New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker was formally charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm on Friday, which led to a change in his approach to being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Initially, Baker filed an appeal of that designation through the NFLPA, but Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports that Baker’s appeal has now been dropped.
DeAndre Baker has withdrawn his appeal of the NFL's decision to place him on the Commissioner's exempt list, according to his attorney. … With charges now filed against him, being on paid leave is probably the safest place for him to be in the NFL at the moment.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) August 7, 2020
The decision to drop the appeal is likely financially motivated for Baker, who will continue to earn his salary while on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Vacchiano also reports that Baker’s representation plans to file a motion to have the entire case dropped, as well as a motion for a speedy trial.
In Florida, 175 days is considered a speedy trial for a felony charge, but there’s a trial backlog of five months due to COVID-19, which means Baker may be in limbo until 2021.
So just based on math, a "speedy" trial for DeAndre Baker might not happen until next summer.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) August 7, 2020
Unsurprisingly, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Giants are expected to go after Baker’s guaranteed money.
From NFL Now: It would be a surprise if #Giants CB Deandre Baker ever played for them again, as he remains on the exempt list after being charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm… as NYG appears set to eventually go after his guaranteed money. pic.twitter.com/Al1RukB87Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 7, 2020
Baker’s alleged co-conspirator, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar, was not charged in connection to the case with the prosecution citing “insufficient evidence.”
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