one.


This last firing and hiring process was poorly done. It was a shitty. It was not what I've come to expect of the Ravens, or of something that Newsome is in control of. Which isn't a suprise, because it's pretty clear to me that Bisciotti and his cronies controlled the process.


If it were up to Newsome, we'd have Martyball right now. But it was never up to him.


This was Bisciotti's decision, and his mark to make on the franchise. If it works out, he'll look like a genius. If it doesn't, he'll look like another Dan Snyder or Peter Angelos.


But the process was poorly run. Anytime Ray knows more than the closest advisors to Bisciotti it lets you know a lot. First off, i'm sure Ray had a lot of input into firing Billick, which isn't good. Secondly, its clear that Bisciotti broke any chain of command and essentially took over a process that SHOULD HAVE been controlled primarily by his GM.


I'll say this: Newsome has his flaws, but his drafting and overall decision making was a large part of why this is/was a winning franchise. If Bisciotti starts to cut him out of things, or if the Newsome for any reason leaves, this franchise could be in for some rough times.


This firing/hiring process had Bisciotti written all over it. Not Newsome. Hence, it smelled like shit.

[flraven]

um, great post shaslers!

thanks for the info on Sirius, been considering it for the car since radio down here leaves a bit to be desired. Maybe I'll just keep downloading music (legally) and burning CDs.

[shaslers]

Wake up and smell the coffee, people. WNST may be taking a hard stance, but they aren't that far off on this one. his last firing and hiring process was poorly done. It was a shitty. ... Bisciotti and his cronies controlled the process....If it were up to Newsome, we'd have Martyball right now. But it was never up to him....This was Bisciotti's decision, and his mark to make on the franchise. ...But the process was poorly run....First off, i'm sure Ray had a lot of input into firing Billick, which isn't good. Secondly, its clear that Bisciotti broke any chain of command and essentially took over a process that SHOULD HAVE been controlled primarily by his GM......f Bisciotti starts to cut him out of things, or if the Newsome for any reason leaves, this franchise could be in for some rough times....This firing/hiring process had Bisciotti written all over it. Not Newsome. Hence, it smelled like shit.

No question that the way this went down was shitty. Brian was told he was coming back, and he had a handful of plane tickets, ready to go interview possible offensive coordinators, and Steve instead called him in and fired him. It's incredibly awkward to have that happen when your minister of propaganda is on baltimoreravens.com three days prior blogging about what a smart decision it was to retain Billick. It ain't the greatest to hear that they analyzed the situation and decided the best move was to keep Brian, but then ultimately this decision was reversed based on "a gut feeling." I grant you, none of that is any good, whether or not you believe Brian should have been kept or should have been fired.

However, that doesn't mean WNST is right. My contention is that they (Drew Forrester in particular) have overstated the problem by claiming (1) Bisciotti lied, and (2) the football people have been kicked to the curb.

I've addressed the first point.

Also the second, but I'll come back to say that, Dave, maybe you are drinking the WNST Koolaid.

Drew Forrester said that Ozzie liked Marty as a candidate. Okay, I can believe that. I heard Ozzie himself say they called Marty and he was reluctant to throw his hat in the ring because his son Brian was in the running. That's really all we know. The rest is pure speculation.

Drew Forrester would have us believe that Ozzie was adamant about Marty, but Dick Cass and Steve Bisciotti stiff armed him and ran with a candidate Ozzie didn't approve of. He says he has inside information that tells him Ozzie's state of mind.

I'm saying I don't think it's as dramatic as Drew thinks his "evidence" points to. It's seldom as black and white as we perceive it. Reasonable people can disagree without it being a sign the organization is crumbling. When I interview job candidates I usually end up with a handful I like, and one that's at the top of my list. If my colleagues' lists are ranked differently it's not a sign the my opinion was shat upon.

Drew's evidence that the non-football people are now running the show inside the Castle is circumstantial at best. I don't buy it.

Dave, you extrapolate WNST's reports to suggest that Ray Lewis controlled Bisciotti's mind on this one, and now Bisciotti is in some way out of control, dictating the draft.


Wha-wwwha-what??

First, Bisciotti said he never talked to Ray. Ray could have called him, but never did. But let's pretend Bisciotti went out of his way to lie. Are you suggesting that Ray Lewis lobbied Bisciotti to hire John Harbaugh, as opposed to, oh, I don't know, Rex Ryan?

You write, "if Bisciotti starts to cut Newsome out of things..." I just don't see that this has happened. I see that Ozzie has had input every step of the way, but the final decision rested with the owner, not Ozzie, as it should be.

[camdenyard]

"Brian will be back next year...trust me!"

http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/images/2007/07/26/bagdad_bob_large.gif

Seriously, nobody really likes the taste that's in our mouth after the way things went down. But like the guy who had a bad feeling about a flight and chose not to board, only to hear of it going down in flames, Bisciotti did what he thought he had to do. It may end up being the right move. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. We certainly gave King Pete a few of those before deciding he was incompetent.

Certain NST figures should stick to reporting news and stop tying to make it.

[HoustonRaven]

I really don't know why you guys are bickering. Here's an idea -- let's start over.

Festivus, I'd like to introduce you to Houston.

Houston, this is festivus.

<shake hands> :thumbup:

I dont know why either. No bad feelings towards him or anyone. I would glady shake his hand. But if my words get twisted, Im gonna say something.

Anywho, back to the topic .... given the ratings of NST, I just really dont see how they are on the air much longer. I seem to recall a station in the Baltimore area back in the early 90's that tried their hand at having the ownership have a duel roll of on air talent and the administration of the station -- it was the original WHFS and it eventually went latin!

I hope PP does win the lottery. He listens to Ron Smith so he already has a leg up on recognizing good radio talent! :thumbup: