National Football League

Harbaugh backs off radio comments

Published May. 1, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh has backtracked on radio comments he made earlier Tuesday.

Harbaugh told a local station that New England's championships ''got asterisks now; it's been stained'' while referring to the Spygate scandal of 2007.

The Ravens soon after sent out a statement from Harbaugh to clarify what he said, claiming there was ''some distortion.''

Harbaugh says in his statement that his ''reference was to the perception out there that came as the result of the league's actions.'' He said he could have been clearer and that ''I totally believe that the Patriot and Saint coaches and players earned those championships. Bill (Belichick) and Sean (Payton) both know that.''