Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon isn't happy with ESPN reporter Jamison Hensley.
In a recent article by Hensley, the Ravens beat writer asked the question, "Can the Ravens afford to keep Matthew Judon or Yannick Ngakoue?" He explored that question within the article, and in doing so included some reporting about a previous contract offer he says the Ravens sent to Judon.
Here's what Hensley wrote:
According to a source, the Ravens tried to strike a long-term deal with Judon this summer by offering him what Za’Darius Smith received in Green Bay (an average of $16.5 million) but he declined.
Hensley later updated his article by writing, "Judon has disputed this report."
That update was after Judon called the writer out on Twitter.
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The two then had a few exchanges on the social media platform.
Where @jamisonhensley lying butt at? I got time today. Bro you have to stop lying, I know you want clicks and like and wanna be the people’s camp but stop lying. That weak.
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) February 24, 2021
Hi Matthew. I was told that Ravens offered you a deal similar to Za’Darius’ ($16.5M per season) earlier this season and it was declined. If you have a comment, I would certainly add that to the piece. I’ve always been fair with you. Thanks and welcome back to Twitter.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 24, 2021
This isn’t true who told you this if you can’t tell me that we’re all@going to have to think you pulling stuff outta no where.
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) February 24, 2021
I will definitely add your response to the piece. If you ever have an issue with any of my reporting, I would be happy to listen and explain. I’ve always aimed to cover you in a respectful manner in your five years in Baltimore. Hope you have a great offseason.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 24, 2021
Okay look this dude is lying if the ravens did offer me during the season they wouldn’t tell you because it’s against leagues rules. And me and my team ain’t talking to dawg so where he getting his info? https://t.co/kUN8FSSWGQ
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) February 24, 2021
In responses to other Twitter users, Judon clarified his argument and further explained why he was upset with Hensley. The linebacker said Hensley previously reported that Judon asked for $20 million-plus and said "this is the second time he’s lied without contacting me first. But y’all ain’t know that part."
In another response, Judon said his issue is mostly with fans who see what Hensley reports and then get angry.
It’s not that it’s the lying part. It’s fans/people out here that go over board and after seeing his comments then come to me AND MY FAMILY talking about fu and why would you ask for that. And I get it ignore it but you get 40 saying fu because someone lying you gone feel someway
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) February 24, 2021
Things took a weird turn, however, when Judon continued his complaints on Instagram.
There, Judon threatened to leak photos of Hensley unless he apologized.
"I know y'all don't know because I just found out this year, but you have about a month to sign a long term deal after being franchise tagged," Judon wrote in an Instagram Story. "If a deal doesn't get done in that time, ain't no deal or no talking between the two parties. @Jamison.hensley so I'm waiting on your ESPN sourced apology or I'm leaking these photos I got with you in the strip club."
There's also a screenshot on the Ravens subreddit alleging to be from Judon's IG story (along with a screenshot of the IG post above). In that post, Judon also threatens Hensley.
"Bruh you could [have] just called me trash and left the lies outta it," the post says. "Now you got these fans in [their feelings] while I'm trying to stream. Now say sorry or I'm [going to] tell your wife [you're] cheating on her."
Reporters rarely reveal their sources, and there's no need for Hensley to say who gave him this information.
This also seems like a pretty trivial story to get this upset about. Why did Judon feel the need to threaten Hensley twice over a fairly minor piece of reporting? It's fine to respond to the report and say it's innaccurate, but there's no need for threats, especially on such a minor topic.
