After attempting to return to practice this week, Jared Gaither suffered a further set-back and will again being seeing a specialist.

This had led to a new round of frustration from many with the 6’9 340 lb Offensive Tackle.
There are many message boards, and talk-shows around town that are filled with criticism for Gaither. It does not take much digging to see that much of the criticism is being circulated from leadership within The Castle itself.

Clearly the opinion exists from the Ravens that Gaither is a malcontent, who does not enjoy the game. The Ravens are certainly putting it out there, that Gaither is not willing to play through this injury. People are entitled to their opinions, but that conjecture is just that – simply an opinion.

The line of thinking that he is not even injured is malicious. Anyone making that charge should think about their own maturity before questioning Gaither’s.

The Ravens believe that when Gaither showed-up to Training Camp 30 pounds lighter, that was Gaither showing his displeasure of being moved to RT. Gaither has said that is not true, that he dropped the weight to improve his foot-work, and alleviate stress to his feet. He quickly put the weight back on, when asked to do so. Anyone that believes Gaither lost the weight because he was ‘pouting’, has limited evidence on their side.

Do I believe that Gaither would rather be at LT? Sure I do. Left Tackles make more money than Right Tackles do. It is easy to believe that Gaither would rather get paid more. If you can believe Gaither would like to maximize the money he makes, it should be easy for you to believe he would prefer to be playing right now and performing (even at RT). The only way he is going to get the contract he desires, is by playing.

Instead of talking about opinions, and conjecture – let us talk about facts that are known:

1) Gaither has previously played through an injury and been commended for it by the Ravens.

“I think it’s a really courageous effort. He’s a young guy who has figured out how to play through pain and play well through pain. It’s just a tremendous [statement] for where he’s going as a football player. He’s going to be a great football player.”
– Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on Gaither playing with an injured shoulder the past couple games (2008 season)

2) Gaither needs to play, to get the contract he is looking for.

3) Gaither has been rehabbing regularly with Tessendorf.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/spor…g_pattern.html

4) Gaither has said numerous times he wants to retire as a Raven, wants to be part of the organization, and is frustrated by the injury.

You have a bunch of people piling onto a player that are not inside his body, and do not know what pain he is going through. If actions speak louder than words, than Gaither showing previously he was willing to play through pain should mean something. If everything comes down to $$, than people should get that Gaither would be making more money this off-season by playing vs. winding-up on IR.

All fans of the Ravens better hope he can return this year, because it is hard to envision the team achieving their lofty goals without him.*

*Today’s game is going to be an example of that I think. I do not see how Yanda survives on the outside against the edge-rush of Pittsburgh without a lot of help. I hope to see the Ravens use a lot of ‘Jumbo’ sets and position Cousins next to Yanda on the right-side.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

X