Seven more massage therapists have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct against Justin Tucker, the renowned kicker for the Baltimore Ravens. These new allegations bring the total number of accusers to 16, according to reports. All the claims are said to stem from incidents that occurred between 2012 and 2016, primarily at spas in the Baltimore area.
The accusations against Tucker echo those made last month by six massage therapists, expanding the scope of the alleged misconduct. The nature of the allegations is disturbing, with claims that Tucker exposed his genitals, made physical contact with the therapists inappropriately, and left ejaculate on treatment tables. Some of the therapists have said they were so disturbed by his behavior that they banned him from their spas. One individual described the experience as “really degrading,” while another stated that the mere sight of Tucker’s face on television left her unable to watch sports anymore.
The newly reported incidents share similar characteristics, with one new accuser alleging that Tucker used his erect penis to move a sheet covering his body during a massage. The women who have come forward all claim that they were subjected to sexually inappropriate behavior in the course of their work.
Tucker has consistently denied the allegations. His legal team has dismissed the claims as “utterly baseless” and insisted that the kicker has never acted inappropriately during any massage therapy session. His lawyers have stressed that Tucker has never received any formal complaints or been told he was unwelcome at any spa or place of business. Despite these denials, the accusations continue to gain traction, with more therapists sharing their stories.
The NFL has announced that it will investigate the allegations. Commissioner Roger Goodell remarked that the matter is being taken seriously, as the claims are clearly of significant concern. The Ravens, too, have issued statements expressing their commitment to handling the allegations with seriousness and caution.
Tucker, who is widely regarded as one of the best kickers in NFL history, has enjoyed a remarkable career with the Ravens. Known for his strong leg and consistency, he holds several records, including the longest field goal and the highest career field goal percentage in NFL history. Over his career, Tucker has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times since joining the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Beyond football, Tucker is also known for his talents as an amateur opera singer, which has further contributed to his public profile.
These new allegations against Tucker bear similarities to the case involving quarterback Deshaun Watson, who faced a large number of similar accusations. Watson was suspended for 11 games by the NFL in 2022 after more than 24 women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. Although criminal charges were never filed against Watson, he reached settlements in 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits he faced. This case raised significant questions about how the NFL handles allegations of sexual misconduct involving its players, particularly when the accusations involve off-field conduct.
As with Watson, the scrutiny surrounding Tucker’s case raises concerns about the boundaries of professional conduct and the responsibilities of athletes who hold significant public influence. It also underscores the challenges faced by victims of sexual misconduct in seeking justice and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or public recognition.
The growing number of accusers in Tucker’s case suggests that these allegations may continue to be a significant issue in the coming weeks, and they have already sparked debate regarding both the ethical and legal implications of such behavior in professional sports. How the NFL and the Ravens respond moving forward could have wide-reaching effects on both Tucker’s career and the broader sports community’s approach to such serious allegations.
