NFL Suspends Former Ravens Kicker Justin Tucker Over Personal Conduct Violations
Former Baltimore Ravens star kicker Justin Tucker has been handed a significant 10-week suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The league announced the decision on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The suspension is set to begin on August 26, coinciding with the start of the 2025 regular season, and makes Tucker eligible for reinstatement on November 11. Despite the ban, Tucker, currently a free agent, is permitted to sign with an NFL team and participate in training camp and preseason games before his suspension takes effect.
Details of the Allegations
The NFL’s investigation stems from accusations made by multiple massage therapists. As first reported by The Baltimore Banner, 16 massage therapists from various high-end spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area alleged inappropriate behavior by Tucker during sessions between 2012 and 2016. The accusations, which initially surfaced publicly in January, included claims of exposing himself, brushing therapists’ thighs, and other forms of misconduct.
Attorneys representing many of the accusers have stated that the findings of the NFL’s investigation validate the experiences shared by their clients.
Tucker’s Denial and Response
Throughout the process, Justin Tucker has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He has publicly characterized the allegations as “unequivocally false” and dismissed reporting on the matter as “desperate tabloid fodder.”
Despite maintaining his innocence, Tucker’s agent, Rob Roche, confirmed that they have advised the kicker to accept the NFL’s resolution. In a statement, Roche expressed disappointment in the league’s decision but noted that accepting the suspension is aimed at allowing Tucker to “put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible.”
Impact and Reactions
The suspension has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from those who brought forward the allegations. While some accusers expressed a sense of validation and relief that action was taken, feeling “finally heard,” others felt the 10-week ban was insufficient given the long-term impact the alleged incidents had on their lives and careers.
Attorneys for the accusers have also criticized Tucker’s public stance, stating it would have been simple for him to apologize or acknowledge wrongdoing months ago. They argue that by falsely attacking the credibility of the victims, Tucker caused further “victimization.”
Ravens’ Decision to Part Ways
The Baltimore Ravens released Justin Tucker on May 5, prior to the NFL’s official suspension announcement but amidst the ongoing investigation. The team, through a statement from Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric DeCosta, described the decision as a difficult “football decision.”
Tucker was the longest-tenured player on the Ravens roster and the last remaining member from their Super Bowl XLVII championship team. The move came after a 2024 season where the seven-time Pro Bowler had one of his statistically worst years, missing more kicks than in any previous season and finishing with a lower field goal conversion rate compared to his career standards. The Ravens had also drafted a kicker earlier in the offseason, signaling a potential change at the position. Coach John Harbaugh later referred to the decision to cut Tucker as “complex.”
