Greetings Friends,

Hello all. It's you Uncle Steve back to impart some words of wisdom and hope to the world of sports. Today has been a heck of a day in the NFL and we need to take comfort in 1 thing, Ray Lewis is staying.

Why is this so important? I'll get to that in just a minute. First lets discuss the release of a cancer in Dallas. So long T.O., don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. Jerry Jones and the Dallas organization have finally come to their senses and released the outspoken and controversial Terrell Owens. Owens has spent the last 3 seasons showing teams and fans the good and bad that can come from one of the greatest receivers of our generation. T.O. has recently given the owner of the Cowboy's a reason to make the change by giving the "golden boy" quarterback grief. Tony Romo has been the recent target of abuse from Owens due to the fact that Romo has shown more confidence in the sure hands of friend Jason Witten than in the declining skills of Owens. Lets hope his chances are drying up. Teams should have more of a clue about the destructive nature of a player like Owens. Good riddance.

Back to my main topic, Ray Lewis. Ray is now an oddity in pro sports. With his recent contract extension, Ray should end his career with the team he has played every season with, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens drafted the linebacker out of Miami with the 26th pick in 1996. Since then Lewis has seen some controversy stemming from his run in with the law back in January on 2000. His embarrassment with the trial and subsequent acquittal seemed too motivate Lewis, and help him become one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the league. With tenacious play and the energy and leadership needed to inspire others, Lewis led the offense-less Ravens to a title and the MVP award in Super Bowl XXXV.

In the age of free agency it is a very rare occasion that players stay with the team that drafts them. Hell even the great Joe Montana saw his career end outside of San Francisco. Not Ray. Ray has been the lifeblood of the Ravens and the Baltimore football world for 13 years. Without him the team would be the Lions. I take my hat off to Mr. Lewis. He has stuck with the team through good times and bad with a smile on his face. I personally would like to congratulate Ray and thank him for the effort and fun he has brought to the sport. Keep it up and maybe, just maybe Joe Flacco can pull off a sufficient Trent Dilfer impersonation.

P.S. If you have any doubts Ray, take solace in the words of the great Peter Venkman; "You're never gonna regret this Ray."

Steve Taylor
Co-Founder and Second Banana

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