Ravens Criticize CBS For Airing John Harbaugh Steelers Comments During Postgame Speech, Network Apologizes

The Baltimore Ravens criticized CBS-TV for airing footage from head coach John Harbaugh’s postgame speech without permission. Harbaugh bashed the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers after Baltimore’s 21-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

“The comments made by John Harbaugh in the locker room following today’s [Sunday's] victory over the Titans were meant for Ravens players and coaches only,” Kevin Byrne, Ravens senior vice president of public and community relations, said in a statement. “The CBS-TV crew that was in the locker room was told by Coach Harbaugh that it could not broadcast what he was about to say.”

“When Coach Harbaugh finished talking about various things happening around the NFL and in the AFC North, he told the crew that it could now use what he was going to say. Inexplicably, CBS-TV then aired comments Coach Harbaugh specifically said were not to leave the locker room. CBS-TV immediately pulled the video and apologized to the Ravens,” he added.

Harbaugh’s postgame speech included a reference to the Steelers’ 20-13 loss Sunday to the New York Jets. A week earlier, the Steelers defeated the Ravens 43-23.

“[The Steelers] beat us last week,” Harbaugh said. “Then they went and got their a -- kicked this week.”

Midway through his speech, Harbaugh warned CBS’ cameraman not to publicize the next portion of his message. “Is that NFL? Are you with us or them? Make sure that doesn’t get -- what I’m about to say doesn’t get talked about, OK?” he said.

CBS-TV acknowledged the error and apologized to the Ravens in a statement. “We broadcast a clip during our postgame show that should not have aired. We immediately pulled it down and called the Baltimore Ravens to apologize,” the network said.

Ravens running back Justin Forsett rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns against the Titans. Baltimore will play the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 11.