BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens kicker, Justin Tucker, faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct stemming from accusations made by six massage therapists. The allegations, reported by the Baltimore Banner, assert inappropriate behavior during treatment sessions between 2012 and 2016 at various spas and wellness centers around the Baltimore area.
The investigation came to light after the publication revealed firsthand experiences of several massage therapists, some of whom claimed to have ended sessions early or refused to treat Tucker again. Two of the spas noted they had banned him from returning due to reported incidents.
According to the Baltimore Banner, the allegations include claims of Tucker exposing his genitals, unwanted physical contact, and even leaving what was believed to be semen on the massage table after treatments. These serious allegations have drawn attention, particularly because Tucker is now one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL.
A league spokesperson, Brian McCarthy, stated, “We first became aware of the allegations from the reporter investigating this story as they were not previously shared with the NFL. We take any allegation seriously and will look Into the matter.” The Ravens have similarly expressed their commitment to taking these claims seriously, vowing to monitor the situation closely.
After the report surfaced, Tucker issued a denial via social media, labeling the allegations as “unequivocally false.” He emphasized, “The article takes innocuous, or ambiguous, interactions and skews them so out of proportion they are no longer recognizable.” Tucker also maintained he had never received complaints during massage sessions, and he had retained legal counsel to address the allegations.
Legal representation for the therapists has been confirmed, with Catherine Dickinson stating, “Our clients have been afforded comfort... and validation knowing they are not alone.” Despite the severe nature of the claims, none of the massage therapists reported the allegations to law enforcement, citing concerns over the likelihood of prosecution due to lack of evidence.
The case is reminiscent of prior incidents involving another NFL player, Deshaun Watson, who faced numerous accusations during his career. Watson was suspended following findings of misconduct during massage therapy sessions—an outcome Tucker aims to avoid.
Tucker's accusations if substantiated could potentially lead to disciplinary action under the NFL's personal conduct policy, which has seen varying applications across the league.
The 35-year-old kicker has maintained star status, holding the record for the longest field goal (66 yards) and career field-goal percentage (89.1%) and having been named to the Pro Bowl seven times. His achievements have drawn both local and national attention, adding urgency to the situation.
Following Tucker's public response, he criticized the reporting of the Baltimore Banner, alleging, “It is clear why—they had no interest in what I (or anyone else) had to say.” His public battle against the allegations suggests he intends to fight back against these claims vehemently, positioning himself as both a victim of misinformation and someone who respects due process for those coming forward with allegations.
This situation continues to unravel, with the NFL's investigation still pending and many questions left unanswered. The Ravens and Tucker both find themselves at crossroads—a team's reputation and the integrity of one of its top players are at stake.
It is noted by legal observers reviewing the situation, such cases involving private disputes often end with settlements and rarely venture to court due to the subjective nature of behavior during private sessions. Hence, how the NFL handles this investigation could set precedents for future dealings with similar misconduct allegations.
The full breadth of what lies next for Justin Tucker, his career, and the potential repercussions for the Ravens remains unclear as the investigation moves forward. Both sides seem entrenched, with neither willing to retract their strongly-held positions. Whether the narrative shifts or holds will depend significantly on the findings of the NFL's inquiry.