Thirty-four Ravens players began the 16-week off-season training program yesterday, and new strength coach Jeff Friday expects a solid core of 40 to 45 to get involved soon, but veteran safety and Pro Bowl special teams player Bennie Thompson was irritated by the low number of high-salaried players who are participating.

Thompson, 36, a nine-year veteran, would not single out individuals, but players such as middle linebacker Ray Lewis, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, defensive tackle Tony Siragusa and cornerback Rod Woodson have made only token appearances at the conditioning sessions in the past.

Players are expected to complete four workouts per week. The training program is not mandatory except for those players who have special clauses in their contracts, usually lower-salaried players who are on the bubble for making the roster. The Ravens have 58 players under contract.

"The same people who don't attend these workouts are the same ones who run up to the media during the season and complain about how we're losing and we don't have enough commitment," said Thompson. "I'm tired of losing and tired of hearing excuses. Football is not a six-month job. Football is year-round, and it starts here in the weight room. That's commitment. We all have families, but we need to be here working out. All those guys who make millions need to stop talking so much and show some leadership.

"Maybe the front office or ownership should include more clauses in their contracts that pays or requires them to work out. I'm not going to go into names, but if the shoe fits, put it on. I'm not ducking and dodging anybody. If they don't like what I'm saying, come see me. This is the time we should be bonding, showing continuity and coming together as a team, not just when the season starts."

Defensive end Michael McCrary, who had recent knee surgery and will be off his feet for six weeks, agreed with Thompson. He has participated in every off-season program since coming into the league six years ago.

"I don't have an idea why some of the bigger names don't attend, but they need to," said McCrary. "Working out together brings unity and camaraderie. When you sweat together, it really makes a team tighter."

Former Ravens quarterbacks Vinny Testaverde and Jim Harbaugh didn't attend the off-season program, but had training regimens designed by personal trainers. Testaverde had his own gym and weight room in his backyard. Ozzie Newsome, Ravens vice president of player personnel, didn't seem concerned about those not in attendance and estimated about 50 percent of the higher-salaried players didn't participate throughout the league.

Friday said he is pleased with the numbers, especially because attendance is not mandatory. Players are expected to work out an hour a day, four days a week, two for conditioning and two for weight training.

Players were tested on treadmills yesterday while wearing heart monitors. The majority of players reported Monday and yesterday, but several have been working out with Friday for weeks.

Most of them apparently like what they see. According to offensive lineman Spencer Folau and receiver Jermaine Lewis, the team works out in groups of seven in hourly shifts.

"This is a lot different than last year," said Folau. "There is more one-on-one attention, more structure and more discipline. Last year, it seemed as though everyone lifted at the same time. But this was the program that was brought over from Minnesota, and we'll find out in a couple of weeks if it's working."

Jermaine Lewis said: "I think most people like it because of the individual attention. These guys walk around with you from station to station. Last year, we just filled out our own results on the cards and coaches were only at certain stations."

The Ravens now rely on Nautilus or other machines instead of the free weights of a year ago. There are pros and cons to both styles. For instance, free weights are supposed to teach better balance because machines steady the weight.

"With the free weights, it was more for the big muscles like chest and shoulder development," said Lewis. "It was more power lifting. This new approach is more for the entire body."

Friday had spent the past three seasons as the Vikings' assistant strength and conditioning coach. Before that, he worked four years with the Northwestern University women's and men's basketball teams, and also worked in a similar capacity at Illinois State. Friday has one full-time and three part-time assistants.

"They [players] are here for an hour, but I believe in a very intense workout," said Friday. "I'm looking forward to getting some good results. Our No. 1 goal is to prevent and help reduce injuries."

Pub Date: 3/24/99