Ravens CB Jimmy Smith suspended four games for 'threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors' toward ex-girlfriend
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith received a four-game suspension from the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
The Ravens released a statement saying the NFL found “evidence of threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors by Jimmy toward his former girlfriend,” calling it “inappropriate and wrong.”
The team also said it consulted domestic violence experts while reviewing the matter and that Smith has undergone clinical evaluation.
The #Ravens say in part: "“The NFL found evidence of threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors by Jimmy toward his former girlfriend that showed a pattern of improper conduct. Our player’s behavior was inappropriate and wrong." pic.twitter.com/j0vcusCji7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 21, 2018
This is the second four-game suspension Smith has received in the past calendar year. He received the same penalty late last season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancement substances, but he rode that punishment out while on the injured reserve list due to a torn Achilles.
The relationship in question has involved a long-running custody dispute, but the Ravens say that Smith’s custody and support issues have been resolved.
Smith offers apology
Smith released a statement to reporters, apologizing for his actions and saying he will try to be “a better person and better father.”
Statement from Jimmy Smith: “I would like to sincerely apologize to my former girlfriend, the NFL, the Ravens organization, my coaches, my teammates, my fiancée and all our fans. I'm very disappointed that my past actions have led to this suspension."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 21, 2018
More from Smith: "I believe I am, and will continue to try to be, a better person and a better father because of this. I am committed to being the best I can be, both on and off the field. … I take full responsibility for my past conduct."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 21, 2018
Smith will be eligible to return Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns.
While Smith is out, the Ravens are scheduled to face the Bills, Bengals, Broncos and Steelers, which means the team will face Kelvin Benjamin, A.J. Green, Demaryius Thomas and Antonio Brown without its top corner.
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