Ravens release Justin Tucker after
accusations by massage therapists of inappropriate behavior
[May 06, 2025]
By NOAH TRISTER
The Baltimore Ravens are describing it as a football decision, and
it came before the NFL completed its investigation into Justin
Tucker.
Whatever the underlying reasons, the team is moving on from its star
kicker.
The Ravens announced Monday they've decided to release Tucker,
months after reports that he was accused of inappropriate sexual
behavior by massage therapists. A five-time All-Pro, the 35-year-old
Tucker has played his entire 13-year career with Baltimore. He's
considered one of the best kickers in NFL history, although 2024 was
his worst season.
The Baltimore Banner has reported that over a dozen massage
therapists have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior. The
NFL said it would investigate, and the Ravens drafted kicker Tyler
Loop late last month.
“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is
one of those instances,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in
a statement issued by the club. “Considering our current roster, we
have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.”
That comment was consistent with what coach John Harbaugh said at
rookie camp Sunday, 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 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.”
Tucker has maintained he did not act inappropriately while receiving
professional treatment. A message seeking comment was left with his
publicist Monday.
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Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker walks back to the locker
room after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers,
Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
Tucker holds the record for the longest kick in NFL
history at 66 yards, and his success rate of 89.1% on field goals is
the best all-time among players with at least 100 attempts. He was
the last remaining player on the Ravens from their most recent Super
Bowl title, which occurred when he was a rookie.
In 2022, he agreed to a four-year contract extension through the
2027 season. That deal included $17.5 million guaranteed.
Tucker missed a career-high eight field goal attempts last season,
although he rebounded a bit down the stretch. Then came the Banner's
report in January that left his future in doubt.
“Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens
history,” DeCosta said. “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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