Ravens make ‘football decision’ to cut star kicker Tucker amid sexual misconduct claims

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Monday that they have decided to release Justin Tucker, months after reports that he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists.

The Ravens did not mention the allegations when they announced Tucker’s release on Monday, instead choosing to note the decision was for “football” reasons.

“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.”

The Baltimore Banner has reported that more than a dozen massage therapists from spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior. DeCosta called the allegations “serious” and “concerning” at the time, and the NFL is investigating the claims. The accusations against Tucker include claims that he exposed his genitals, brushed some of the therapists with his penis and left ejaculate on treatment tables. Two spas told the Banner they had banned Tucker from returning. One therapist who spoke to the Banner described Tucker’s alleged behavior as “really degrading”. Another said that: “I can’t watch sports anymore. I see his face everywhere.”

Tucker has maintained he did not act inappropriately towards any of his accusers.

The Ravens chose to select another kicker, Tyler Loop, in this year’s draft, a sign that they were considering moving on from Tucker. Tucker is considered by many to be the greatest kicker in NFL history, and holds the records for longest field goal and career field goal percentage. He has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times since he joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent. He was the last remaining player on the Ravens from their most recent Super Bowl title, which occurred when he was a rookie in the 2012 season.

However, the 35-year-old had the worst on-field season of his career in 2024, converting just 73.3% of his field goals, compared to a career average of 89.1%. He was the last remaining player on the Ravens from their most recent Super Bowl title, which occurred when he was a rookie in the 2012 season.

DeCosta’s comments on Monday were consistent with those coach John Harbaugh made last week, when he indicated a decision on Tucker might come before the NFL completed its investigation.

“Every decision we make has to be based on football,” Harbaugh said. “You’ve got a rookie kicker [Loop] in here. You took him in the sixth round, early in the sixth round. He’s a talented guy. Just from a football standpoint – salary cap, all the different things that you just take into consideration – whatever we decide to do over the next few weeks will be based on football.”

In 2022, he agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2027 season. That deal included $17.5m guaranteed.

“Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history,” DeCosta said on Monday. “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 for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”

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