Jaguars claim Pierce off waivers after release from Ravens

Posted March 18, 2015 11:00 pm

The Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - It didn't take running back Bernard Pierce long to find a job.

The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed Pierce off waivers on Thursday, one day after the running back's drunken driving charge led to his release by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens moved quickly on Wednesday to cut Pierce, holding to the team's assertion last month that off-field misbehavior would not be tolerated.

Running back Ray Rice was suspended by the NFL and released by the Ravens following his arrest last year for domestic violence. Rice was one of five Baltimore players arrested in 2014.

Pierce, 23, has rushed for 1,334 yards and five touchdowns in 45 career games with the Ravens, including three starts. He was a third-round draft pick in 2012.

His best season came as a rookie in 2012 when he rushed for 532 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He had 366 yards rushing and touchdowns last season.

Baltimore County police said Pierce was speeding in a Ford Mustang around 2 a.m. Wednesday in Towson, north of Baltimore.

Police spokesman Cpl. John Wachter said Pierce failed a series of field sobriety tests after he was stopped. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol and two speeding offenses.

Pierce's arrest continued the Ravens' off-field problems.

Defensive tackle Terrence Cody was released after he was indicted in February for animal cruelty and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ravens security director Darren Sanders was charged in December with a sexual offense and faces an additional assault charge after he allegedly groped a stadium worker.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

This undated handout provided by the Baltimore County Police Department shows Bernard Pierce. Police in Maryland say Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce has been charged with drunken driving. Baltimore County police say an officer stopped a Ford Mustang that was speeding around 2 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2015, in Towson, north of Baltimore. Police spokesman Cpl. John Wachter says Pierce failed a series of field sobriety tests and was arrested.(AP Photo/Baltimore County Police Department) The Associated Press

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