Baltimore Ravens release Justin Tucker after multiple massage therapists accuse him of misconduct - Times of India

[TOI Sports Desk]

Justin Tucker’s Ravens career ends abruptly after massage therapists accuse him of inappropriate behavior (Credit: AP Photos)

The Baltimore Ravens officially released veteran kicker Justin Tucker on Monday, May 5. The decision was announced by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta via X, formerly Twitter, marking the end of a 13-year run for one of the most celebrated kickers in league history.

Veteran kicker Justin Tucker cut by Ravens following serious allegations of inappropriate behavior​

"Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances," DeCosta wrote in the statement. While the official release cited roster considerations, it noticeably left out any mention of the sexual misconduct allegations currently looming over Tucker. Nevertheless, the move arrives at a complex intersection of declining performance and growing off-field scrutiny.
Once considered automatic from nearly anywhere on the field, Tucker's recent struggles cannot be overlooked. In the 2024 season, the five-time All-Pro converted just 22 of 30 field goal attempts—a 73.3% success rate, the lowest of his career. For a player whose reputation was built on precision and dependability, the downturn was both glaring and unexpected.
But Tucker’s release can't be viewed in a vacuum. The embattled kicker is currently under investigation following a series of disturbing allegations made public earlier this year. In January, The Baltimore Banner published accusations from six massage therapists who claimed Tucker had acted inappropriately during sessions at various wellness centers in the city. Allegations ranged from indecent exposure to unwanted physical contact and inappropriate bodily discharge. Two of the spas involved reportedly banned Tucker from returning.
The controversy deepened in February when seven additional massage therapists came forward with similar accusations, bringing the total number of accusers to 13. Despite the mounting claims, Tucker has stood firm in his denial.
"The allegations against me are unequivocally false," he said in a January 30 statement. "Throughout my career as a professional athlete, I have always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism... I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind."
His wife, Amanda Tucker, also issued a statement defending her husband, saying, "The false allegations against Justin have caused so much hurt to our family. I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully."
An NFL spokesperson told CBS Sports that the league’s investigation remains “under review,” meaning Tucker could still face disciplinary action regardless of his team status.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have moved swiftly to address the void left behind. The team used their 186th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Tyler Loop, a standout kicker from Arizona, signaling a fresh chapter for Baltimore’s special teams unit.
As for Tucker, whether he finds another opportunity in the league may depend as much on the outcome of the ongoing investigation as on his ability to bounce back from his on-field decline.
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