Washington receiver Cody Latimer placed on Commissioner’s Exempt List after felony charges

Washington wideout Cody Latimer was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list Monday following multiple felony charges in May.

Washington wide receiver Cody Latimer was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list on Monday after being charged with multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon, in May. Latimer joined Giants and Seahawks defensive backs Deandre Baker and Quinton Dunbar among players on the list for the 2020 season.

Adam Schefter reported the news on Twitter, months after the incident, which reportedly happened after a fight during a poker game. Per NBC News in Denver, Latimer was charged with five offenses, including three felonies.

Per Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, the Commissioner’s Exempt List prevents players from engaging in football activities, but Latimer can still attend meetings, workouts, and injury treatment. While he will still be paid, he will not count against the 53-man roster.

According to the Denver Post, Latimer was released on $25,000 bail, but could likely still face jail time if convicted. By placing him on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, Roger Goodell is essentially buying time to conduct a thorough investigation.

While Latimer’s offenses are serious, he likely does not face the same type of punishment that Baker and Dunbar will receive. The two defensive backs were each charged with four counts of armed robbery and four counts of aggravated assault. Both could face up to life in prison under Florida law.

Latimer tallied just 300 receiving yards with the New York Giants in 2019, and it would not be surprising for Washington to move on from him as the league conducts its investigation.

The team does not have the same type of capital investing in him as the Giants and Seahawks do with Baker and Dunbar, so releasing him and taking the dead cap hit may ultimately be a better financial decision for the 2020 season.