The Baltimore Ravens announced on Thursday afternoon that they have released running back Bernard Pierce in the wake of his arrest for driving while under the influence. If what he told police early Wednesday morning is any indication, the 24-year-old saw it coming.
According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, Pierce told police on his way to being booked that the Ravens were likely going to cut him.
“Do you know what happened the last time a Ravens player got a DUI?” Pierce reportedly asked an arresting officer. “I’m getting cut tomorrow, not like you care.”
A team source told Wilson earlier on Wednesday that the Ravens look at every situation independently and that Pierce would not necessarily be released, but apparently the team had no interest in dragging out the decision.
Pierce is the third Ravens player to be arrested this offseason. Defensive tackle Terrence Cody, who was arrested on felony animal cruelty and misdemeanor drug charges, and cornerback Victor Hamilton, who was busted for DUI, were released shortly after their arrests.
Of course, the team’s decision was likely made easier by Pierce’s uninspiring performance in 2014. After Ray Rice was suspended and given the boot, Pierce had a chance to run away with the feature back job. Instead, it was 29-year-old Justin Forsett who put together a Pro Bowl season and rushed for over 1,200 yards. Pierce averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in limited duty.
