New York (AFP) – Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has been given a 10-game suspension following allegations of sexual misconduct made by 16 women, the NFL confirmed on Thursday. Tucker, 35, was released by the Ravens last month following claims by multiple massage therapists that he behaved inappropriately during treatments. Allegations against the kicker include exposing his genitals and brushing some of the therapists’ thighs with his fingers.
Tucker had denied wrongdoing when the allegations first emerged in January, describing them as “unequivocally false.” “I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork,” Tucker said. “I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session, and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business,” he added.
Related news
In a later, separate statement, he said he “had never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary or make anyone feel uncomfortable.” The NFL said Thursday Tucker had been suspended due to violations of the league’s personal conduct policy. His suspension is effective from August 26, and he will not be eligible for reinstatement until November 11.
A statement from Tucker’s agent Rob Roche, quoted in US media on Thursday, said the kicker “stands by his previous statements” but would not contest his suspension. “In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter,” Roche said.
Tucker is regarded as one of the best kickers of his era, holding the record for the longest field goal—a 66-yard effort against the Detroit Lions in 2021—and having the highest field goal accuracy rate in NFL history of 89.1 percent.
© 2024 AFP
