A key allegation in the criminal case involving Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is now being disputed by the mother of his child, who says she told a prosecutor five days after the June incident that Bateman never pushed or struck her.
Marissa Crumley authorized Bateman’s attorneys to provide TMZ Sports with a June 8 email in which she said she wanted prosecutors to hear the “true side of the story.” She specifically withdrew her earlier allegation that Bateman had shoved her into a wall.
Bateman was arrested June 3 in Walton County, Georgia, and faces charges of battery-family violence, reckless conduct and first-degree criminal damage to property stemming from an altercation involving Crumley and the couple’s then-3-month-old daughter.
Bateman’s attorney has maintained that the family situation was taken out of context. The Ravens notified the NFL after the arrest became public in August, and league spokesman Brian McCarthy said the matter remains under review.
Crumley Says Bateman Never Pushed or Put His Hands on Her
Crumley’s June 8 email directly contradicts one part of the account she initially gave investigators. According to earlier reporting based on the arrest warrant, Crumley told authorities that Bateman shoved her into a corner wall during an argument at their shared home in Monroe, Georgia. Officers reported observing multiple marks or contusions on her face that she initially attributed to that confrontation.
In the later email, however, Crumley wrote, “He did not push me or put hands on me in any way.” She also said the bruises and marks photographed by officers were self-inflicted “out of emotion and frustration” and claimed she had made untrue statements because she was upset and wanted Bateman “in trouble.”
Crumley further alleged that officers pressured her to identify Bateman and objected to police lifting her head wrap while photographing her face. She also wrote that she and Bateman were not violent toward one another, still loved each other and wanted to create a healthier situation for their daughter.
The Car-Damage Allegations Remain a Separate Part of the Case
@twotonesportsyt Rashod Bateman has been charged with family violence in Georgia, per TMZ Sports. Court documents say the Ravens receiver allegedly used an object to break the windshield and driver’s side window of his ex’s car around 6 AM on June 3, and that the couple’s 3-month-old was in a car seat in the back row. The alleged victim had small cuts to her face from the glass, per the arrest warrant. Bateman surrendered to the Walton County Sheriff the same day, per his attorneys. He has not been convicted. #NFL #Ravens #RashodBateman #Baltimore #Football ♬ original sound – TwoToneSports
According to NFL.com and reporting based on the Walton County arrest warrant, authorities accuse Bateman of using an object to break the windshield and driver’s-side window of Crumley’s 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB. Their daughter was strapped into a car seat behind the driver’s seat at the time, according to the warrant.
Police said shattered glass caused multiple small lacerations to Crumley’s face. The Baltimore Sun reported that officers also found glass in the baby’s hair and car seat. EMS reportedly observed no apparent injury to the infant, although both mother and child were taken to a hospital. The warrant additionally alleges that Bateman used a screwdriver in an attempt to puncture the vehicle’s rear driver’s-side tire.
Bateman Turned Himself In and the No-Contact Order Was Later Modified
Bateman turned himself in to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office later on June 3 and was released after posting an $8,000 bond. A court initially prohibited him from having contact with Crumley. Court records later showed that she supported allowing the two to resume contact.
In July, a judge modified the restriction so that it could become a “no violent contact” order once Bateman completes a family violence intervention program.
PEOPLE reported the same progression, while Bateman’s personal attorney, Jordan Siev, has urged against drawing conclusions before the case is resolved.
“It is unfortunate that a personal family situation has been taken completely out of context for sensational reasons,” Siev said. “We will let the court process play out and the facts will come out at that time.” Bateman has not been convicted of the charges.
The NFL Is Still Reviewing the Case
“We are aware of the situation involving Rashod and have been in direct communication with him,” the team said. “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.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy separately confirmed that the league was reviewing the matter. The NFL’s disciplinary process is separate from the Georgia criminal case, meaning the league can conduct its own investigation under the Personal Conduct Policy.