Widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, free agent Justin Tucker has been suspended by the league for the first 10 weeks of the upcoming 2025 season without pay. The NFL announced Thursday that the significant ban is the result of a violation of its personal conduct policy.
Allegations Prompt League Investigation
The suspension follows a months-long investigation by the NFL, which was initiated after serious accusations against Tucker came to light. Reports, initially from the Baltimore Banner six months ago, detailed allegations made by 16 massage therapists across eight different spas in the Baltimore area. These therapists accused Tucker of unwanted advances or inappropriate behavior during sessions that allegedly took place between 2012 and 2016.
Attorneys representing several of the accusers stated to the Baltimore Banner on Thursday that the NFL’s action “validated the experiences told by each of the victims.”
Ravens’ Decision and Tucker’s Status
Tucker, 35, had spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens before being released by the team in May 2025. The Ravens drafted kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft shortly before cutting Tucker, despite him having three years remaining on his contract.
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh described the decision to release Tucker as “complex” and a “football decision,” indicating that concerns about a potential suspension played a factor in ensuring the team had a reliable kicker prepared for the season. Tucker remains a free agent following his release.
Details of the Suspension
The unpaid suspension will officially commence on August 26, 2025, which coincides with the league’s 53-man roster cutdown day. Tucker will become eligible for potential reinstatement on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Despite the ban impacting the regular season, Tucker is still permitted to sign with any team at any point. If signed before August 26, he is allowed to attend training camp and participate in preseason games before the regular-season suspension takes effect. He can also serve the duration of the suspension while remaining unsigned.
Tucker’s Response and Future Uncertainty
Justin Tucker has consistently denied the accusations made against him. His agent, Rob Roche, issued a statement acknowledging disappointment with the NFL’s resolution but confirmed they would not appeal the decision. Roche stated they advised Tucker to accept the resolution and close the matter to “put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible,” reaffirming Tucker “stands by his previous statements.” Roche also emphasized Tucker’s commitment to his family and community.
It remains uncertain whether an NFL team will sign Tucker before the preseason begins, or at all this season. Potential teams must consider not only his 10-week unavailability due to the suspension but also a recent uncharacteristic downturn in his on-field performance. He has not had any reported visits with potential teams since his release.
Career Legacy Meets Recent Challenges
Tucker is renowned for his extraordinary accuracy, holding the NFL record for the highest career field goal percentage (89.1%) over his first dozen seasons. A seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion, he also holds the NFL record for the longest field goal (66 yards).
However, his performance saw a notable decline in the most recent 2024 season, where he converted a career-low 73.3% of his field goal attempts (making 22 of 30).
Tucker’s 10-week ban under the personal conduct policy draws comparisons to the 11-game suspension handed to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022 for similar allegations of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions.
