NFL Suspends Ravens Cornerback Jimmy Smith Over Conduct

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has been suspended over allegations made by a former girlfriend, according to the Ravens. The NFL suspended Smith for violating its personal code of conduct.

After a four-game suspension without pay, the team said Smith would be eligible to play Oct. 1.

“The Ravens fully support the NFL’s decision," the Ravens said in a statement Tuesday.

"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," the statement continued.

“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," the Ravens said in a statement.

To determine its course of action, the Ravens consulted domestic violence and relationship experts and male and female Ravens executives as well as Smith, who accepted responsibility and committed to change.

"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," Smith said in a statement released by the Ravens. "I'm very disappointed that my past actions have led to this suspension. I promise that I have already learned much and will continue to learn more from this experience. 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."

Smith has undergone a clinical evaluation and committed to following through with any recommendations, according to a statement from the Ravens.

"Through our conversations with Jimmy, we believe he is taking the proper steps to improve and that he can change," the Ravens said. "Jimmy has assured us that he is fully dedicated to making this change. He also understands the consequences if he does not.”

Said Smith: “I take full responsibility for my past conduct. 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.”

This is breaking news and will be updated.

Ravens statement regarding the NFL’s four-game suspension of CB Jimmy Smith.
: https://t.co/rN0gu8VeRh pic.twitter.com/FrdldXlslX
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 21, 2018

Cornerback Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct. 15, 2017, in Baltimore. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)