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The Ravens missed out on Malcom Floyd then saw Derrick Mason sign with the Jets on Saturday night, so the team might rely on a pair of rookie receivers to take on big roles. Mason said he was "blind-sided" when the Ravens released him two weeks ago. ... Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo feels healthy this summer despite undergoing surgery in the offseason. ... The Orioles got two home runs from Mark Reynolds, but lost to the Blue Jays, 7-2, on Sunday. ... Speaking of Reynolds, he is faring well at first base. ... The Orioles got some good injury news.

The guilty plea Thursday by one of two assailants in the terrible beating of a transgender woman at a Rosedale McDonald's provides not only justice for the victim but also an important message for a community that is still marginalized in this state.

The American Civil Liberties Union has informed the Baltimore Police Department of its intention to sue on behalf of a man who it says was wrongfully detained and had videos deleted from his cell phone after he was observed filming officers "roughing up" a female friend at the 2010 Preakness.

Jake Arrieta is almost certainly going to be shut down for the remainder of this season so he can have elbow surgery. ... Mark Reynolds hit a three-run home run and starter Alfredo Simon allowed just one run on four hits in Tuesday night's 8-2 win over the Royals. ... The Orioles released Justin Duchscherer. ... The Ravens signed center Casey Rabach to a two-year contract. ... Marc Bulger has decided to retire instead of backup up Joe Flacco. ... Todd Heap, who was caught off guard when the Ravens released him, wants to take the Cardinals "back to the top."

Asked to describe his first year in Baltimore, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said it is "under construction." ... Matt Hobgood got hammered in Aberdeen on Monday night. ... Domonique Foxworth, who underwent surgery last August to repair a torn ACL, expressed frustration about the strength and stability of his right knee. ... Many assume fullback Le¿Ron McClain won't return, but Ravens running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery isn¿t one of them. ... Maryland forward Haukur Palsson is leaving school to pursue a pro basketball career in Europe.

The Ravens signed Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach but saw tight end Todd Heap sign a two-year deal with the Cardinals. ... A few Ravens players are sidelined at the start of training camp. ... Kelly Gregg said there are no hard feelings in parting ways with the Ravens. ... The Orioles lost to the Yankees, 4-2, on Sunday. ... After making two deals Saturday, the Orioles held on to the rest of their potential chips as Sunday's annual non-waiver trade deadline passed.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco defiantly fired back at his critics Wednesday, saying, "I'm pretty damn good." ... Sergio Kindle, who missed all of last season with a severe head injury, will not start training camp on the PUP list. ... The Ravens will hold an open training camp practice for fans at M&T Bank Stadium next weekend. ... Ravens free-agent cornerback Josh Wilson agreed to a deal with the Redskins. ... One night after their best offensive output of the season, the Orioles were held to just four hits in a 3-0 loss to the Blue Jays. ... Brian Matusz acknowledged Wednesday that he wasn't "mentally prepared" for the start of the season. ... Senior linebacker Kenny Tate was Maryland's lone selection to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team.

The Ravens struck a deal with Marshal Yanda, agreeing Tuesday afternoon to a five-year deal with the offensive lineman that is believed to average a little more than $6 million per season. ... With Yanda locked up, the Ravens' focus now turns to re-signing cornerback Josh Wilson. ... Domonique Foxworth is ready to get back on the field. ... The Orioles pounded out four home runs en route to a rare win in Toronto. ... Vladimir Guerrero was activated from the disabled list.

The celebration of the NFL's four-month lockout ending turned into disbelief Monday when the Ravens cut four players, including their top two receivers of all time. Veterans Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Willis McGahee and Kelly Gregg were informed by the Ravens that they will be released from their contracts. ... The Ravens players who survived the roster cuts are ready to get back on the field Wednesday. ... Brooks Robinson is getting a statue. ... The second phase of building the Baltimore Grand Prix race course has begun. ... Ryan Lochte beat Michael Phelps in the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships early Tuesday morning.

