Torrey Smith, Ravens players frustrated over Anquan Boldin trade
When word surfaced on Monday that the Minnesota Vikings had traded Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks, Adrian Peterson was not shy about expressing his disappointment on Twitter. Later in the day, the Baltimore Ravens traded playoff hero Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers. As you might expect, his teammates were just as disappointed.
The Ravens had made it quite clear that Boldin needed to take a pay cut to remain with the team, and it seemed unlikely that they would be able to find a trade partner given the fact that they had given up most of their leverage. However, San Francisco offered a sixth-round pick and Baltimore pulled the trigger. This did not please Torrey Smith.
This business is BS at times
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 11, 2013
As CSNBaltimore.com pointed out, a number of other Ravens players were also disappointed and confused after learning that the man who caught four touchdown passes in the playoffs en route to a Super Bowl championship had been dealt.
I hate the business side of this league! Don’t get me wrong I understand it though.@anquanboldin you will be missed bro! Respect big bro.
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) March 11, 2013
RT @torreysmithwr: RT @ravensinsider: Anquan Boldin traded to 49ers for a sixth-round pick….WHAT!!! Wtf wow
— VontaLeach44 (@vleach44) March 11, 2013
Damn! Y we did that?
— Christian Thompson (@C_33_T) March 11, 2013
It’s not uncommon for players to be angry when losing a teammate they were close with. When a team wins a Super Bowl, the sense of brotherhood in the locker room tends to be even stronger. It’s the responsibility of owners and coaches to make the best decisions they can from a business standpoint. Any player who has spent time in the NFL should know better than to be surprised by a veteran player being traded or released.