Rashod Bateman calls out Ravens GM after comments critical of team’s WRs: ‘Stop pointing the finger at us’

Rashod Bateman was not happy with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta after the executive shot at Baltimore’s wide receiver at the 2023 NFL Combine.

The issue stemmed from a question about DeCosta’s receiver design problems over the past few seasons.

Instead of defending the players he has on the list, DeCosta insulted Bateman and co. in his response.

“If I had an answer, that would probably mean I had some better receivers,” DeCosta quipped per Sarah Ellison. “We will keep swinging. There were some successful players for us who were draft picks. We never really met this all-pro guy, which is disappointing, but it’s not a lack of effort.”

“It’s one of those anomalies that I really can’t explain, other than to say we’re not going to stop trying,” he added. “We’re going to keep swinging and hopefully hitting the ball out of the park at one of those points.”

MORE: What exclusive vs. non-exclusive franchise tags mean for Lamar Jackson, Ravens

Bateman, who was first-round draft pick by DeCosta and the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft, was naturally upset by those comments.

The third-year pro lashed out at DeCosta in a tweet that he deleted shortly after posting it.

“How about you play on the strength of your players and stop pointing fingers at us and [quarterback Lamar Jackson]’ Bateman wrote. “Blame whoever you let do this. … We heat around the clock. And keep us healthy. … Take care of the US and see what happens. Ain’t no promises tho. … I’m tired of you guys lying and attacking players for no reason.

Bateman’s post reads not only as a throwback to DeCosta, but also as a critique of former offensive line coordinator Greg Roman and strength and conditioning coach Steve Saunders. Roman notoriously had an offensive scheme that wasn’t receiver-friendly, and that’s one of the reasons Hollywood asked Brown to be traded away from Baltimore last offseason.

MORE: Latest SN NFL Mock Draft 2023 | Top 125 large board

Meanwhile, Saunders has been criticized by several players for not keeping them sane. Bateman seemed to acknowledge this when he retweeted a post that pointed to the change in strength and conditioning as potentially positive for him.

Bateman certainly has a point in his criticism, and shooting at his receiving corps probably wasn’t DeCosta’s best move, even if it was a motivational tactic.

Even so, Bateman quickly realized that taking the post was a mistake. As such, he created an apology post and tweeted it shortly after his initial tweet made the rounds.

Of course, deleting the tweet didn’t stop it from circulating on social media thanks to some screenshots. That prompted some of Bateman’s current and former teammates – including running back Mike Davis, who was cut midseason – to back up his statement.

So now the Ravens’ dirty laundry will be for everyone to see as DeCosta and company navigate a tricky offseason.

MORE: Lamar Jackson tops list of best free agents available in 2023

First, an attempt is made to finalize the contract extension negotiations with Lamar Jackson. They remain “optimistic” about the possibility of an agreement.

But second on the list could give an olive branch to Bateman and any other recipient who might have been offended by DeCosta’s assessment.