Ravens C Matt Birk yesterday said that he "will appeal a $5,000 fine from the NFL for failing to wear a microphone under his jersey" as called for by the new CBA, according to Ken Murray of the BALTIMORE SUN. Birk said that he "had problems with the microphone in warm-ups before" the Ravens' Oct. 2 game against the Jets, and "when he couldn’t get it corrected, he took the mic off" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 10/12). Birk added, "When I went out for warm-ups, the microphone came loose and was jabbing my neck. It was tucked in there pretty tight and I couldn't get it back in there, so I just took it off. Then I was notified that I'm not supposed to do that." YAHOO SPORTS' Chris Chase noted Pro Football Talk earlier this month reported two offensive linemen per team "would be required to wear microphones during games to provide audio for televised game broadcasts." Microphones had been placed "on umpire's hats previously, but when those officials moved their on-field positioning, the league needed a different way to get the ambient audio mix of the line of scrimmage" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/12). Meanwhile, in Phoenix, Kent Somers notes Cardinals C Lyle Sendlein "has worn the microphone for two weeks and doesn't care for it." Sendlein: "It's easy for a team to grab a TV copy (of the game) and get your line calls, especially in the two-minute or the hurry-up, where you're calling the play at the line." Somers notes "that information is not supposed to be broadcast." But Sendlein said that he has "watched other games and the calls have been audible" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 10/13).
SCIENTIFICALLY APPROVED: The AP's Eddie Pells reports nearly two dozen scientists and lab directors "from around the world have signed a letter sent to the NFL and the players' association stating the current test for human growth hormone is safe, scientifically reliable and appropriate for use in professional sports leagues." The letter, dated Oct. 3, was sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith. Pells notes in another letter, "a separate group of anti-doping scientists and lab directors also endorsed the test." In all, "about five dozen doctors, scientists and lab directors had their names on the two letters" (AP, 10/13).
