Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens kicker widely regarded as one of the best placekickers in NFL history, has firmly denied allegations of sexual misconduct following an investigative report by the Baltimore Banner. Six unnamed massage therapists have accused Tucker of inappropriate behavior during treatment sessions at four spas and wellness centers from 2012 to 2016.
According to the allegations reported by the Baltimore Banner, the therapists claim Tucker exposed himself, requested massages on his pelvic area, and, disturbingly, brushed his genitals against them. Some therapists allege he left what they perceived to be semen on the tables after their sessions, prompting two spas to ban him from returning. Despite the seriousness of these claims, no legal action has been initiated against the kicker.
Responding to the allegations, the 35-year-old Tucker took to social media, labeling the claims "unequivocally false." He emphasized his commitment to professionalism throughout his career, saying, "I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind... I have never been accused of acting inappropriately."
Tucker's statement expressed dismay at the allegations, asserting, "This is desperate tabloid fodder," and accused the Baltimore Banner of misrepresenting innocuous or misunderstood interactions as misconduct. He stated, "in accusing me of misconduct, the article takes innocuous, or ambiguous, interactions and skews them so out of proportion they are no longer recognizable."
The NFL has confirmed it is investigating Tucker's alleged behavior, with league spokesman Brian McCarthy stating, "We take any allegation seriously and will look int o the matter." The Ravens organization has also issued a statement indicating their awareness of the claims and the steps they are undertaking to monitor the situation but have yet to take any punitive action against Tucker.
According to the report by the Banner, some therapists ended appointments early or refused to work with Tucker again due to his alleged behavior. Representative spas, like Ojas, reportedly terminated him as a client back in 2014, and Studio 921 also banned him to maintain safety for employees. Tucker contends, though, he was never informed of such dismissals, stating: "I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, and I have never been told I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business."
Michael Belsky, the attorney for four of the women who reported the misconduct, described their claims as "voluminous, very similar and very troubling.” He explained the impact of the allegations on his clients, noting they expressed enduring psychological effects from their experiences with Tucker.
Tucker has played for the Ravens for 13 seasons and won Super Bowl XLVII with the team, maintaining the highest career field goal percentage at 89.1%. Notably, he made headlines for his remarkable 66-yard field goal, the longest successful kick in NFL history. This level of success entrenches him among the elite players of the league, yet these new allegations could change the dynamic considerably.
With the investigation still active, the outcome remains uncertain. The Ravens and the NFL are both closely monitoring developments, and Tucker's future—not just as a player but as a prominent public figure—rests at the mercy of the investigation's findings. For now, Tucker maintains his innocence, pleading for fair treatment amid serious allegations. It's during moments like this, the complex relationship between public figures and allegations of misconduct shapes discussions around accountability and reputation.