OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has been suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The suspension, announced Tuesday, stems from Smith’s behaviour toward his ex-girlfriend.
The Ravens released a statement that in part read: "The Ravens fully support the NFL’s decision. The NFL found evidence of threatening and emotionally abusive behaviours by Jimmy toward his former girlfriend that showed a pattern of improper conduct. Our player’s behaviour was inappropriate and wrong."
The suspension will take effect after the final mandated roster cuts on Sept. 1 and extend through Baltimore’s game at Pittsburgh on Sept. 30.
Smith, in a statement issued by the Ravens, said: "I promise that I have already learned much and will continue to learn more from this experience. … I take full responsibility for my past conduct."
Smith will be allowed to participate in all of the Ravens’ preseason activities, including games. The 30-year-old is one of Baltimore’s best defensive backs.
The team said it reviewed the case to decide whether to keep Smith on the roster.
"We convened a group of Ravens women and men executives, not directly involved with our football operations, to review the matter. We also engaged in conversations with Jimmy about his past behaviour and his intention to change," the statement said.
"Additionally, it is our understanding that following a long-running and difficult custody dispute with his former girlfriend and mother of his son, Jimmy has resolved his custody and support issues."
As a result, the Ravens will allow Smith to return after his suspension.
"Jimmy has acknowledged his behaviours 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. … Jimmy has assured us that he is fully dedicated to making this change. He also understands the consequences if he does not."
Smith has played seven seasons for Baltimore since being drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft. He started in 12 games last season before an Achilles tendon injury forced him to miss the team’s final four games. During those four weeks, he chose to accept an NFL suspension for using performance enhancers.
[relatedlinks]
