First of all, there's nothing wrong with a player missing a game or practice for the birth of a child. New England running back James White missed last week's game against the New York Jets for that reason, and it's a relatively common occurrence throughout the league.
At issue here is how long Ramsey stays away -- or if he even returns at all. Ramsey missed the first week of training camp in 2018 for the birth of his first child, so that's a pretty good place to start in terms of expected length of absence. Provided there are no health complications for the child and mother, it's not unreasonable for the Jaguars to expect Ramsey back within 7-10 days after the birth.
However, the Jaguars would at some point have a deadline for his return. If Ramsey were to ignore that, then the Jaguars have multiple options.
Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Jaguars would be able to fine him up to $27,000 for each day he misses. There are separate fines for things such as missing team meetings, practices, appointments with trainers, workouts, meals, etc., but the CBA caps the maximum at $27,000.
However, if the Jaguars determine Ramsey's extended absence crosses into the threshold of "conduct detrimental to club" they do have the option to fine him a maximum of one week's pay ($213,778) and/or suspend him without pay for a period not to exceed four weeks.
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Spears: Jags have to get Ramsey 'the hell out of there'
Marcus Spears contends that the Jaguars need to move on from Jalen Ramsey because there is no turning back after his trade request.
Ramsey was legitimately ill on Monday. Can't he just continue to say he's sick and avoid practicing and playing?
He wouldn't be able to fake an illness. The Jaguars have a team physician who specializes in internal medicine, Dr. Michael Yorio, and he treats players and provides a report to the team. Ramsey can certainly seek a second opinion, and the Jaguars are required to pay for it, but per the CBA, the doctor giving the second opinion (who must be board certified) must promptly give the team physician a report regarding the diagnosis, examination and course of treatment recommended.
As an aside, teams do have the option of placing a player on the non-football injury/illness list, in which case the player is not entitled to any compensation under his contract.
What about his back injury? Could he milk that if he wanted to?
To a degree, but again, the players are evaluated on a daily basis by trainers and, if needed, team physicians. The rehab progress is documented and tracked dutifully. Plus, if a player didn't respond to rehab or suffered a setback, they would be re-evaluated and likely sent to a specialist. With that many medical people involved, it would be hard to fake an injury.
Jalen Ramsey is featured in several local ads in the Jacksonville area, including a huge one that hangs from one of the entrance gates at TIAA Bank Field. Michael DiRocco/ESPN
Has this damaged Ramsey's reputation and/or brand?
Not at all. Ramsey hasn't gotten into any legal trouble. Nor has he done or said anything offensive on social media or been caught on cell phone video doing anything questionable. So his brand is just fine -- he's still one of Adidas' biggest endorsers -- and his reputation hasn't taken a hit, either.
Players inside the Jaguars' locker room said they have no issue with Ramsey's work ethic, study habits and preparation. He made his trade request after the Texans game on Sept. 15 and the Jaguars played on Sept. 19. Players said they saw no difference in how Ramsey prepared.