Four Ravens players fined for comments about officials

Bart Scott and three other players on the Baltimore Ravens were fined by the NFL on Friday for arguing with game officials and complaining about calls in Monday’s game against the New England Patriots.Scott, who argued with officials and tossed a penalty flag into the stands, was fined $25,000. Cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and wide receiver Derrick Mason each were fined $15,000 for critical remarks made after the game.”This is about the importance of sportsmanship and respecting the integrity of our game,” NFL vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said. “We do not tolerate inappropriate conduct between teams and game officials. This includes reminding game officials that they are to conduct themselves at all times as professionals in their dealings with players, coaches and other club personnel.”Rolle accused head linesman Phil McKinnely of repeatedly calling him ‘boy.’ NFL vice president of officiating Mike Pereira acknowledged that Rolle and McKinnely argued during the game, but said their verbal confrontation did not occur in the context that Rolle described.Anderson met with Scott and Rolle at the Ravens’ training complex to clear the air.”We both came to the conclusion that I made a bad decision, but he understood the emotion and took that into consideration, the emotion and the moment,” Scott said Friday following his meeting with Anderson. “It’s definitely something for me to learn from and grow from and be an advocate speaker for great conduct.”The Ravens lost to the Patriots 27-24. Baltimore held a 24-20 lead before New England marched downfield for the winning touchdown with 44 seconds left. The drive included several costly penalties against the Ravens and an inopportune timeout by Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.Pereira said several calls, including Ryan’s timeout, a defensive holding penalty on Jamaine Winborne and the game-winning touchdown catch by wide receiver Jabar Gaffney were correct.Ravens coach Brian Billick said the team has learned from the experience, and dismissed suggestions by some of his players that New England receives special treatment from game officials.”To intimate that the Patriots are given some kind of favoritism is ridiculous,” Billick said. “That’s not the case. Our league works very hard to make sure the officiating is top-notch and unbiased.”