Baltimore Ravens Release Kicker Justin Tucker Amid Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior

The Baltimore Ravens have released kicker Justin Tucker, a five-time All-Pro, amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists. The team announced the decision on Monday, citing a football decision rather than any connection to an ongoing NFL investigation.

Tucker has played his entire 13-year career with the Ravens and is considered one of the best kickers in NFL history, although last season was his worst.

“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. “Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh had previously indicated that a decision on Tucker's future might come before the NFL completed its investigation.

“Every decision we make has to be based on football,” Harbaugh said. "You’ve got a rookie kicker in here. You took him in the sixth round, early in the sixth round. He’s a talented guy. Just from a football standpoint — salary cap, all the different things that you just take into consideration — whatever we decide to do over the next few weeks will be based on football.”

Tucker has maintained he did not act inappropriately while receiving professional treatment. A message seeking comment was left with his publicist.

Tucker holds the record for the longest kick in NFL history at 66 yards, and his success rate of 89.1% on field goals is the best all-time among players with at least 100 attempts. He was the last remaining player on the Ravens from their most recent Super Bowl title.

Justin Tucker created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history,” DeCosta said. “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.”