The Baltimore Ravens introduced on Monday that they’ve determined to launch Justin Tucker, months after stories that he was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct 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.
“Typically soccer choices are extremely tough, and that is a kind of cases,” Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned in an announcement. “Contemplating our present roster, we now have made the robust 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 conduct. DeCosta referred to as the allegations “severe” and “regarding” on the time, and the NFL is investigating the claims. The accusations towards Tucker embody claims that he uncovered his genitals, brushed a number of the therapists together with his penis and left ejaculate on therapy tables. Two spas instructed the Banner they’d banned Tucker from returning. One therapist who spoke to the Banner described Tucker’s alleged conduct 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 12 months’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 data for longest discipline aim and profession discipline aim share. He has been named to the Professional Bowl seven instances 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.
Nonetheless, the 35-year-old had the worst on-field season of his profession in 2024, changing simply 73.3% of his discipline 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 in keeping with these coach John Harbaugh made final week, when he indicated a call on Tucker may come earlier than the NFL accomplished its investigation.
“Each choice we make needs to be based mostly on soccer,” Harbaugh mentioned. “You’ve acquired 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 simply simply take into accounts – no matter we determine to do over the following few weeks might be based mostly on soccer.”
In 2022, he agreed to a four-year contract extension by the 2027 season. That deal included $17.5m assured.
“Justin created many vital 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.”
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