Patriots Hint Player Was Benched in Week 1 for Off-Field Actions
The New England Patriots needed a total team effort to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, and that's exactly what they got en route to a 16-10 upset. However, there were a few players who didn't get to participate as gameday inactives, including wide receiver Javon Baker.
His inclusion on the DNP list was a bit of surprise, especially as a prized rookie and fourth-round pick from April's draft. Yet, the youngster also found himself in a bit of hot water with the organization over a video he posted to social media, and it seems that directly led to his benching.
Mayo wouldn't say if Javon Baker being a healthy scratch in week one was disciplinary or not, but does say the rookie needs to develop both on and off the field.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) September 11, 2024
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked directly on Wednesday if Baker being a healthy scratch was for a disciplinary reason. Mayo didn't fully attribute the decision to that, but he brought up the rookie developing both and off of the field, which subtly sends a message to Baker that his social media activity will impact his ability to suit up early on in his career.
New England's stern culture under Bill Belichick has loosened up a bit under Mayo, though it seems Baker's post about law enforcement following a speeding ticket has given the first-year HC an opportunity to make it clear what he won't allow in his locker room.
Baker also made things worse by saying he didn't regret his actions, so it actually isn't a shock he was benched after showing no remorse.
With this troublesome week in the rearview and the eyes of the organization on him even closer than before, hopefully Baker can move past this early blip to get back on the field for his team. The Pats could certainly use his playmaking to help this offense, but this situation has made it obvious Mayo won't trade a gameday boost for letting off-field controversy go.
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