The Baltimore Ravens on Monday released veteran kicker Justin Tucker, who currently is the subject of an NFL investigation into allegations of improper conduct during massage therapy sessions.
Tucker had been with the Ravens since the 2012 season. Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta described the 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 in a statement on Monday. “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.”
A total of 16 massage therapists from eight Baltimore-area spas have accused Tucker of improper conduct. All say Tucker’s actions occurred between his 2012 rookie year and 2016. The Baltimore Banner first reported allegations of inappropriate behavior in an article published on Jan. 30.
Tucker has denied any misconduct.
Tucker, who signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2012, is the most accurate kicker in NFL history, with an 89.1 career FG percentage and seven Pro Bowl nominations. Tucker also holds the league record for longest-made field goal at 66 yards and won Super Bowl XLVII with Baltimore as a rookie.
However, the five-time first-team All-Pro selection is coming off his worst season as a pro in which he recorded career lows in field goals made (22) and field goal percentage (73.3).
The Ravens drafted Tucker’s potential replacement last month when they selected Arizona’s Tyler Loop in the sixth round, making him the first kicker selected in the draft in franchise history.