NFL players are expected to recommend the labor deal Monday, which would move the league one step closer to ending the lockout. That's good news for Ravens free agents such as Josh Wilson who are waiting for the end of the lockout to make their career move. ... Ed Reed thinks Hines Ward is a dirty player and said he has told him. ... The Orioles wasted another quality start from Jeremy Guthrie on Sunday, losing to the Angels, 9-3. ... There is growing speculation that Koji Uehara will be moved before the July 31 trade deadline. ... Dundalk native Bucky Lasek made history Sunday night, winning his Dew Tour-record 10th skateboard vert final.

Created and crafted in Baltimore, this new string instrument has been played on the Oscars and featured in the soundtrack to "127 Hours"

NFL owners unlocked the doors Thursday, but the players are reviewing the proposed 10-year collective bargaining agreement. The players now have until Tuesday to agree or pass on the proposal. ... After taking a couple of days off to rest his shoulder, Orioles left fielder Luke Scott continued his rehab assignment in Bowie and hit a pair of home runs. ... Meanwhile, Brian Matusz was knocked around for eight runs in three-plus innings while pitching for Norfolk. ... The Ravens were interested in hiring former Colts coordinator Tom Moore as a consultant.

The pros and cons of Kanye West and Jay-Z's new song, "Otis," from Watch the Throne.

Jake Arrieta turned in his first quality start in more than a month Wednesday, but the Orioles were held to two hits in a 4-0 loss to the Red Sox. ... The Orioles are playing the waiting game with their unsigned draft picks, but they have had talks with Dylan Bundy. ... Ravens safety Ed Reed declared himself "full go" for training camp Wednesday, but he hopes the Ravens will "be smart" with his reps this summer. Reed also clarified last month¿s comments about wanting Rex Ryan as coach over John Harbaugh. ... Maryland President Wallace D. Loh has created a committee to examine the athletic department's finances after recent financial losses.

After two consecutive rough starts, Jeremy Guthrie bounced back with a strong performance in the Orioles' 6-2 win over the Red Sox on Tuesday night. ... His shoulder still bothering him, Luke Scott will be shut down for a couple of days, but he still hasn't abandoned hope of playing again this season. ... The Orioles traded Triple-A infielder Nick Green and cash to the Rangers for Triple-A reliever Zach Phillips. ... Alfredo Simon will pitch the rest of the season for the Orioles, but his legal troubles back home aren't yet resolved. ... Ravens coach John Harbaugh is still angry with the Bears nearly three months after a botched draft-day trade with the team.

Rad Bromance guitarist Dan Geraghty talks Lady Gaga, Little Monsters and more

The Red Sox found yet another way to humiliate the Orioles on Monday night, breaking a tie with an eight-run eighth inning on their way to a 15-10 win. ... Andy MacPhail said he received "legitimate interest" from clubs about J.J. Hardy, but he felt the Orioles should keep Hardy instead of dealing him away for prospects. ... Alfredo Simon was headed back to the United States on Monday night after attending a legal hearing in the Dominican Republic and could return to the team by Tuesday. ... Kevin Gregg is still miffed about his suspension. ... Ravens running back Ray Rice said he never intended to disrespect Hines Ward when he commented about the Steelers wide receiver's DUI arrest a week ago, but he still stands by his remarks.

Dennis Hoover, 80, of Monkton, who has played piano and sung for more than 50 years, is inducted into Country Music Legends Hall of Fame.

A pair of unlikely heroes -- Robert Andino and Mark Hendrickson -- spurred the Orioles over the Indians, 8-3, on Sunday. ... The Orioles and shortstop J.J. Hardy agreed to terms Saturday on a three-year extension worth between $22 million and $22.5 million. ... Each day seemingly brings more uncertainty to the Orioles roster. ... Brian Matusz pitched seven scoreless innings for Norfolk on Saturday, allowing just three hits and two walks. ... Japan won the sixth Women's World Cup, defeating the United States, 3-1 on penalty kicks, after a 2-2 tie in extra time.

