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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The NFL offseason usually brings its fair share of drama—coaching changes, trades, and the endless QB carousel. But this? This is different. Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, a player often celebrated as the greatest kicker in league history, is now facing serious accusations. And it’s not about football.

According to an investigative report by The Baltimore Banner, six massage therapists have accused Tucker of inappropriate behavior at multiple high-end spas in the Baltimore area from 2012 to 2016. These accusations range from exposing himself to making unwanted physical contact.

Some therapists even claim he left behind evidence of misconduct on massage tables. The details? Disturbing. Several therapists said they cut sessions short or refused to work with him again, and at least two spas—reportedly—banned him from returning.

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Tucker wasted no time responding. In a lengthy statement, he called the accusations “unequivocally false” and accused the newspaper of twisting innocent interactions into a scandal.

“I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a session, and have never been told I was not welcome at any spa,” he stated. He went on to claim the article was “deliberately misconstruing events,” and that the paper ignored key witnesses who could vouch for his character.

So, where does that leave us? Right now, it’s a whole lot of accusations, denials, and legal threats. The Ravens kept things measured, stating, “We take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.” Meanwhile, Tucker’s attorneys didn’t hold back, calling the claims “speculative” and “impossible to prove.”

They also flat-out denied that he was ever banned from any spas. But here’s the thing—The Banner didn’t just stumble into this. Their investigation started after a tip on Jan. 9, and six massage therapists have since come forward with troubling allegations.

The accusations? They’re serious. It’s the kind of situation that escalates quickly, and with the NFL’s history of handling misconduct cases in, let’s say, varied ways, you can bet all eyes are on how this unfolds. Will the league step in? Will the Ravens take action? Right now, it’s a waiting game.

What’s next for Justin Tucker?

This isn’t just any player we’re talking about—it’s Justin Tucker. The most accurate kicker in NFL history. The guy Ravens fans have trusted with their hearts (and game-winning kicks) for over a decade. Converting 89.1% of his field goal attempts is absurdly good.

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But now? A controversy threatening to alter his legacy has ensnared him. Whether he’s guilty or not, the conversation has shifted. And in a league where perception carries serious weight, that’s a kicker in itself.

Meanwhile, the NFL has taken notice, and discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy is on the table. “We first became aware of the allegations from the reporter investigating this story as they were not previously shared with the NFL,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said. “We take any allegation seriously and will look into the matter.” The Ravens? They’re playing it by the book, stating they’ll “monitor the situation.” But the reality is, teams don’t like distractions—especially ones this serious.

And if history tells us anything, the NFL’s response will be under a microscope. Just ask Deshaun Watson. Remember, he faced multiple allegations of se–al misconduct from massage therapists and received an 11-game suspension in 2022? Or Antonio Brown, suspended eight games in 2020. Then there’s Ezekiel Elliott, who missed six games in 2017 after the league’s investigation into domestic violence allegations. Different situations, sure. But the pattern is clear—once the NFL steps in, consequences follow.

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So, how does this play out for Tucker? The Personal Conduct Policy outlines a process: investigations, potential paid leave, and possible disciplinary action. If the league finds enough evidence of wrongdoing, a baseline six-game suspension could be on the table. More if aggravating factors come into play. However, even if no formal punishment happens, the damage is done. Fair or not, the court of public opinion moves faster than any ruling.

But for now, it’s a waiting game. A guy surefire HOFer, Tucker would be asking himself: ‘From my legendary kicks to this? Will people remember me for this?’ 

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