Associated Press
Thursday, November 22, 2007

OWINGS MILLS, Md., Nov. 21 -- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle was on the inactive list for six games this season with an illness the team described with one word: illness.

Rolle used a different word Wednesday to explain his absence, one that addressed his situation far more specifically.

Epilepsy.

Rolle kept it a secret for two months because he had trouble finding the right medication to keep his disorder in check.

"It's under control now. That's the main thing," he said. "Right now, I'm not scared."

Rolle, 31, was unaware of his condition, even though he had unknowingly experienced minor seizures for around two years. During the third week of September, however, he had one major seizure. Then another. Rolle missed three straight games. Stricken with seizures, headaches and memory loss, he wondered if his career was over.

"I didn't know if I could play, if I would be all right or anything," he said. "It was very scary."

Rolle was provided medicine from a specialist, which seemed to do the trick. He returned to play for two straight weeks, and then it happened again: another seizure.

"I was like, 'Man, what's the problem?' " Rolle said.

The problem was that the medication wasn't right. His prescription has since been corrected, and now he's ready to resume his career, even though the Ravens have a losing record and very little chance of reaching the playoffs.

"I'm very excited. The season hasn't gone like we wanted it, and most people ask me: 'Why are you coming back? You're 4-6.' " he said. "These are my teammates and I love playing. It's time to come back. I can play, I can continue to play and I can do so as long as I'm healthy."

Ravens Note: Defensive end Trevor Pryce was placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.