The Orioles' second-half schedule began Thursday night much like the first half ended, with an early deficit turning into an 8-4 loss to the Indians. ... Vladimir Guerrero sat out the game with a hand injury. ... The Orioles were not happy with the suspensions handed out to Kevin Gregg and Buck Showalter after last week's brawl with the Red Sox. ... Maryland will pay Randy Edsall $2 million per year and Mark Turgeon $1.9 million annually. Turgeon's assistant Dalonte Hill is being paid $300,000. ... The Turkey Bowl, Baltimore's annual Thanksgiving high school football game featuring Calvert Hall and Loyola, will be played at Towson University this Thanksgiving.

Steelers linebacker James Harrison blasted NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the play of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the Super Bowl. ... Steelers safety Ryan Clark doesn¿t think that Ravens-Steelers is a real rivalry. ... In the post-lockout frenzy, the Ravens will have to focus on these five priorities, which include finding a pass rusher. ... Marshal Yanda, who is considered the Ravens' top priority, is reportedly "coveted" by the Redskins. ... Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has picked up the amount of physical activity that he is doing, but he is still not symptom-free. ... The American women beat France to reach the World Cup final.

With Prince Fielder launching a three-run home run and Roy Halladay setting the pitching tone with two perfect innings, the National League posted a 5-1 victory over the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game. ... Matt Wieters' first All-Star Game performance was not so memorable. ... With another Orioles season derailed, the organization is again looking ahead to the future. ... Baltimore's late television newscasts are shifting their focus away from sports.

Technology, not test scores, will point students toward the future

Matt Wieters, who has emerged as a leader for the Orioles, will make his All-Star Game debut on Tuesday night. Buck Showalter believes the experience will be good for his young catcher. ... ... Roy Halladay and Jered Weaver are the starting pitchers for the All-Star Game. ... Robinson Cano won the Home Run Derby on Monday night. ... Orioles left fielder Luke Scott and pitcher Justin Duchscherer were examined by team orthopedist John Wilckens. ... Gale Sayers said the NFL and its players could have done more for former Baltimore Colts tight end John Mackey, who passed away last week. ... Ray Rice got into a Twitter fight with Pittsburgh's Ryan Clark.

The Orioles quietly packed their belongings Sunday afternoon and dispersed to various parts of the country after another loss to the Red Sox extended their losing streak to seven games. ... The contentious four-game series in Boston ended with four more ejections and manager Buck Showalter criticizing the umpires. ... Shortstop J.J. Hardy is hopeful that a contract extension can be agreed upon during the All-Star break. ... Zach Britton was demoted to Double-A Bowie on Saturday, a move that not only could extend his season, but could gain the Orioles an extra year of the pitcher's services. ... The United States stunned Brazil in the Women's World Cup.

Akil Patterson's career with the Terps football team was derailed by alcohol and partying as he struggled with his sexuality

The Orioles allowed six home runs Thursday night in a 10-4 loss to the Red Sox. It was their ninth loss in their past 10 games, and afterwards, Orioles manager Buck Showalter closed the clubhouse and challenged his players to increase their effort and execution. ... The agent for Marshal Yanda said the versatile offensive lineman would be open to staying with the Ravens, saying Thursday that Baltimore is "not a place you rush to leave." ... It appears that Alfredo Simon will start Saturday's game against the Red Sox followed by Mitch Atkins on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the Rangers embarrassed Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles, 13-5, to sweep a three-game series in which Texas outscored the Orioles, 30-11. The clubhouse doors were slow to open after the game. ... Orioles rookie Zach Britton will start Friday in Boston, but he may not pitch again for another week afterward. ... A manager at a College Park bar says Maryland football player Justin Lewis punched him in the face after accusing him of "looking at his girl." ... Legendary Colts tight end John Mackey, who died on Wednesday, used to bull his way past the goal line, dragging tacklers on his back. ... Michael Phelps might have a secret girlfriend.

Mitch Atkins, making his Orioles debut and his first big league start, allowed just one run in six innings on Tuesday night, but Jim Johnson couldn't lock it down in the 4-2 loss to the Rangers. ... After several months of trying to play through a torn labrum in his shoulder, Luke Scott finally shut things down with hopes he can return in a few weeks after rest and rehabilitation. ... Brian Matusz¿s struggles continued in Triple-A Norfolk as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two homers. ... Former Ravens fullback Lorenzo Neal was arrested for driving under the influence on the Fourth of July. ... Justin Lewis, Maryland's starting right guard last season, was dismissed by Randy Edsall on Tuesday. ... Baltimore native Steve Kolbe, the Capitals' radio play-by-play announcer the past 14 seasons, might not be back next season.

