John Harbaugh's comments to a Baltimore radio station about "Spygate" and "Bountygate" tainting the titles won by the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints set off a firestorm on the Internet.
So much so that now the Ravens PR department has issued a statement allowing the coach to clarify his comments and attempt to distance himself from them. Here is the statement in its entirety:
"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.”
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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com