If you follow the Baltimore Ravens or Ed Reed closely, than you would know that Pro Bowl S Ed Reed has always been known as a quiet guy. A guy who doesn't really speak with reporters much, rarely speaks to them when he has great games and non existent when the Ravens lose. And we've grown to accept and respect Reed's silence.

But now... Reed won't shut up.

Reed has decided to open up lately.... a LOT. And it's gotten to the point where some of his comments are becoming petty. Reed has recently given sound byte after sound byte to the local media, in an uncharacteristic way. Let's take a look at the things Reed has sounded off about in the past week alone:

His Contract

Reed has said publicly that he was looking for a new deal (he's 3 years into a 6-year, $ 40 million deal). When asked by 105.7 the Fan, a Baltimore radio station, Reed said the following, “I’m not making it a big deal. I think it needs to be taken care of”. He then elaborated more about his current contract by saying the following, "There are six, seven players in front of me [financially] at my position that I honestly wouldn't let hold my jock, and I don't even wear one,"



Well alright!!!!!!

Listen, Reed is a smart guy. He knows his value and wants to be treated as such. However I think 3 things about his comments. One, it's hard to ask for a new deal when you are only at 35%, according to your own account. This is and always be a, "What have you done for me" kind of league anyway. Second, at the time he received the contract, he was the highest paid safety in the league, and rightfully so. But now, because someone else is getting more money than you, you fuss? There's a chance that a guy will get a new contract every year and somehow make more than you. Is your contract supposed to be restructured every year??? And lastly, letting us know you don't wear a jock strap is info that I don't think many of us needed.. we got your point without the visuals.


On Marc Bulger


When the subject of newly acquired QB Marc Bulger came up, Reed showed his utmost support for backup Troy Smith while taking a shot at Bulger, all at once. In another interview Reed said, "I honestly think at the quarterback position Troy was the guy and is the guy, and he's more than qualified to lead the team to a championship. And I think that Marc Bulger is just another guy. He's just another guy that has been in the league and been around."


Another guy? Let's see..... Bulger is a 2 time Pro Bowler who is very capable at the backup role. While some of his years on record seem bad on the surface, Bulger has dealt with injuries and an awful offensive line to match. At this point, Bulger has done more than Smith as far as experience. I have no problem with supporting a teammate and a friend. But to make a shot at Bulger was tacky.


On His "Lack Of Support" From The Team

A couple of days after Reed said he wouldn't elaborate in his "minor" rift with the team, he opened his mouth anyway. Reed told the Ravens flagship station WBAL AM that the team wasn't being supportive by ...........................................................wait for it...........................................................................not giving him film to study.

I don't make this up if I could. Reed told reporters, "I had to give an excuse, that's what was told to me. This is the organization that you want me to play for. I got the text message to prove it, so this ain't nothing I'm not lying about."

Reed goes a step further by saying, "I don't have to be playing for them. I could retire. I don't need the money. They could come and get the money if they want. Money don't me. Money didn't put me here."



Uhhhhh......... okay!!!!

Listen, I'm sure this is something that could have been ironed out smoothly. Maybe even a misunderstanding or something. So you go into a , "I don't have to be playing for them" rant to the PUBLIC because you didn't get some game film??? While I know Reed is a guy that loves to study the game, I don't think this was something that should have been brought to the public light. This sounds petty as hell, if you ask me. I'm sure this is something that could have been dealt with accordingly.

My Take: This sounds to me like the classic case of child wanting the toy, not getting it right away, and having a tantrum in the middle of the store. I think we all agree that Reed should be paid for his worth. I'm not mad in the least that he's looking for a new deal. But it's the WAY he conducts his business that is very petty. Being 35% healthy may not be the best time to re-hash the whole contract thing, Ed. maybe once you're back on the field, it can/should be visited. But until then, get healthy... and STFU!