Why Was Justin Tucker Released by the Ravens?
On May 5, 2025, the Baltimore Ravens announced they were releasing veteran kicker Justin Tucker, ending a 13-year tenure with the franchise. While the team stated it was a “football decision,” the timing comes amid growing allegations of inappropriate behavior lodged against the 35-year-old.
Tucker, known for being the most accurate kicker in NFL history with an 89.1% career field goal rate, struggled in 2024 with a career-low 73.3%. His decline, coupled with the team’s decision to draft kicker Tyler Loop in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, signaled a major shift.
Justin Tucker Allegations: What He Is Accused Of
The release coincides with mounting allegations of sexual misconduct. In January 2025, six massage therapists came forward accusing Tucker of inappropriate behavior during therapy sessions. By February, the number grew to 16 women, all from wellness centers across Baltimore, citing incidents between 2012 and 2016.
The claims, first reported by The Baltimore Banner, describe a pattern of inappropriate conduct during massages, raising serious concerns about Tucker’s off-field behavior.
Justin Tucker Responds: Denial of All Allegations
Tucker has vehemently denied all accusations, calling them “unequivocally false.” In a public statement, he asserted:
“I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during any session. These accusations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me and my family.”
Despite his denial, the NFL has launched an investigation, and no conclusion has yet been reached. The league has remained tight-lipped about timelines for the inquiry.
Ravens Draft New Kicker: Tyler Loop Steps In
The Ravens’ decision to release Tucker followed their selection of Tyler Loop, a promising young kicker from Arizona, in the 6th round. General Manager Eric DeCosta emphasized that the move was based on football needs:
“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult… Justin gave us countless moments of greatness, but we’re moving in a new direction.”
This marks the first time in franchise history the Ravens have drafted a kicker, signaling a full transition away from Tucker.
What Did Justin Tucker Do? A Closer Look at the Claims
The central question fans and analysts are asking is: What exactly did Justin Tucker do? According to sources close to the investigation, the complaints center around unwanted advances and inappropriate comments or gestures during professional massage therapy sessions. No criminal charges have been filed, but civil litigation may be on the horizon depending on the NFL’s findings.
Justin Tucker’s NFL Legacy: A Career Overshadowed
Despite the controversy, Tucker’s legacy is undeniable. He helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII title, made seven Pro Bowl appearances, and hit numerous game-winning kicks. However, his recent struggles—missing 5 of 11 kicks from 50+ yards in 2024—combined with the off-field scandal have clouded his once-untouchable status.
Will Justin Tucker Play Again?
Tucker’s future in the NFL remains unclear. While his kicking accuracy remains among the best historically, teams may hesitate due to the ongoing investigation. A suspension or placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt List could be possible depending on the outcome.
Fan Reaction: A Franchise Legend’s Sudden Fall
The release of Justin Tucker has sparked intense debate. Some fans support the Ravens’ proactive move, while others mourn the exit of one of the most iconic players in franchise history. As the NFL continues its investigation, the story of Justin Tucker’s fall from grace continues to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was Justin Tucker released because of the allegations?
While the Ravens officially cited a football decision, the timing strongly suggests the allegations influenced the move.
How many women have accused Tucker of misconduct?
As of May 2025, 16 women have come forward with accusations spanning from 2012 to 2016.
Is Justin Tucker facing criminal charges?
No criminal charges have been filed yet. However, the NFL is conducting its own investigation.
Who is replacing Justin Tucker?
The Ravens drafted Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft as his replacement.
Why did the Ravens draft a kicker if Justin Tucker was still on the roster?
The Ravens drafted Tyler Loop due to Tucker’s declining performance and the uncertainty surrounding the off-field allegations.
When did the allegations against Justin Tucker first surface?
The first public allegations surfaced in January 2025, with additional claims reported in February.
Has Justin Tucker commented on the allegations?
Yes, Tucker has strongly denied all allegations, calling them “unequivocally false” and hurtful to his family.
Is Justin Tucker suspended from the NFL?
As of now, Justin Tucker has not been suspended, but he is under investigation by the NFL.
FAQ
What is the NFL’s policy on player misconduct allegations?
The NFL can impose discipline under its Personal Conduct Policy even if a player is not criminally charged.
Will another NFL team sign Justin Tucker?
It remains unclear; while some teams may be interested in his talent, others may avoid him due to the legal controversy.
What has the Ravens organization said about the investigation?
Ravens leadership stated they are committed to allowing the investigation to play out and emphasized the importance of due process.
How have fans responded to Justin Tucker’s release?
Reactions are mixed—some fans support the decision, while others are disappointed to see a franchise legend depart under such circumstances.
What does this mean for the Ravens’ 2025 season?
The Ravens will move forward with rookie kicker Tyler Loop, marking a significant change to their special teams unit.
Has the NFL made any official statements?
So far, the NFL has acknowledged the investigation but has not made a public statement regarding potential disciplinary actions.
Has any disciplinary action been taken against Justin Tucker by the NFL?
No disciplinary action has been taken so far, but the situation is being closely monitored as the league’s investigation continues.
Given the timing of the release and the ongoing investigation, could the decision have been influenced by more than just performance issues?
Although the Ravens cited a football-related reason, the timing suggests that the allegations may have also played a significant role in the decision-making process.
As more details continue to emerge, how might these allegations affect Justin Tucker’s chances of returning to the NFL?
While he remains one of the most accurate kickers in league history, the growing number of allegations and the ongoing investigation could significantly impact his prospects moving forward.
