The Baltimore Ravens introduced on Monday that they’ve determined to launch Justin Tucker, months after experiences that he was accused of inappropriate sexual habits by therapeutic massage therapists.
The Ravens didn’t point out the allegations once they introduced Tucker’s launch on Monday, as an alternative selecting to notice the choice was for “soccer” causes.
“Generally soccer choices are extremely tough, and that is a kind of cases,” Ravens basic supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned in an announcement. “Contemplating our present roster, we now have made the powerful choice to launch Justin Tucker.”
The Baltimore Banner has reported that greater than a dozen therapeutic massage therapists from spas and wellness facilities within the Baltimore space have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual habits. DeCosta known as the allegations “critical” and “regarding” on the time, and the NFL is investigating the claims. The accusations towards Tucker embody claims that he uncovered his genitals, brushed among the therapists together with his penis and left ejaculate on remedy tables. Two spas informed the Banner they’d banned Tucker from returning. One therapist who spoke to the Banner described Tucker’s alleged habits as “actually degrading”. One other mentioned that: “I can’t watch sports activities anymore. I see his face in all places.”
Tucker has maintained he didn’t act inappropriately in the direction of any of his accusers.
The Ravens selected to pick one other kicker, Tyler Loop, on this yr’s draft, an indication that they had been contemplating shifting on from Tucker. Tucker is taken into account by many to be the best kicker in NFL historical past, and holds the information for longest subject objective and profession subject objective share. He has been named to the Professional Bowl seven occasions since he joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent. He was the final remaining participant on the Ravens from their most up-to-date Tremendous Bowl title, which occurred when he was a rookie within the 2012 season.
Nevertheless, the 35-year-old had the worst on-field season of his profession in 2024, changing simply 73.3% of his subject objectives, in comparison with a profession common of 89.1%. He was the final remaining participant on the Ravens from their most up-to-date Tremendous Bowl title, which occurred when he was a rookie within the 2012 season.
DeCosta’s feedback on Monday had been per these coach John Harbaugh made final week, when he indicated a choice on Tucker may come earlier than the NFL accomplished its investigation.
“Each choice we make must be based mostly on soccer,” Harbaugh mentioned. “You’ve bought a rookie kicker [Loop] in right here. You took him within the sixth spherical, early within the sixth spherical. He’s a proficient man. Simply from a soccer standpoint – wage cap, all of the various things that you just simply take into accounts – no matter we resolve to do over the following few weeks will likely be based mostly on soccer.”
In 2022, he agreed to a four-year contract extension by means of the 2027 season. That deal included $17.5m assured.
“Justin created many important and unforgettable moments in Ravens historical past,” DeCosta mentioned on Monday. “His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary expertise made him one of many league’s finest kickers for over a decade. We’re grateful for Justin’s many contributions whereas taking part in for the Ravens. We sincerely want him and his household the easiest on this subsequent chapter of their lives.”
