Following his arrest Tuesday in Baltimore County for driving under the influence, Ravens punt and kickoff return specialist B.J. Sams is awaiting word on whether or not the NFL will hand down a suspension.
Sams was arrested early Tuesday morning after an off-duty Baltimore City police officer spotted Sams? vehicle swerving on I-83 north, nearly hitting another car. The officer notified an on-duty state police trooper, who pulled Sams over on I-695 and said there was a “strong” alcoholic beverage odor coming from Sams? car.
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Sams was then arrested and taken to the Golden Ring Barracks and processed. He was served several citations for traffic violations, including the DUI, and signed the documents.
The arrest was the third-year player?s second DUI in as many years. The NFL could cite Sams for also violating the league?s substance abuse policy and issue a four-game suspension.
Sams was not available for comment at the Ravens? Owings Mills facility Wednesday. In a statement, the Ravens said, “We?re aware of the situation. We?ve talked with B.J., and we will let due process take its course.”
After improving to 4-0 Sunday with a win over the San Diego Chargers, the Ravens have had to deal with a series of unfortunate incidents. On Monday, the team announced eight-year starter Edwin Mulitalo, a left guard, would miss the rest of the season after he tore his right triceps in the Chargers game. The news about Sams was a downer, too. He is having a standout season so far, ranking second in the league with an average kickoff return of 30.9 yards.
The Ravens will likely turn to second-year receiver Mark Clayton if the team or the league disciplines Sams. Ravens head coach Brian Billick had previously said Clayton would be an option to help in return packages, something Clayton said he would embrace. In 2005, Clayton returned six punts for 30 yards.
Another option could be undrafted rookie Cory Ross, who has not been active so far. Ross returned kicks during training camp.
Notes
The Ravens officially placed Mulitalo on injured reserve this week and signed guard Ikechuku Ndukwe off the Washington Redskins? practice squad. Ndukwe is a first-year player who graduated from Nebraska in 2005.
