Baltimore Ravens Suspend Diontae Johnson for Refusing to Play
The drama in Baltimore just hit a new level. The Baltimore Ravens announced Wednesday that they have suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. This decision comes after Johnson reportedly refused to enter Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, you read that right—he flat-out refused to play. Talk about a bold move.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta didn’t mince words when explaining the situation. The suspension will be served in Week 15 against the New York Giants, as Baltimore is on its bye week right now. That means Johnson has some time to reflect on his actions, but the question remains: will this suspension be enough to get him back on track?
Johnson’s Struggles in Baltimore
Let’s break this down. Since joining the Ravens, Johnson’s performance has been, well, underwhelming to say the least. In four games with Baltimore, he has just one catch for six yards. Yes, you read that correctly—one catch. For a player who was supposed to add depth to the Ravens’ receiving corps, those numbers are far from impressive.
It’s a stark contrast to his time with the Carolina Panthers, where he was leading the team in receptions (30), receiving yards (357), and touchdown catches (three) through the first seven games of the season. The Ravens acquired Johnson on October 29 in what was considered a low-risk trade. They sent a fifth-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Johnson and a sixth-round selection. The Panthers even picked up most of Johnson’s remaining salary, leaving Baltimore to pay just $625,000. At the time, it seemed like a steal. Now? Not so much.
What Went Wrong?
Johnson’s debut with the Ravens on November 7 showed a glimmer of hope. He caught his only pass for Baltimore while playing five snaps. But things quickly went downhill. Over the next three games, he was targeted three times and failed to record a single reception. He played just 17 snaps during that stretch. For a player with Johnson’s resume, those numbers are baffling.
Let’s not forget, Johnson was a third-round pick in 2019 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over his career, he has totaled 422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns while playing for Pittsburgh, Carolina, and now Baltimore. Those are solid career stats, but his recent performance—or lack thereof—raises serious questions about his fit with the Ravens.
What’s Next for Johnson and the Ravens?
So, where do the Ravens go from here? And what does this mean for Johnson’s future in Baltimore? Here are a few key takeaways:
- Team Chemistry: Refusing to play is a major red flag. It not only impacts Johnson’s reputation but also raises concerns about team chemistry. The Ravens are in the thick of the playoff race, and distractions like this are the last thing they need.
- Trade Fallout: The trade for Johnson was supposed to be a low-risk move, but it’s starting to look like a misstep. With minimal financial investment, the Ravens won’t take a huge hit, but the lack of production is still a disappointment.
- Johnson’s Future: At 28 years old, Johnson still has time to turn things around, but he’ll need to prove that he’s committed to the team. The suspension could be a wake-up call—or it could be the beginning of the end for his time in Baltimore.
For now, all eyes will be on Week 15 when the Ravens face the Giants. Will Johnson bounce back after his suspension, or will this saga continue to spiral out of control? One thing’s for sure: the Ravens’ playoff hopes could hinge on how this situation unfolds.
Stay tuned, because this story is far from over. The Ravens have a lot to figure out, and Johnson has a lot to prove. Buckle up, Baltimore fans—it’s going to be an interesting ride.
Originally Written by: Jamison Hensley
