12-04-2024, 07:45 PM -
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5969975...ake-field/
The Baltimore Ravens have issued a one-game suspension to recently-acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson for refusing to take the field in Baltimore’s Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta wrote in a released statement. “Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles.”
The Ravens acquired Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick at the trade deadline, putting Johnson on his third team since March. Through the first four weeks with Baltimore, Johnson has played just 39 offensive snaps, catching one pass on five targets for six yards. Before his acquisition by the Ravens, Johnson posted 357 receiving yards and three touchdowns with the Panthers while posting the third-lowest yards per target (6.2) of his career.
Following Johnson’s refusal to take the field against Philadelphia, Ravens coach John Harbaugh gave some vague comments about Johnson’s status with the team.
“There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore, and see where we’re at,” Harbaugh said. “I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.”
Johnson’s growing frustration with his lack of involvement in the Ravens offense had become palpable in recent weeks. He’s been emotional after games, so much so that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has spent significant time with Johnson at his locker talking things through and trying to calm the emotional wide receiver down.
Things reached a boiling point during Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles after Johnson didn’t get on the field early in the game. The Ravens officially ruled starting wide receiver Bateman out early in the third quarter because a knee injury and Johnson declined numerous requests to play. — Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Ravens beat writer
The Baltimore Ravens have issued a one-game suspension to recently-acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson for refusing to take the field in Baltimore’s Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta wrote in a released statement. “Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles.”
The Ravens acquired Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick at the trade deadline, putting Johnson on his third team since March. Through the first four weeks with Baltimore, Johnson has played just 39 offensive snaps, catching one pass on five targets for six yards. Before his acquisition by the Ravens, Johnson posted 357 receiving yards and three touchdowns with the Panthers while posting the third-lowest yards per target (6.2) of his career.
Following Johnson’s refusal to take the field against Philadelphia, Ravens coach John Harbaugh gave some vague comments about Johnson’s status with the team.
“There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore, and see where we’re at,” Harbaugh said. “I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.”
Johnson’s growing frustration with his lack of involvement in the Ravens offense had become palpable in recent weeks. He’s been emotional after games, so much so that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has spent significant time with Johnson at his locker talking things through and trying to calm the emotional wide receiver down.
Things reached a boiling point during Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles after Johnson didn’t get on the field early in the game. The Ravens officially ruled starting wide receiver Bateman out early in the third quarter because a knee injury and Johnson declined numerous requests to play. — Jeff Zrebiec, Baltimore Ravens beat writer