BLOG: Ed Reed's Golf Tournament A Success

First of all, words cannot describe how nice it was to step away from baseball and the Orioles' woes and talk a little football with the Ravens on Friday afternoon. After a lovely carpool with Carroll County Times' Ravens beat reporter Aaron Wilson, Renditions Golf Course was once again the friendly home of Ed Reed's Golf Tournament that consisted of Ed's friends and family in support of a good cause.

But for Aaron and I, the only think on our minds was the lockout.... oh, and staying cool.

Haruki Nakamura, who got hitched over the offseason, was as upbeat as any locked out player could be. Nakamura said the players would vote on Sunday or Monday... and was right. The NFL lockout is reportedly over today, Monday morning, and teams will start reporting to training camp this week. Nakamura said he had been touch with team rep Domonique Foxworth the night before and "Fox" said a good deal had been introduced and the players just needed to make sure their i's were dotted and their t's were crossed.

Why?

"Because it's not like you can go back to an owner after you retired," said Anquan Boldin. "This deal will affect the NFL over the next 10 years, not just the current players."

Boldin said the lockout didn't affect him as much as other players because he's already familiar with the offense,the coaching staff and of course his QB Joe Flacco. He also said he was physically ready for the season -- as did Nakamura, who added he prides himself on being game-ready all year. Sticking with health issues, Authur Jones looked like he had turned about 40 pounds of fat into muscle from training with his brother "Bones" Jones over the offseason, the lightweight MMA champion. Jones, smiling from ear to ear at the mere thought of football, said he couldn't wait to get back on the field although he admitted he hasn't paid much attention to the lockout news.

Ramon Harewood was also in attendance. After undergoing surgery on both knees this time last year, Harewood said he couldn't make any promises that he'd be ready by the first day of camp. He did say, however, he would be ready by the start of the season.

Lardarius Webb was also in attendance and sang a different tune when I asked him what he envisioned his role to be this season. He didn't feel threatened by Jimmy Smith anymore, or at least he was publicly correct this time saying, "I'll be wherever the team wants me to be."

With that being said, it'll be interesting to see how the Cornerback position plays out...

So I'm hearing the Ravens will be at the facility tomorrow in Owings Mills... make sure you tune into 105.7 The Fan for player interviews and more.