Baltimore Ravens: Terrance West Story Never Passed Smell Test
Dec 21, 2013; Cheney, WA, USA; Towson Tigers running back Terrance West (28) is brought down by Eastern Washington Eagles linebacker Ronnie Hamlin (39) during the first half at Roos Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
A Baltimore Ravens and Terrance West story came out in various sources right after the draft that the former Towson running back was desired by the Ravens for their 99th pick, but Cleveland jumped in and scooped him up just ahead of that at #94.
West began the story by telling a Cleveland newspaper,
"“They texted my agent and told him they were going to take me. The Browns came up before them and I’m here now. It’s all about the Browns, man.”"
Some reporters have been blasted by fans for not checking sources, etc. But it is a story whether it is true or not. In that West said it, and in that it was printed and reported, it is a story to simply talk about his quote. I chose not to repeat the story because it simply did not pass the smell test at all. Why would the Ravens or any team do that? To an agent?? Who could use the information to help another player or team work a deal that could be more lucrative for his client, and hence himself???
And sure enough, Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta said,
"“The report that we texted an agent or a player before one of our picks is fictitious.” Of course. Anyone who has ever seen the intensity of this guy would know that report could have never been true."
Marc Lillibridge, the agent for West, further clarified the matter by tweeting, “The @Ravens DID NOT text me and say they were selecting @Terrancewest28 w/ pick 99. Like any good agent, I had prepared a list of teams who showed sincere interest in Terrance. The Ravens were one of those teams. I texted him throughout entire 3rd round. The Browns traded up and got their man. End of story. Can we now just play some football?”
I would credit this as some communicative misunderstanding on Terrence West’s part. But I can also imagine the agent saying to him, “Now son, listen to me while I give you some good advice …”
In my predictions about the draft, I had West being taken at that 99th selection and would have liked it for that reason if nothing else. But time may tell that Lorenzo Taliaferro may be the better back in the NFL. I like his bigger size at 6-2, 230.