Veteran safety Chris Crocker had an interesting take on the Ravens losing their last week of voluntary sessions because of violations that involved the tempo used and the time taken: "It goes back to 'If you ain't cheatin,' you ain't trying.' At some point I can't blame the coaches because they're just trying to get ahead. But the (the Players Association) is there to protect the players so you've got to abide by the CBA."
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is known for having one of the more demanding schedules in the NFL, but Crocker says, "He's lightened up a lot. He's learned a lot over his years. I'm sure he pushed his limits the first couple of years, which everybody does. I can't complain. I've been in this game (eight years) and I've seen all types of coaches try to get by and try to be sly. It defintely happens. It's kind of hard to worry about these things. At the end of the day you can't really worry so much about, 'These coaches breaking these rules.' You have to take care of your own self and do what you need to do to be successful and help the team."
But Crocker said he heard the Ravens were in the facility until 6 and 7 p.m. and "that's too long."
"We follow the rules," he said. "Go six hours a day and we're out and that's how it's supposed to be."
» The Bengals had their team-building day Wednesday. Instead of practicing, they went to Schmidt Field on Eastern Avenue to put on their own softball tournament. Palmer, one of eight captains, said his team won through his expert drafting. He made former Angels farmhand Quan Cosby his top pick. "The underrated pick was Maurice (Purify) with the fourth pick," Palmer said.
» University of Cincinnati president Greg Williams, the cousin of assistant coaches Jay and Jon Hayes, attended Thursday's practice.
