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Was offensive lineman Jah Reid an exception to the Ravens' most important rule?
By Spencer Levitt
We all know the Ray Rice story. It’s not disputed that the Baltimore Ravens’ tolerance with players’ off-field issues has become very little. In fact, many analysts predict that the Ravens will not be taking certain players in the upcoming NFL draft, solely because they’ve shown early signs of off-field issues.
“We think everything that you do off the field has an impact [on] what you do on the field, and vice versa,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “Discipline’s not like a lightswitch. You can’t just walk out of the building and all of a sudden turn it off, then walk back in and turn it on. Discipline is a way of life.”
Think back to the latest offseason news about former Ravens running back Bernard Pierce. Pierce was speeding along Dulaney Valley Road in Towson, Maryland just before two in the morning. Peirce then failed sobriety tests and was arrested. According to the police report, Peirce asked the officer, “Do you know what happened the last time a Ravens player got a DUI? I’m getting cut tomorrow, not like you care.”
Sure enough, Pierce was released by the Ravens. Even if Pierce was not cut, he was not going to be given the starting job in Baltimore. The Ravens had resigned running back Justin Forsett, who had an undeniably amazing year finishing fifth in most rushing yards last regular season. Pierce perhaps could have been on the path to take the seat right behind Forsett after running back Lorenzo Taliaferro had a season ending injury last year. However, the Ravens with an already established low tolerance level for problems off the field, told Pierce that the Ravens can do without him.
The Ravens showed how strict they are once again by cutting defensive tackle Terrence Cody. Cody, who is under investigation for animal cruelty, was already set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. However, the Ravens made a statement by cutting him before the official date that he would have become a free agent. Coach Harbaugh himself said, “It’s a privilege to play in the National Football League. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Ravens. There’s a standard to uphold there, and we expect them to [do that].” Obviously Cody did not uphold to the known ‘Ravens standard.’
The Ravens recently broke news of a one-year contract with offensive lineman Jah Reid. Although the deal is for the veteran minimum, the news was surprising to me. Reid has dealt with his fair share of injuries, including a broken hand and a calf injury. Active for only four games last season, offensive tackle Rick Wagner will own the starting spot over Reid after having an outstanding year.
The main reason Reid’s contract shocked me is because Reid was arrested last season. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, “Reid was arrested and charged with two misdemeanor battery counts of battery following an altercation at a strip club in Key West, Fla.” After an argument with 21-year old Edmond Mussa, “Reid then allegedly charged Mussa and head-butted him, followed by the NFL player punching the man and causing him to fall to the ground. Reid allegedly began kicking Mussa once he was on the ground.” Wilson also said, “When security guard David Smith intervened, police said Reid punched Smith in the face.” Reid was arrested at 3:14 A.M., later being released on a $2,000 bond according to Monroe County Jail records.
I understand that maybe Reid was not cut last season because of little depth at the offensive line position, or maybe it would have cost too much money to tear up his contract.
However, with ten picks in the upcoming draft, why resign Reid?
First of all, Reid has not lived up to his expectations as a 2011 third-round draft pick. Out of 64 possible games Reid could have played in, he’s only played in 35, hobbled with injuries. Second of all, players have been cut left and right for the past two years because of legal troubles.
Reid not being let go into free agency poses the question: Do the Ravens only act on well-known players? Defensive back Victor Hampton, who was arrested on charges of driving while impaired, was cut early in the year directly after the incident. Who has heard of Victor Hampton?
Nonetheless, the Ravens must see something special enough in Reid that’s forced them to pay less attention to what seems like their utmost concern, off-field issues, and more attention to whatever impact they believe he can have on the offensive line this coming season.
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