ESPN: “Agent Joe Linta defended his comments that the Baltimore Ravens were “dumb” not to sign Joe Flacco before last season began and explained that he was simply defending his client against the perception that he was “greedy.” Linta told 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore on Tuesday that he had been “hearing that for about three months now” that Flacco precipitated the Ravens’ purge of veterans from their Super Bowl-winning roster with his six-year, $120.6 million extension, and USA Today Sports “prompted me for my opinion and I gave it to them.” He told USA Today that he had “never in my life seen a dumber move” when the Ravens failed to budge in contract talks with Flacco last August.”
Let me say this. I agree with the premise of Mr. Linta’s argument. The Ravens could have and should have inked Flacco last year. They made a play and it backfired. However, Linta is kind of an idiot, right? I mean, hasn’t he lost a ton of respect and potential negotiating power for Flacco’s next contract, which we all know is in three years? Why did he have to say this at all? Flacco already got paid, he already got paid, what’s the point of dragging the Ravens name through the mud. Just because a couple of people in the media or some people on twitter had some negative comments doesn’t mean you jump on the first radio station and throw up all over the Ravens organization.
And look, I know that he can do whatever he wants, but I’ll say two things. 1. The Ravens are a classy organization and do things the right way. They also have no problem letting you go when they’ve squeezed every ounce out of you. 2. If I’m an up and coming athlete, do I want an agent who’s going to smear the organization that gave me the largest contract in NFL history at its time? Or do I want someone who’s going to get me that contract and shut the hell up. There is nothing worse in sports than a loud mouth agent. I get it, what’s the worse that can happen after Flacco signs that deal, but you know what, I still think he’s an ass.
BTDubbs: Anyone who thinks Flacco is greedy is crazy. Look at these contracts and remember that the organizations agree to these things as well. I used to hate these big contracts, but they’re part of sports now. Plus the Ravens could cut Flacco in a few years and that would be that. Gotta get your while the gettings good.
BTDubbss: This guy looks like a huge douche too. Just a smug looking character. No thanks.