OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens intend to cut ties with defensive tackle Terrence Cody, who’s under investigation for animal cruelty.
The Ravens made no reference to the investigation Friday, when it issued a one-sentence news release that said Cody’s contract will be terminated after the Super Bowl.
A team spokesman, however, said, "We are aware there is an investigation."
The 26-year-old Cody is the subject of an ongoing probe launched by the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s office. No charges have been filed.
According to Cody’s agent, Peter Schaffer, Cody took his dog to a veterinarian for treatment and the pet subsequently died.
"If the dog was being treated cruelly, why take it to a vet?" Schaffer said in a telephone interview. "When the dog passed away, Terrence was in tears."
Schaffer called the investigation "shameful."
"It’s not even a story. It’s a joke," Schaffer said. "If he wasn’t a professional athlete, this would never have happened."
Schaffer said Cody paid around $8,000 for the purchase and transportation of the dog.
Cody was selected out of Alabama by the Ravens in the second round of the 2010 draft. Although he started all 16 games in 2011, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Cody never quite lived up to expectations.
He started only three games during Baltimore’s Super Bowl season in 2012 and started only once in 2013.
Cody missed the first 12 games of the 2014 season following hip surgery. He was activated on Nov. 4 but played in only one game, seeing limited action in Miami on Dec. 7.
His one-year, $730,000 contract was set to expire in March. Cody will then become an unrestricted free agent.
Schaffer said the timing of his dismissal from Baltimore stems from the current climate in the NFL, which includes the suspension of Ravens running back Ray Rice.
"The Ravens have to deal with a situation in the NFL created by overreaction," Schaffer said. "The young man’s dog died. They shouldn’t force a team to do this."
