Originally published Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 12:00 AM

NFL | Ravens literally fight for jobs

The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under first-year coach John Harbaugh...

By The Associated Press

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under first-year coach John Harbaugh.

They are fighting each other, too.

Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down. Players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.

"Guys are competing, so tempers flare a little bit," Harbaugh said.

Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.

After the players were separated, veteran cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle spoke with Walker, who signed as a free agent during the offseason after playing with Green Bay in 2007.

For the first time in a decade, the Ravens are conducting a minicamp without coach Brian Billick, who was fired in January after nine seasons. There are jobs at stake and a new offense to learn under Cam Cameron, which has fueled emotions at the three-day camp that started Friday. The players aren't wearing pads, but there is plenty of hitting going on — much of it after the whistle.

"Man, it's intense out there," tight end Todd Heap said.

Notes

• Receiver Mario Manningham of Michigan and quarterback Andre' Woodson of Kentucky suffered injuries at the New York Giants' minicamp for rookies and free agents. Manningham has a hip flexor. Woodson pulled a muscle in his left leg.

• Orlando Pace, a St. Louis offensive tackle who has been bothered by injuries the past two seasons, said his right shoulder is healing.

Pace, who missed three training camps earlier in his career when he was designated as a franchise player, said, "I'm not going to complain about missing some of training camp, but we'll see what the doctors say."

• Ex-offensive tackle Luis Sharpe, 47, was sentenced in Phoenix to six years in prison and four years' probation for a series of drug offenses. He was with the St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals from 1982 to 1994.

More Seahawks headlines...

Print Share: Digg Newsvine