Chris Jakubauskas and Alfredo Simon gave up six runs apiece Monday night as the Orioles were overwhelmed in a 13-4 loss to the Rangers. ... The Orioles will purchase the contract of Mitch Atkins so he can start Tuesday night's game against the Rangers. ... About a year ago, when the Orioles were in Texas before the All-Star Break, Buck Showalter was contemplating whether he should return to baseball. ... Orioles catcher Matt Wieters was selected to his first career All-Star Game on Sunday, but Adam Jones trails Paul Konerko in voting for the final spot.

He has more hits than Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, a higher career batting average than Mickey Mantle and a higher postseason average than Joe DiMaggio. And it won't be long before Derek Jeter is a new lord of New York Yankees lore.

After one of the worst outings of his career in a loss to the Cardinals, struggling starter Brian Matusz was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday night. ... After the game, Matusz was relatively upbeat about his demotion, saying he will use it for motivation. ... The Orioles will recall a reliever from the minors for Friday¿s game in Atlanta, and the most likely candidate is Double-A Bowie left-hander Pedro Viola. ... Three local sports talk show hosts -- Stan "The Fan" Charles, Jerry Coleman and Rob Long -- were without a home at radio station WVIE (1370 AM) as of Friday morning when the station started moving to a mainly network news/talk format.

The Orioles, who got a short outing from starter Chris Jakubauskas and another punchless performance by the offense, are a season-high seven games under .500 after a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals. ... Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail touched base with J.J. Hardy's agent this week to begin talks about a potential contract extension for the hot-hitting shortstop. ... The inability of the Baltimore rotation to go deep into games led to the release of reliever Clay Rapada on Wednesday. ... All signs point to the NFL and players inching closer to a labor agreement that would not only save the season but keep training camps and exhibition games intact. ... Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom won't race again this season.

Prized left-hander Zach Britton allowed four earned runs in five-plus innings Tuesday night and remained with just one victory since May 1 as the Orioles lost to the Cardinals, 6-2. ... Orioles manager Buck Showalter acknowledged that he has some concern about Vladimir Guerrero, who has struggled to drive in runs as the club's cleanup hitter. ... The Bowie Baysox placed Billy Rowell, the Orioles' 2006 first-rounder, on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. ... Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco married his longtime girlfriend on Saturday in a low-key ceremony in Philadelphia. ... Brooks Laich signed a six-year, $27 million deal to stay with the Capitals.

President Obama's campaign to cut waste is more about campaigning than actually cutting government.

Brian Roberts still isn't ready to give a timetable for his return, but the Orioles second baseman feels he is making legitimate progress for the first time since starting to experience concussion symptoms May 16. ... Orioles starter Chris Jakubauskas faces a rematch with Lance Berkman, the hitter who put him in the hospital with a hard line drive to the head. Jakubauskas will start Wednesday against the Cardinals. Zach Britton pitches the opener Tuesday, and Brian Matusz is listed as Thursday's starter. ... Former Orioles manager Davey Johnson lost his Nationals debut on Monday. ... The Capitals hope Troy Brouwer will provide some elusive leadership.

The Orioles homered three times in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Reds and finished with nine in the three-game series. ... Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Brian Matusz needs to figure out how to pitch with the stuff he's got because his velocity might not come back this year. ... Jake Arrieta said he threw about 40 pitches in a bullpen session and felt good, but he still expects to skip his Wednesday start. ... After hitting two home runs over the weekend, Derrek Lee is hoping he has finally found the right rhythm with his swing. ... Football readiness was a big factor in the Ravens' decision to not hold training camp at McDaniel College this summer.

Weeks of community meetings and dialogue with Sheppard Pratt Health System officials have done little to ease the minds of neighbors to a mental health outpatient facility slated to open in Ruxton this fall.

