Ravens star Matthew Judon extorting ESPN reporter with strip club photo claim

More On:

nfl

Dez Bryant on why it didn’t work out with Ravens and what’s next

Here’s how many teams have called about a Russell Wilson trade

‘Done with football’: NFL Draft bust’s tweet adds to mess

Sam Darnold’s friends aren’t sure Jets return is what’s best

Unhappy over a report he claims is false, Ravens star Matthew Judon is trying to extort an apology and retraction.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported that Judon turned down a contract extension worth an average of about $16.5 million per season. The pass-rusher played on the franchise tag last season and is expected to become an in-demand free agent next month.

But, as first detailed by AwfulAnnouncing.com, Judon turned to social media to refute the news to his followers and call attention to Hensley.

“@jamison.hensley so I’m waiting on your ESPN sourced apology or I’m leaking these photos I got with you in the strip club,” Judon wrote.

It is unclear what photos are referenced, but it seems to be an extreme reaction. That was the escalation after several exchanges, beginning with Judon calling out Hensley’s “lying butt.” Hensley explained he was told the Ravens offered a deal similar to what pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith received in 2019 to leave the Ravens for the Packers.

Judon, 28, wanted Hensley to reveal his source and wrote, “if you can’t tell me that we’re all going to have to think you pulling stuff outta nowhere.”

Maintaining source confidentiality is a cardinal rule of journalism, so Hensley offered to add Judon’s response to his original report and “listen and explain” his reporting in a less-public forum.

The timing of the alleged contract offer is unclear. After franchise tags are handed out in March, a tagged player and his team have until July 15 to negotiate a contract extension. If no deal is struck by then, the one-year contract is set and negotiations are prohibited until after the season. The Ravens lost to the Bills in the playoffs on Jan. 16. 

The ESPN.com report now reads like this: “According to a source, the Ravens tried to strike a long-term deal with Judon this summer by offering him what Za’Darius Smith received in Green Bay (an average of $16.5 million) but he declined. Judon has disputed this report.”

Share this article:

Source: Read Full Article