Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti yesterday said that a "barrage of off-the-field incidents last year weighed on the team's reputation, but the overall relationship with fans remains strong," according to Ryan Sharrow of the BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Bisciotti, speaking at his annual "State of the Ravens" address, said, "I think things come in waves. We certainly took a crash here last year. ... I don't think it's a long-term effect. Our fans have the right to be sensitive and expect us to perform better than they thought we did." Ravens President Dick Cass added that the team "has not seen a direct impact on sales as a result of the off-field incidents." Cass: "We're hoping 2014 was an aberration." Meanwhile, Bisciotti was asked about his relationship with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and said, "I don't really care what my relationship is with Roger. I don't think Roger plays favorites" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 2/24). In Baltimore, Jeff Zrebiec noted when Bisciotti defended the reputation of the organization and its handling of the Ray Rice case in September, he "was uncharacteristically nervous, stern and even a little agitated at times." But yesterday, Bisciotti had "recaptured his customary demeanor," as he was "relaxed, introspective and clearly excited about the future." Bisciotti: "It was my worst year as an owner. If [Clippers Owner] Steve Ballmer was interested in football on the East Coast, I might be introducing a new owner right now. I had 14 good years and then I had an absolutely crappy year" (Baltimore SUN, 2/25). Bisciotti said that he "was recharged further by a recent meeting of team officials in Florida." Bisciotti: "I am off suicide watch. I'm stable mentally, and I'll be your owner for a while" (USA TODAY, 2/25).
TAKE IT TO THE BANK: Cass yesterday said that a $5M offseason improvement project "would bring Wi-Fi access" to fans at M&T Bank Stadium this season. Cass: "I hope most of the fans are watching the game, but if you get bored, you can turn to your phone and get whatever you want." Cass said that the improvements, along with a two-year, $35M project completed last year, "have been completed without raising ticket prices" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 2/24).
