Ravens' Lewis Not Concerned About Contract

"That (contract) stuff is irrelevant from what we're trying to do now", Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said after the Ravens first mandatory mini-camp practice.

Lewis, 33, is heading into the final year of his contract.

"Whatever we're trying to do as a team, that's the focus. If we keep that team concept there, then that team concept stays there," Lewis said. "If you start talking about individual, that means nothing. Everybody knows this is a business and everything will take care of itself. I'm just excited to be back playing football again."

Ok, but will Lewis feel the same way when the mini-camps aren't mandatory?

"I have never got caught up in that. If anybody has kept track of my career, everybody knows there has never been a camp that I've held out and there has never been a contract problem with me. It will never be that with me."

I guess so.

When the Ravens opened mini-camp, all eyes were on Joe Flacco.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots cornerback Willie Andrews has been ordered by a judge to perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $1,000 fine, and complete a substance abuse program. If he complies with those conditions, the possession of a class D substance charges he faces will be dropped.

Donald Elam, the 33-year old brother of New York Jets safety Abram Elam, was shot and killed yesterday afternoon.

With Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Perry (finally) healthy, a deal with Shaun Alexander appears unlikely, writes Mark Curnutte.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy had a simple message for the rookies last weekend: Show us you belong, and we'll find a place for you.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is trying to fix Vince Young's feet. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher hopes Albert Haynesworth knows what he's missing by not working out with his teammates this off-season.

Houston Texans veteran left tackle Ephrain Salaam wasn't happy to be working behind first-round pick Duane Brown with the #1 offense. Texans guard Charles Spencer, who hasn't played since 2006, participated in individual drills yesterday. Texans head coach Gary Kubiak wants to get more out of the team's running game in 2008.

Oakland Raiders fourth-round pick Tyvon Branch will be moved to strong safety.

NFL Films President Steve Sabol says they chose the Dallas Cowboys for the "Hard Knocks" series, because "they assure viewership and are a pre-season favorite to win the Super Bowl".

New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips chose to wear #21 to pay homage to Sean Taylor. Giants sixth-round quarterback Andre Woodson knows he's been drafted to compete for the 3rd quarterback job.

After two seasons, the Green Bay Packers released wide receiver Koren Robinson on Friday.

Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press writes that if Rod Marinelli wants to save his job, he'd start quarterback Drew Stanton.

Despite a push by fans, the Carolina Panthers have no plan to replace the NFL shield at midfield of Bank of America stadium with their own logo.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has five Atlanta Falcons to watch during this weekend's mini-camp.

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill's band will be playing at The Triple Door in Seattle on Monday night.

Former St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Luis Sharpe was sentenced to 6 years in prison for drug offenses.

Former San Francisco 49ers safety Ronnie Lott received the Legacy for Children Award, the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose's highest honor.

St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown wants to do something he's never done before: Play a full 16 games. Bernie Miklasz writes that pass-rushers need time to develop. Rans undrafted rookie running back Yvenson Bernard failed his physical.

SpyGate Zone

John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes that it's interesting how the five teams that are now known to have been videotaped by the New England Patriots, have all remained silent about it.