NFL

Goodbye Justin Tucker: Baltimore Ravens release kicker after sexual misconduct allegations

Super Bowl-winning kicker Tucker has been released by the Ravens, who say the decision was made for “football” reasons.

Super Bowl-winning kicker Tucker has been released by the Ravens, who say the decision was made for “football” reasons.
JUSTIN K. ALLER | AFP
William Allen
British journalist and translator who joined Diario AS in 2013. Focuses on soccer – chiefly the Premier League, LaLiga, the Champions League, the Liga MX and MLS. On occasion, also covers American sports, general news and entertainment. Fascinated by the language of sport – particularly the under-appreciated art of translating cliché-speak.
Update:

The Baltimore Ravens have released veteran placekicker Justin Tucker, who is currently facing an NFL investigation into claims of sexual misconduct.

In a statement on Monday, the Ravens said Tucker’s departure from the franchise was for “football” reasons, and made no mention of the allegations levelled against the 35-year-old.

Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta said the “tough” decision to dispense with Tucker had been taken after “considering our current roster”.

Baltimore massage therapists accuse Tucker

Since January, a total of 16 massage therapists at spas in the Baltimore area have accused Tucker of inappropriate behavior between 2012 and 2016.

The player has denied the allegations, which were first reported by the Baltimore Banner.

In a statement provided to OutKick in February, Tucker said: “I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider. These claims are simply not true.”

However, Tucker also apologized to anyone he had caused not to feel “respected and valued as a professional”.

“I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever,” Tucker wrote.

“It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected and valued as a professional, but more importantly as a person, and to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry.

“I want you to know I am committed to ensuring that everyone I interact with continues to feel that I respect them and care about them as a human being.”

A Super Bowl winner with the Ravens in his rookie year, Tucker has spent the entirety of his 13-season NFL career in Maryland. After a four-year college career with the Texas Longhorns, he joined Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in May 2012.

In September 2021, Tucker kicked the longest field goal in NFL history, finding the target with a 66-yard effort in a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Read Ravens’ full statement on Justin Tucker’s release:

Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances.

Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.

“Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history.

“His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league’s best kickers for over a decade.

“We are grateful for Justin’s many contributions while playing of the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”

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