By Brad Biggs
BALTIMORE -- An ex-con on work release cleared a path for one of the more memorable field goals in NFL history: Mark Henderson used a snowplow in a swirling storm to clear a spot for New England Patriots kicker John Smith to boot a field goal in a 3-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 12, 1982.
The Baltimore Ravens used actual convicts -- 125 inmates and supervisors from the Department of Corrections -- to join the 700 workers at M&T Bank Stadium to clear the building for this afternoon's game with the Bears.
Don't look for any felons riding a snowplow during the game. Henderson joked years after his memorable moment, "What are they gonna do, throw me in jail?" The NFL has banned the use of snowplows during games.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the inmates and workers, many of them volunteers, are putting the finishing touches on clearing a record December snowstorm. The area was hit with 21 inches of snow, the most for the month since records started being kept in 1883. It's the seventh-largest snowfall of all time for Baltimore.
BWI Airport was reopened for commercial use at 2:30 a.m., but much of the area remains paralyzed. There are expected to be school closings Monday, and thousands of empty seats are likely for the game
Photo: Six hours before kickoff, snow still fills the tunnels at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium. (Brian Cassella/Tribune)
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I thought the Bears would only win 1 more game; against Detroit; but after seeing Detroit almost beat the team that gave the Bears a whooping yesterday; Im now taking back on my prediction about them winning another game. I think Detroit has picked up a lot of steam. So no more wins predicted for the Bears; put a fork in them; cuz theyre done!
Un-PC on December 20, 2009 9:51 AM
Those weren't inmates, those were Ray Lewis' homies.
Oh, nevermind, they were both inmates AND Ray Lewis' homies
-------------------------------
CORRECTION:
Actually, it was the Ray Lewis friends and family plan. So, yes, it was all inmates.
Decent football player, absolute piece of shit off the field, though. Anyone who can root for a lowlife thug like him, has serious, serious issues.
Don't mind Un-pc...he loves large inmates...over and over and over...if allowed to.
Thank you Ravens for adding another nail to Smith and Angelo's coffins. I have no doubt they will loose Big Time to the Vikings on Manday night (Farve shines on MNF). I just hope the Lions can beat them.
They meant "actual inmates" as opposed to the guy who cleared the patriot's field-goal who was out of prison on work release....He was not a "true" or "actual" inmate since he was out on work-release, meaning he slept at home whereas the guys in baltimore are on on day-release and they will be sleeping in prison tonight.
So...if these are "actual" inmates, who are the OTHER inmates? The non-actual ones?
Actually, I think the word "actual" is overutilized. Or overused. Whatever...
The inmates have now put forth more effort this weekend than the Bears have all season.
Actually, they were SEIU workers out on work release.
why should any private entity be given free labor by the government? The coonvicts should be paid soemthing for their labor.
Jay Cutler,
I just want to tell you that I love you and that I'm supporting you thru this tough season. I know there are a lot of fans that stand by you. Next season will be better my love. Keep you head up and don't let the unfaithful Booo birds Bears fans keep you down. Bye sweety!
If the shovel fits, use it.
God, are you people that dumb about these cons. No violent felons in the bunch. Maybe that should change. Bring the violent repeat murderers, rapists, etc. out to the stadium to shovel snow. The a couple of them can escape and come to YOUR house. Yeah, good idea. The escaped felon(s) will eventually be caught and there will be one less know-it-all, loudmouth in the world.
God, are you people that dumb about these cons. No violent felons in the bunch. Maybe that should change. Bring the violent repeat murderers, rapists, etc. out to the stadium to shovel snow. The a couple of them can escape and come to YOUR house. Yeah, good idea. The escaped felon(s) will eventually be caught and there will be one less know-it-all, loudmouth in the world.
RUTHIE GOOD LEASE THEY DOING SOMETHING CONSTRUCTED HARAY
Do they get to stay and watch the game? Seems only fair.
A lot of you are funny. Many were kissing Cutler's feet when the season started...and I was cringing. Many were pushing for Lovie to get a long contract after his SB appearance...and I was cringing. I am not a strong Bears fan (Fly Eagles), but living in the city allows me to sit back and enjoy the ride the Bears put you all thru. Rarely get this pub about McNabb and Reid!!
Good Idea!
If the Dept of Corrections staff can spare 10 minutes or so before taking the bad boys back to the country club, I seriously don't think it would take any longer than that to find an upgrade at left tackle and at wideout from the bunch and Lovie can likely mellow them out as nice perk for all of us.
ever heard of haliburton, or are you all to stupied. I wonder if richard cranium chaney or bush was there too.
Actually, I suspect that the inmates are all ex-NFL players and ex-NBA players. Our professional athletes seem to come from the more criminal element of society.
"The Baltimore Ravens are using actual convicts"
Is that is contrast to using virtual convicts?
I feel sorry for these inmates if they are forced to watch the Bears play. Some might choose solitary confinement.
Good. And when football season is over, they should continue to put convicts to work cleaning streets, planting trees and recycling garbage. Between the shame and the hard work, they might actually change some habits.
people should be strong!! fight against the disaster!! and Christmas is coming soon~~ My girlfriend and I wish all u guys good luck~~ By the way, if someone wants to talk about this further, I have a great suggestion. There might be someone waiting for you after registering at Ageromance.com~~ you'll be surprised!!
See what can be accomplished with non-union workers!
Was Michael Vick and Tank Johnson out there supervising? Not too much difference between inmates and active NFL players these days.
You'd think the NFL players union would have a problem with the Ravens making their players clear the snow.
Those weren't inmates, those were Ray Lewis' homies.
Oh, nevermind, they were both inmates AND Ray Lewis' homies.