Report: Ravens CB Jimmy Smith expected to be suspended

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the deepest teams in the league at the cornerback position, which is something that should serve them well in the first few weeks of the season if a recent report from The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec is true. According to Zrebiec, number one corner Jimmy Smith is facing a multi-week suspension to start the year in accordance with a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy:

According to Zrebiec, the possible suspension is related to a child custody case between Smith and Micaela Sanchez, the mother of his first child. Zrebiec cites a November report from the Baltimore Sun that detailed allegations toward Smith of domestic violence and illegal drug use by Sanchez.

While Smith has denied these charges, the suspension is expected to come through soon, as is the appeal he is preparing for. Neither Smith nor the Ravens were available to comment on the report, but the article states Baltimore has been aware of this situation.

This would explain some things that have been recently transpiring in Baltimore, specifically the team’s interest in free agent corner Bashaud Breeland. At the time, the move didn’t appear to make sense, considering the depth they had at the position, which opened up speculation to something like this eventually coming down.

The Ravens appear to be fine at corner for now as they have a solid rotation and good depth even without Smith in the picture. Rather, this calls into question the historically troubled player’s future with Baltimore, as Smith has proven to be injury-prone and somewhat troublesome off of the field.

As the situation continues to develop (including updates on the eventual appeal process), Baltimore Beatdown will be sure to keep you updated. Be sure to stay with us as this process continue to unfold.