The Baltimore Ravens announced that they have released running back Bernard Pierce after he was arrested early Wednesday morning. Officers arrested Pierce for driving under the influence, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.
Ravens RB Bernard Pierce released after DUI arrest
Pierce reportedly failed field sobriety tests after he was pulled over for speeding. The Ravens cut ties with him shortly after.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Police said that Pierce, 24, was pulled over for driving 55 mph in a 30-mph zone and failed field sobriety tests. He was subsequently arrested and then released by police.
The Ravens released a very brief statement on Pierce’s arrest.
“We are aware of the situation and learning more about it. We take these matters seriously,” said a Ravens team spokesman.
The team cut him hours later.
Pierce has started just three games for the Ravens after he was selected by the team with a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. After averaging 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie, his production dropped to 2.9 in his second season and he split the difference in 2014 with a 3.9 yards per carry on average.
Running back Justin Forsett carried the load for Baltimore last season, putting up 235 carries for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns -- an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Pierce showed flashes here and there, but Forsett was re-signed this offseason and will be the starter going forward. He signed a three-year, $9 million deal with $3 million guaranteed.
Behind Forsett, there's Lorenzo Taliaferro and Fitzgerald Toussaint, which isn't an inspiring pair of players. Many expected the Ravens would use a high-round draft pick on a running back, and Pierce's release certainly makes that more likely.
Linebacker Victor Hampton was arrested for driving while intoxicated at the beginning of March and was released by the team shortly thereafter.
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