NFL kicker Justin Tucker has been suspended for 10 weeks of regular-season play following allegations of inappropriate conduct with several Baltimore-area massage therapists, the league announced Thursday.
Tucker, a former Texas football star, was a longtime Baltimore Ravens kicker when he was accused of improper or sexual behavior by 16 workers in eight Baltimore-area spas.
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Tucker has denied the allegations throughout the NFL investigation, which found that the 35-year-old violated the league’s personal conduct policy. He was released by the Ravens in May — months after the allegations came to light — and remains a free agent.
“We are disappointed with the NFL’s decision,” Tucker’s agent Rob Roche said. “Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud. He stands by his previous statements.”
Roche in Thursday’s statement said “we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter.” The suspension will start Aug. 26 and Tucker can serve it while he’s a free agent. He can sign with a team at any time and play as early as Nov. 11. He can attend training camp and participate in preseason games.
Tucker has not been criminally charged related to the allegations, which were first reported Jan. 30 by the Baltimore Banner. The misconduct is said to have run from 2012-2016, reportedly leading to Tucker being barred from two establishments. Accusations include inappropriate touching, flashing his genitalia and leaving bodily fluids on massage tables.
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Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said last month it was a “football decision” to release Tucker — the greatest kicker in franchise history and one of the most accurate the league has seen — 13 seasons in Baltimore. Tucker recorded a 73.3% field goal percentage, the lowest of his career, this past season.
DeCosta in February called the allegations “serious and concerning” but mentioned patience as the NFL conducted its probe.
Tucker is an Austin native who attended Westlake High School then Texas before signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He holds multiple NFL records and is a five-time first-team All-Pro, but has yet to work out for a team, according to nfl.com.
The Banner has spoken with some of the accusers since the suspension, with opinions ranging from “vindicated” to unhappy. One person told the outlet the suspension is a “small victory.”
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“I don’t think it’s enough,” the massage therapist said. “He got 10 weeks, and we have to deal with this the rest of our lives.”
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Justin Tucker — former Ravens, Texas kicker — suspended for misconduct