Ravens CB Jimmy Smith out for first few games of season on domestic violence charge
The seventh season defensive backfielder will sit out due to allegations from a former girlfriend
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has been suspended after the the NFL found evidence of “threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors” toward a former girlfriend.
On Tuesday, the league suspended the defenseman for the first four games of the regular season for violating the personal conduct policy, ESPN reports. The move stems from a petition filed by the mother of his oldest child who accused him of domestic violence.
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“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,” Smith said in a statement. “I take full responsibility for my past conduct,” he continued. “Moving forward, I will work with the NFL and the Ravens to ensure that what happened in the past will never happen again. I will take all necessary steps to be a positive role model for both my sons, for the NFL and for the entire Ravens community.”
The Ravens confirmed that Smith can return to the team on Oct. 1, once his suspension ends.
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“As a result of this entire process, we will allow Jimmy to return to our team after his suspension,” the Ravens said in its own statement. “Jimmy has acknowledged his behaviors were wrong and accepts full responsibility for them. He has completed a clinical evaluation and has agreed to undertake any follow-up care or treatment that may be recommended.”
Smith was originally suspended for six games but he appealed and it was reduced by two.
The Ravens will be without him for their games against the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Smith has played his entire career with the Ravens, drafted as the 27th pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Last season he had 28 tackles and three interceptions.
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