Ravens release kicker Justin Tucker after 13 seasons
Justin Tucker’s 13-season run with the Baltimore Ravens is over.
The Ravens announced Monday they released the veteran kicker, who has been accused by 16 massage therapists of sexually inappropriate behavior during bodywork sessions. The allegations were made in a series of investigative stories by The Baltimore Banner in late January. Tucker has denied the allegations.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta didn’t reference the allegations in a statement announcing the move. Instead, he cited Tucker’s release as a “football decision.”
“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances. Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker,” DeCosta said. “Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league’s best kickers for over a decade. We are grateful for Justin’s many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”
An NFL investigation into the allegations is ongoing.
There was a sense of inevitability about Tucker’s release after the team used a sixth-round pick on Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in April.
Tucker, 35, a five-time All-Pro and one of the league’s highest-paid kickers, is coming off the worst season of his career. Making him a post-June 1 release will free up just over $4 million in salary-cap space.
(Photo: Greg Fiume / Getty Images)
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