The Ravens on Saturday "secured a much-closer-than-hoped 23-16 victory over the Colts in front of an announced 70,590" fans at M&T Bank Stadium, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore SUN (12/24). That came after Ravens President Dick Cass earlier in the week sent a letter to season-ticket holders that "acknowledged that 'the onetime protest' by players" before a game against the Jaguars in London has "led to an increased number of empty seats and no-shows at the team’s home games." At least a dozen Ravens "knelt in protest" on Sept. 24 against the Jaguars. The Ravens the following week at M&T Bank Stadium "prayed as a team before the national anthem." Cass in the letter wrote, "We had the poor showing in London, complicated by the kneeling of a dozen players during the national anthem. That became an emotional and divisive issue. We know that hurt some of you. ... Others bluntly told us to keep statements and protests out of the game. There are some of you who have stayed away from our games." Cass went on to say the Ravens have "had significant numbers of no-shows in the past when our play on the field has not met the high standard we and you have set for the Ravens." Cass: "This year has been different. The numbers are higher, and it is noticeable. There are a number of reasons for the no-shows, but surely the onetime protest in London has been a factor.” Cass said that the team has "noticed no-shows and has tried to alleviate concerns of its fans" (Baltimore SUN, 12/23).
CAUSE FOR CONCERN? Cass said that the letter’s position on the protests “'speaks for itself' but noted various community efforts the Ravens have taken part in, such as a group of players meeting with the Baltimore police commissioner and visiting public schools to discuss police community relations." The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Andrew Beaton noted the Ravens have seen "only a slight decline in attendance this season." But those numbers are "based on sales, and Cass specifically addresses no-shows -- which would explain empty seats in stadiums even if the official data shows crowds at or near capacity" (WSJ.com, 12/22). In DC, Deron Snyder wrote the belief that protests have hurt the league's attendance "runs counter to the NFL’s company line." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell "largely has dismissed any links between attendance/TV ratings and protests during the national anthem." Cass "simply admitted the obvious, that players kneeling has been 'an emotional and divisive issue'" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/25).
TELL-TALE HEART: In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck wrote it was a "cold and soggy Saturday evening at M&T Bank Stadium" for the Colts game, so it figures that a "lot of ticket holders would choose to watch the Ravens play ... on television" at home. However, the "many thousands of empty seats left room to wonder just what it’s going to take for a large chunk of the Ravens faithful to regain their faith in the franchise." The 9-6 Ravens close out the regular season on Sunday hosting the Bengals with their playoff future "still hanging in the balance." Schmuck: "There really is no good reason to stay away unless you truly have decided to never come back. And this doesn’t seem like the season to hold a grudge" (Baltimore SUN, 12/25).
