The Baltimore Ravens were thrust into uncertainty on special teams when kicker Justin Tucker was accused of sexual misconduct by several Baltimore-area massage therapists.
On May 5, the Ravens moved on from the former All-Pro, even after having remained adamant that they will wait for the NFL to conclude its investigation before making any significant moves regarding Tucker’s future.
Now, the NFL has announced Tucker's punishment.
According to league insider Adam Schefter, Tucker, 35, is suspended without pay for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The following statement has been released by Tucker's representative Rob Roche:
"We are disappointed with the NFL’s decision. Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud. He stands by his previous statements. In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter. The people who know Justin best know his character and understand that while he remains fully committed to excellence as a football player, he is deeply dedicated to his most important lifetime roles as a father, husband, and friend.”
In the league's press release, the suspension will take effect on roster cut day, August 26 and he will be eligible for reinstatement on November 11.
Tucker is currently still a free agent.
If he were to be signed by a team, he is able to serve his suspension under contract. He is able to communicate and try out for a club, and if he is signed, is able to attend training camp this offseason.
Six massage therapists have come forward, accusing Tucker of inappropriate behavior during sessions that took place between 2012 and 2016.
The allegations include claims that Tucker exposed himself, made inappropriate contact, and left bodily fluids on massage tables.
After the investigation had gotten underway, Tucker released a statement to address the allegations.
"The allegations against me in The Baltimore Banner article about me are unequivocally false. Throughout my career as a professional athlete, I have always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism," said Tucker. "I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork. I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session, and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business."
These accusations have cast a dark cloud over Tucker's otherwise stellar career.
Tucker - maybe the best kicker of his generation - is coming off the worst year of his career. He made a disastrous 73.3 percent of his field goal attempts (especially compared to his all-time best career average of 89.1 percent). He also missed more field goals between 40 and 49 yards than he had in any other season.
With the 10th pick of the sixth round of the NFL Draft, the Ravens took Arizona kicker Tyler Loop, who is expected to be Tucker's replacement this season.