The Baltimore Ravens still boast one of the NFL’s top defenses. Among those factoring in to that unit’s success is veteran starting cornerback Jimmy Smith, who missed the final four games of last season to both an injury and a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Seemingly healthy heading into the 2018 season, it now looks like the 30-year-old Smith is once again in trouble with the NFL.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Athletic, Baltimore is bracing for Smith himself to be suspended multiple games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
“The team is bracing for a multi-week suspension of Smith for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy, according to multiple sources. Smith, 30, is appealing the suspension,” the report noted. “He left the team over the weekend after the two days of joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and was scheduled to meet with league officials Monday as part of the appeal process.”
While it’s unclear what the violation is, the league had been looking into a custody battle between Smith and the mother of his first child, Micaela Sanchez. She previously alleged that he used illegal drugs last year and was a physical aggressor in the relationship.
A former first-round pick of the Ravens back in 2011, Smith has started 68 games in seven seasons and remains their best cover corner. Any long-term suspension would obviously be a major blow for Baltimore.