The Baltimore Ravens announced today a change in their training-camp autograph policy. Beginning this year, players will sign autographs after morning practices only -- and the autographs will be available only for children from six to 15 years of age. (Rosenthal is pleased that he made the cut.)
At first, we thought the new policy seemed a little cold and heavy-handed. But the explanation offered by Ravens president Dick Cass makes sense.
“We have considered changing the way we do autograph signings for a few years,"Cass said. “Our crowds for the morning practices have become so large that we’ve had safety situations with people pushing each other to try and get closer to the players. Often times, children would be put in difficult positions with the rush for autographs, especially from our most popular players.”
After each morning practice, roughly one-third of the team will be available to sign autographs. The other players will be lifting weights or participating in a core workout.