After signing an extremely large contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason, quarterback Joe Flacco is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after his agent, Joe Linta, had choice words about his client's team. Linta and the Baltimore Ravens were in contract negotiations over two seasons. The Ravens failed to sign Flacco to an extension prior to 2012, costing them a lot in 2013. Linta claimed he has never "seen a dumber move."
Clearly this is not how Flacco wanted to enter into the 2013 season after just getting a large pay raise from the team. Linta later backtracked on his comments saying that he has "tremendous respect" for the Ravens and that he was just upset it was made to look like Flacco was greedy.
"I'd been hearing that for about three months now. And after a while you get sick of it because Joe is a comsummate pro, he's a phenomenal player, a great father, a great husband, a great son. And to be honest with you in sort of a parental mode I'd kind of gotten sick of the intimations that he was greedy and that type of thing. And I said, "Look, I have no sympathy for the Ravens. They chose this. They walked away from the deal in August," Linta said.
Flacco was forced to go on damage control when addressed about the comments during practice. He is not looking to start the season off on the wrong foot and was forced to clear up his thoughts on the matter.
"Obviously I don't feel that way. I think he probably got a little excited about it. I like Joe's fire, and I like that he's trying to protect me in any way. But in no way do I have those feelings towards the organization. I thought the whole time there was respect on both sides and there will continue to be," Flacco said.
Flacco does not believe Linta's comments will have any hard when it comes to future negotiations with the team. Flacco's six-year, $120.6 million deal will likely have to be reworked at some point in three years. He will be a $28.55 hit against the salary cap in 2016, something the Ravens cannot afford.
Flacco received some flack for his inflated contract. The price cost the Ravens several veteran players in the offseason, including wide receiver Anquan Boldin, Ed Reed and Dannell Ellerbe. However, if Flacco can continue to produce wins and more Super Bowl championships, it will not be an issue.