High-tech jurors

Westminster became one of the early casualties of the NFL lockout Wednesday when the Ravens canceled this year's training camp at McDaniel College. ... With Blake Davis' decisive error in the fifth inning Wednesday, the Orioles had their defining play on a disappointing road trip and an easy scapegoat in their 5-4 loss to the Pirates. ... Jake Arrieta's next start will be pushed back four days as he deals with inflammation in his right elbow. ... Reliever Jeremy Accardo has cleared waivers and accepted his assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. ... Maryland will play two more football games at M&T Bank Stadium, against West Virginia in 2013 and Virginia Tech in 2014. ... Baltimore native Josh Selby is focused on becoming a steal in the NBA draft.

Jeremy Guthrie allowed six runs Tuesday night and the Orioles couldn't dig out of that early hole in a 9-3 loss to the Pirates. ... Second baseman Brian Roberts was not cleared to begin baseball activities during his third appointment with a concussion specialist, a development that pushes back his return until after the All-Star break. ... Orioles pitching prospect Dan Klein has been diagnosed with a shoulder injury that won't require surgery but could end his season. ... Ravens safety Ed Reed still isn't "100 percent" healthy. ... The next time NFL owners meet over labor, there is hope it will be to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the players.

The Orioles scored five runs in the first inning Monday night and knocked out overmatched Pirates starter Charlie Morton after the second en route to an 8-3 victory. ... Jeremy Guthrie will start Tuesday against the Pirates, four days after he was diagnosed with a muscle strain in his back. ... Luke Scott and Brian Matusz appear to be OK after suffering injuries on Sunday.

Sunday marks 25 years since former Maryland basketball player Len Bias was pronounced dead of a cocaine overdose after his body began to shake uncontrollably in his College Park dorm room.

The Orioles finally ended their seemingly interminable losing streak at Rogers Centre with a 4-3 win on Thursday afternoon, but they might have lost one of their most important players to injury. Starter Jeremy Guthrie, who pitched well before leaving the win over the Blue Jays, expects to see team physician Dr. John Wilckens Friday in Baltimore to have his upper back strain evaluated. ... Orioles designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero picked up his 2,500th career hit (his 2,501st may come as a pinch-hitter). ... Golden Boy Michael Phelps said there is no doubt he won't win eight gold medals in the London Olympics because he isn't competing in eight events.

The Orioles have now dropped 16 straight games in Toronto after Wednesday's 4-1 loss, and you can give credit to Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero and a big-swing offense for this latest humbling. ... Brian Roberts woke up with headaches Wednesday and was told to hold off from "exertional and vestibular exercises" for the day. ... The Orioles placed Alfredo Simon on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Jason Berken. ... Former Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez, now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, is in his native Venezuela this week as part of a U.S. State Department "sports diplomacy" program. ... Boston won its first Stanley Cup in 39 years and Vancouver showed its hospitality by sending the Bruins off with a celebratory bonfire.

Council members were all touched by Hatem or his family

Life in Canada was no different for the Orioles on Tuesday, as the Blue Jays won, 6-5, in 11 innings when Adam Lind hit a walk-off home run against reliever Koji Uehara. ... Mark Connor, who has been with Buck Showalter in each of his four stops as manager, resigned as pitching coach, citing personal reasons. ... The drumbeat of an NFL labor resolution grew louder with rumblings that a deal -- or at least the framework of one -- could be reached within the next month. ... Despite three transfers, two early departures and two academic casualties in recent weeks, Maryland football coach Randy Edsall remains positive. ... The MRI on Orioles pitching prospect Dan Klein's shoulder was inconclusive and he will fly to California for further testing.

Video: Whole Foods Parking Lot

Andy MacPhail acknowledged that the Orioles have had internal discussions about a potential extension for J.J. Hardy and he's hoping to initiate contract talks with the shortstop's agent next month. ... Although the namesake of the Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game was unable to attend the annual event at Camden Yards on Monday, the Orioles legend wasn't far from the thoughts of those participating. ... When Mark Turgeon was asked about his frontcourt Monday, the Maryland men's basketball coach inhaled deeply like a swimmer about to take a plunge. ... Sergio Kindle says that he was cleared to resume playing football back in March.