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OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens safety Chuck Clark declined to speak about last week’s altercation with Earl Thomas that led to the seven-time Pro Bowl player’s release on Sunday.
Clark was punched out by Thomas towards the end of Friday’s practice after the two words traded on the sidelines over a failed cover by Thomas, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“Right now, as a team and as an organization, we are moving forward,” Clark said Monday in his first words since the incident. “We put this situation in the rear view.”
Clark is known as one of the quieter and more reserved players on the team. In a video posted by Thomas (and later deleted), Clark was so angry that the defense gave up a long touchdown – Thomas blitzed instead of falling into that area of the pitch – that he ripped off his own helmet and the threw to the ground.
When asked if he felt increased weight after Thomas was released, Clark replied, “I’m done dealing with that, honestly, and the organization too. So we’re just going to move on to this stage. “
After the fight with Clark, Thomas was sent home on Friday and told not to show up at the Ravens facility on Saturday. He was released by the Ravens on Sunday for “personal conduct which harmed” the team.
Clark became a starter last season when he replaced an injured Tony Jefferson. Known for his football intelligence, Clark was in charge of relaying calls from defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. He makes sure everyone is in the right position and tries to avoid any blanket failure.
One of the team’s most respected players, Clark has seen his teammates rally around him even more since the altercation with Thomas.
“Chuck is the guy the guys take it easy with,” said tight end Mark Andrews. “These guys respect him tremendously. He’s the boss of this defense.”
Clark was not surprised by the support from his teammates.
“That’s what we stand on here as a team and an organization,” Clark said. “We’re a family. We’ve gone for each other, if you’re for the ultimate goal – and that’s winning and trying to win the championship.”
The Ravens also once again hosted reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who missed the previous two practices. He is suffering from a groin injury, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jackson moved well, but he didn’t take off for long runs.
“He looked good,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He had a good practice. We are moving forward.”
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