Justin Tucker denies sexual misconduct allegations amid NFL review

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker calls allegations false as NFL investigates claims.

Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens sits on the bench at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Hayu Andini

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by multiple massage therapists, calling the claims “unequivocally false” in a statement released Thursday. The accusations stem from an investigation by The Baltimore Banner, which reported that six massage therapists who worked with Tucker between 2012 and 2016 accused him of inappropriate behavior.

According to the report, Tucker was banned from two spas following alleged incidents. The accusations include exposing himself, making unwanted contact, and leaving bodily fluids on massage tables. Most of the women involved reportedly did not know each other prior to sharing their accounts.

NFL reviewing allegations against Tucker

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed that the league is now looking into the allegations. He stated that the NFL first learned of the claims from the journalist investigating the story, as they had not previously been shared with the league. At this time, Tucker has not been charged with a crime, nor has a civil lawsuit been filed against him.

The Banner report details allegations that Tucker engaged in inappropriate conduct during massage sessions, including exposing his genitals, brushing them against therapists, and allegedly leaving bodily fluids behind. One therapist told the publication that she informed Tucker before a session that his wife was also a client, yet he allegedly continued inappropriate behavior.

Attorneys representing the massage therapists, Michael Belsky and Catherine Dickinson, said in an email to The Athletic that their clients feel validated in sharing their experiences.

“Our clients have been afforded comfort in their experiences being investigated and heard by the public, and validation in knowing that they are not alone,” the attorneys stated. “While it is only one step forward in the recovery process, it is important and empowering for any survivor of sexual misconduct to tell their story and to have people listen.”

Tucker calls accusations false, criticizes media report

In response, Tucker’s legal team dismissed the allegations, arguing that instances of accidental exposure during massages are “unremarkable” and “not news.” They claimed that professional athletes frequently adjust their positioning during therapy sessions, and it is standard for massage therapists to handle any covering adjustments.

Tucker, a six-time All-Pro kicker, posted his statement on social media, saying he had never received complaints from a massage therapist, never been removed from a session, and never been told he was unwelcome at any spa. He criticized The Baltimore Banner for what he described as biased reporting and an attempt to create a misleading narrative.

“The reporting skews my interactions out of proportion and is desperate tabloid fodder,” Tucker wrote.

He also revealed that he had hired a defamation law firm upon learning about the article. Tucker claimed that The Banner refused to provide him with full details of the allegations before publishing the story and gave him little time to respond.

“Once I reviewed the newspaper’s allegations against me, it was apparent that the newspaper was deliberately misconstruing events as nefarious (which were not),” the 35-year-old kicker stated.

Ravens monitoring the situation

The Baltimore Ravens acknowledged the allegations but did not take an immediate stance on the matter.

“We are aware of the Baltimore Banner’s story regarding Justin Tucker as well as his response,” a Ravens spokesperson told The Athletic. “We take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.”

As the NFL reviews the claims, it remains unclear whether the league will take disciplinary action against Tucker. Given that no criminal or civil case has been filed, the league’s response could depend on further reporting or additional evidence emerging.

Tucker, widely regarded as one of the best kickers in NFL history, has been with the Ravens since 2012 and is a key figure in the franchise. However, with the controversy now public, the situation could have implications for his career moving forward.