Indiscipline and Consequences: Johnson Out of Baltimore

Baltimore Ravens have made the decision to release wide receiver Diontae Johnson after he refused to enter the game during week 13 of the NFL season against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

On December 1, Johnson refused to enter the game that Baltimore lost 24-19 to Philadelphia. His refusal came after Rashod Bateman, one of Baltimore's top receivers, was injured and didn’t return for the second half. Following this incident, Johnson was suspended for one game due to his indiscipline, a punishment he served during week 14 when he was not considered for the game where Baltimore defeated the New York Giants 35-14.

Return to Pittsburgh?

Although Diontae Johnson was ready to return for the week 16 game, where the Ravens would face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a crucial match for the top spot in the AFC North, John Harbaugh, head coach of Baltimore, and the team’s management decided to release him.

As part of his departure, Johnson waived any severance pay and agreed not to file complaints about his suspension. In exchange, he will be a free agent starting next Monday, seeking a new team to sign with. One team that could be interested in his services is Pittsburgh Steelers, his favorite team, with which Johnson had previously expressed his desire to return. "My time in Pittsburgh was very good, today I am a 'Raven', but you never know what the future holds," said the player, born in Tampa, Florida, on November 16.

A Career Full of Changes
Diontae Johnson entered the NFL when he was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2016 Draft, a team he played for until 2023. This season, he started with the Carolina Panthers but joined the Ravens after week seven, where he played in four games.

This is the second suspension case this season in the NFL for refusing to play. The first was De'Vondre Campbell, linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, who received an indefinite suspension last Monday, and he is also expected to be released by the team.