Rashod Bateman was hacked on Instagram. His viral rant about the Baltimore Ravens was not real.
The 26-year-old wide receiver set the record straight about the concerning post on social media.
Although he does not know what his NFL future holds, Bateman is grateful for the Ravens and the city of Baltimore. He has not said anything negative about the organization all year so why would he do so now?
Does Rashod Bateman want to leave the Baltimore Ravens?
Bateman is currently under contract with the Baltimore Ravens through the 2029 season. His contract is not going to expire. This is not a situation where an NFL player is bashing his former team on the way out.
It was a big misunderstanding. Allegedly.
Bateman, selected No. 27 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has not lived up to expectations during the first five years of his professional career in large part because of injuries. He has made only 149 catches for 2,043 yards and 14 touchdowns while dealing with multiple foot surgeries and soft tissue issues.
And even when he is on the field, critics point to his lack of top-end speed as the root of his inconsistent production. A poor relationship with Lamar Jackson could also be part of the equation.
I don’t know. I am not in the room.
What I do know is that a series of posts hit Rashod Bateman’s Instagram story on late Sunday night. They appeared to show his frustration with the Ravens organization.
The first post featured a clip from practice.
Among the posts on the account’s IG story: pic.twitter.com/jQ5dlQ19Ez
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 26, 2026
The second post seemed to be a direct response to his critics.
The third post seemed to ask for a new opportunity.
All three of these posts were made to his alternate Instagram. It is not his primary account. It is a separate account that is typically used to promote his clothing brand.
He claims the Instagram account was hacked.
The posts from Sunday night alluded to a soured relationship between Rashod Bateman and the Baltimore Ravens. They made it seem like he wanted to be released or traded.
However, the wide receiver claims he did not make those posts.
Bateman shared a message of clarification on Monday afternoon. Although he apparently agreed with some of what the “hacker” posted on the Instagram story, the series of posts does not reflect his true feelings toward the organization.
“I ain’t know if I was gonna adress ts or just let it ride, but was told to at least try by my team.”
“My apologies for the confusion. My account was hacked by someone I know, lame shi. This one and others.”
“Although I agree with some shi, since yall know me, Ian got the time for some shi either. I was putting up fckn baby strollers all day when I got this news. Dad life otw im tryna get some damn sleep. Pre dad life got ya boy tied 🦇”
“End of the day this all a business, and I know what type of player I am. Idc where I’m at, I love ball and I look forward to doing that wherever tf I’m at.”
“I appreciate Baltimore and love playing there despite what anybody say, ion gaf what yall say. City changed me, became grown there., changed my life. Wherever life take me, that’s up to the Lord and I’ll follow, but I’m blessed where I’m at.”
“-Ian said shit all year why now.“
“This account will be deleted soon. Appreciate yall.”