Third Ravens Player Arrested In Less Than A Month
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Ravens' reputation is on the line. For the third time in less than a month, the Ravens are dealing with the arrest of a player. This time, it's Jah Reid, a lineman caught up in a brawl at a strip club.
Mary Bubala has more.
Reid, a Ravens offensive lineman, is charged with two misdemeanor counts of battery after getting into a fight at The Red Garter Saloon in Key West, Fla. Reid is accused of head-butting a man and then punching a security guard in the face.
The 6'7", 340-pound player signed a $2.6 million rookie contract three years ago. He's now the third Raven to be arrested in just 22 days.
Ravens wide receiver Deonte Thompson was arrested late last month for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested just days before in Atlantic City, accused of hitting his fiancee during an altercation at an Atlantic City casino.
Dr. Ryan King White, an assistant professor of sports management at Towson University, says these arrests are having an impact on the once squeaky clean Ravens reputation of the last few years.
"What they do off the field matters to the fans--sometimes quite a bit. Still, how they play on the field means more to most people," White said. "That's how the team is going to move forward. Let's stop messing up off the field."
The Ravens have spoken out in each situation, saying they're waiting for more information and teammates are trying to remain supportive.
Monday, Raven Haloti Ngata spoke about Reid's situation.
"Jah, to me, is a great guy and I am kinda shocked. But he's a great guy and pretty sure he will do what's best for himself and his family and I know that he wants to represent the Ravens well, as well," Ngata said.
Reid was released Sunday on $2,000 bail. He's heading into his fourth season with the Ravens. He played in 10 games last season.
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