NFL receiver, former first-round pick arrested for battery

Overview

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is facing multiple charges, including family violence battery, reckless conduct, and first-degree criminal damage to property, following an incident on June 3. The NFL is also conducting its own review under the personal conduct policy, according to the league's chief spokesman.

The Incident and Charges

Authorities allege that Bateman smashed the windshield and driver's side window of a car belonging to the alleged victim, his child's mother. The arrest warrant states that glass shattered, leading to multiple small cuts on her face, and that the couple's 3-month-old child was also in the vehicle at the time. Bateman surrendered to the Walton County Sheriff later that day, according to his attorneys, and the case reportedly remains ongoing.

Court records obtained by TMZ detail the charges: family violence battery, reckless conduct, and criminal damage to property in the first degree, which is a felony. The charges are based on the alleged actions described in the arrest warrant.

NFL and Team Response

The NFL is launching its own investigation into the matter. Chief NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said, "The club has been in contact with the league regarding the matter, which is under review of the personal conduct policy." If the league finds that Bateman violated the policy, he could face an unpaid suspension of six games.

The Baltimore Ravens issued a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation involving Rashod and have been in direct communication with him. We notified the league office and have been cooperating throughout the process. As this is a pending legal matter, we will not have further comment."

Attorney's Statement

Bateman's attorney, Jordan Siev, released a statement saying, "It is unfortunate that a personal family situation has been taken completely out of context for sensational reasons. We will let the court process play out, and the facts will come out at that time."

Context and Background

Bateman was not present for Baltimore's voluntary offseason workouts in May and June because of "some personal things," according to Ravens defensive coordinator Declan Doyle at the time, but it's unclear if his absence was directly related to his arrest.

Bateman, 26, was drafted by the Ravens with the No. 27 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Minnesota. He has played 64 games in five seasons, hampered by injuries, and has recorded 2,147 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his NFL career.