Browse
Log in / Register
Share
January 15, 2024 – Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is facing an arrest warrant stemming from an alleged incident this summer, according to a report from TMZ. The 24-year-old former first-round pick is accused of attacking a woman’s vehicle while a newborn was inside. Bateman’s attorney has denied the allegations, and no arrests have been made as of now.
TMZ’s report, published Monday, states that the warrant was issued by authorities in the Baltimore area after a woman claimed Bateman attacked her car in a fit of rage. The woman reportedly had a newborn infant in the vehicle at the time. The specific location and date of the alleged incident were not immediately clear, but the report indicates it occurred sometime over the summer of 2023.
The warrant, obtained by the outlet, lists charges related to assault and property damage. Bateman has not been taken into custody, and it remains unclear whether he has voluntarily surrendered or is actively being sought by law enforcement.
Rashod Bateman was selected by the Ravens in the first round (27th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Minnesota. He was expected to be a key piece of Baltimore’s receiving corps, but injuries have limited his production. In two seasons, he has caught 61 passes for 800 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Ravens have relied on him as a deep threat, but his role has been inconsistent due to hamstring and groin issues.
Off the field, Bateman has kept a relatively low profile. This is his first known legal trouble since entering the league.
An arrest warrant signals that the authorities have probable cause to believe Bateman committed a crime. The specific charges (assault and property damage) are typically misdemeanors in Maryland, but could be elevated if the presence of a newborn is considered a factor. Under Maryland law, assault in the second degree can carry up to 10 years in prison, while malicious destruction of property over $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to 10 years as well.
If Bateman is arrested, he will likely be released on bail pending trial. His attorney has already issued a statement denying the allegations, which could indicate a defense strategy that disputes the woman’s account or claims self-defense.
The NFL’s personal conduct policy applies to all players, even for incidents that occur off the field and during the offseason. Commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to place players on the Commissioner’s Exempt List while investigations are pending, effectively suspending them with pay. In recent years, the league has taken a hard stance on domestic violence and assault allegations, even when charges are not immediately filed.
If Bateman is charged or the league’s investigation finds he violated the policy, he could face a suspension without pay. The length would depend on the severity of the incident and any prior history. Since Bateman has no known previous violations, a first-time offense under the policy typically results in a 2–6 game suspension.
As of Tuesday morning, the Baltimore Ravens have not issued a public statement regarding the arrest warrant. The team is currently in the middle of the 2023 season (which ended in January 2024), but Bateman was active for the Ravens’ playoff run. The organization typically waits for more information before commenting, but they could face questions from the media at their next availability.
This incident comes at a critical time for Bateman. The Ravens have a deep wide receiver room, including Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Nelson Agholor. Bateman is entering the third year of his
