Patriots Punish Rookie for Unacceptable Social Media Activity
By Jovan Alford
The New England Patriots are preparing for their Week 1 tilt on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, before Sunday’s kickoff, the Patriots had to take care of an off-the-field issue involving one of their rookies from this year’s draft class. On Monday, New England first-year head coach Jerod Mayo addressed rookie Javon Baker’s angry Instagram Live rant about a traffic ticket on Sunday.
According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Mayo said the rant “in no way” represents the Patriots organization. The first-year head coach also said he and Baker had a conversation and the rookie has been punished. However, Baker will not miss a game.
NFL News: Patriots Punish Javon Baker For Instagram Rant
Mayo says Javon Baker's angry Instagram Live rant after getting a traffic ticket yesterday "in no way" represents the #Patriots organization.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 2, 2024
Mayo said the two had a conversation and Baker has been punished, but not to the point he will miss a game.
If you are Baker, this isn’t the best way to start your career. The rookie wide receiver didn’t have an impressive showing in the preseason, which was disappointing, considering Ja’Lynn Polk has made plays and looks to be a starter in Week 1.
The former UCF receiver was taken in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Baker instantly became a fan-favorite of Pats fans due to the social media videos he posted after the draft that showed his confidence.
However, even though Bill Belichick is not running the show anymore in New England, there’s still a standard and way you must conduct yourself as a member of the Patriots. The fact that Baker didn’t get suspended for a game is good, but he likely can’t afford any more off-the-field slip-ups for the rest of the season.
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