On one of the hottest days of the year, tempers flared at training camp Tuesday at McDaniel College. Linebacker Terrell Suggs and fullback Justin Green engaged in a brief tussle during which Suggs attempted to kick Green, while teammates worked to break the pair up.
Neither player commented on the fight afterward.
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Temperatures were up to the mid-90s by noon in Westminster. When asked if the heat was the cause for the skirmish, head coach Brian Billick said it could wear on players.
“Sure, because the focus starts to wane a little bit,” Billick said. “You saw a little bit of it today, plus we?ve been in camp long enough. But they took care of it and they rebounded quickly and that?s what you want.”
The fight came two months after a similar skirmish between several other players during the team?s mini-camp at its Owings Mills facility. Fights at training camp are a virtual ritual throughout the NFL. Overall, it was the most intense workout yet for the team.
The whole team practiced Tuesday morning, with the afternoon session dedicated to special teams. Before the morning session, Billick gathered his team for a talk.
“I wanted to make sure they knew what today represented. It?s hot,” Billick said. “We had a tough one yesterday, two practices. Just one today. They know it?s going to be longer, just to make sure they understood what this morning was about.”
The practice also featured the return of offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, at least to the sideline. Ogden, whose father died last week, arrived in street clothes with about 30 minutes left in practice. The team will not practice Friday afternoon, except for rookies, so that the team can attend Ogden?s father?s funeral.
Ricard signs with Bills
Fullback Alan Ricard, released by the Ravens last month, signed with the Buffalo Bills Tuesday. Ricard was instrumental in Jamal Lewis? 2,000-yard season in 2003 as a blocking back and was a Pro Bowl alternate.
Clayton rests hamstring
Receiver Mark Clayton was held out of all team activities yesterday. Clayton had some lingering issues with a hamstring injury, and the team wanted to be cautious. Clayton has been outstanding so far in camp.
Star of the day
Demetrius Williams, a rookie receiver out of Oregon State University, has emerged as the surprise of camp. The fourth-round selection has some speculating at camp that he could be the No. 3 receiver on the team, even after missing most offseason workouts.
“He continues to grow,” Billick said.
