Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he and his family love the city of Baltimore.
“I can just tell you this: My wife, my daughter and me, we love Baltimore,” Harbaugh said Monday while speaking to reporters. “We love the people in Baltimore — everywhere. Maybe it’s because people in Baltimore love the Ravens so much, but we’ve felt nothing but love here for the last 11 years.”
He added: “I think all big cities have challenges and problems. Baltimore is not unique here.”
The coach was asked about the city after President Donald Trump tweeted about Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, a Democrat, and Baltimore over the weekend.
On Saturday, Trump posted to Twitter: “Cumming District is a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess. If he spent more time in Baltimore, maybe he could help clean up this very dangerous & filthy place.”
The president’s tweets started a national discussion about the city.
Coach Harbaugh: "We love Baltimore" pic.twitter.com/j0IytQjaNj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 29, 2019
Harbaugh tried to play peacemaker and said that Trump and Cummings should “get together and work together” to address issues in Baltimore.
“Our prayer … is that the politicians to get together and work together,” Harbaugh said. “Can you imagine how powerful it would be if the two sides of the aisle, two guys like those two wonderful people, got together and solved some problems and found ways to make things better? I mean … that’s what we’re all rooting for.”
An editorial in The Baltimore Sun on Saturday took offense at the president’s words and slammed back at Trump.
Harbaugh has coached the team since 2008. The Ravens, who edged out the Steelers last season to win the AFC North and make the playoffs, were taking part in training camp in Owings Mills, Md.
