The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC North in 2025 thanks to a missed field goal by Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop. The two franchises have gone back and forth for decades and that is expected to continue in 2026 with both organizations having new coaching staffs. A lot of the same talent from the respective rosters returns, however. Unfortunately for the operation down in Maryland, an off-the-field incident could affect the season preparation for the team. Reports surfaced on Friday evening that a star wide receiver had a run in with the law after something occurred with his family.
Phil Hoffmann / Baltimore Ravens Photos
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman runs with the football as he looks to evade a Cleveland browns defender during a professional football game.
Rashod Bateman was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Baltimore. The Steelers haven't seen him truly explode onto the scene, as the pass-catcher has never had a campaign where he posted over 800 receiving yards. He is now going to have more than just football to think about following an arrest that was made recently.
TMZ broke the news on Friday, reporting that Bateman was involved in a violence incident and his three-month-old child was involved. It isn't a great look for the wide receiver.
"NFL star Rashod Bateman is accused of family violence in Georgia after he allegedly smashed the windows of his baby mama's car ... while his 3-month-old was inside ... TMZ has learned."
More details were released by TMZ, and it's safe to say that the situation seems pretty serious. A legal process will certainly play out, but this is not a great development for Baltimore with the regular season on the horizon.
"Authorities claim Rashod used an object to break the windshield and driver's side window of the alleged victim's 2021 Benz," TMZ wrote. "According to the arrest warrant, glass shattered and caused multiple small lacerations to the alleged victim's face. The officer noted they saw some glass in her face when talking to her and multiple contusions to her face."
Nothing suggested that the baby was injured during the confrontation; however, it appears as if the mother of the child allegedly was. The Ravens also made a comment about what has transpired.
"A spokesperson for the Baltimore Ravens tells TMZ ... "We are aware of the situation involving Rashod and have been in direct communication with him. We notified the league office and have been cooperating throughout the process. As this is a pending legal matter, we will not have further comment.""
That seems to be the only amount of information that fans from around the league will get about how Baltimore's brass is feeling about Bateman's potential involvement in this.
Lexi Thompson / Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2026; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Jesse Minter at press conference at Under Armour Performance Center.
New Head Coach Jesse Minter will now have to answer plenty of questions and it's not a great thing to deal with when his first year as the leader of the locker room is on the horizon. This shouldn't have much of an effect on the Steelers right now; however, it will be something to keep an eye on because of how the league office handles these cases.
Steelers Will Likely See Bateman In 2026
The NFL could decide to suspend the Ravens' wide receiver at some point, but the legal proceedings will probably have to happen first. The league is no stranger to off-the-field issues and, after there is more clarity brought about the allegations, it's very possible that discipline could come in 2027. For now, it's something to monitor with Week 1 so close.
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