In a significant move that reflects the NFL’s stance on player conduct, the league has suspended former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for ten weeks without pay following allegations of inappropriate behavior involving multiple massage therapists. This decision comes just shy of five months after the accusations surfaced, resulting in two spas banning Tucker from their premises.
Tucker’s suspension is set to commence on August 26, coinciding with the roster cut-down day, and will remain in effect until November 11. For some of the massage therapists involved, the league’s ruling offers a sense of validation, though not without mixed feelings. One therapist recounted an incident during a 2014 massage where Tucker allegedly exposed himself, expressing that while the suspension is “a small victory,” the pain of the experiences is something she and others will carry indefinitely. “He got 10 weeks, and we have to deal with this the rest of our lives,” she stated, illustrating the complex emotional landscape that accompanies the fallout from such violations.
Another therapist remarked on the vindication brought by the NFL’s action, noting that while it’s reassuring to feel heard, the penalty still feels insufficient given the lasting impact of Tucker’s behavior on her professional life. “It’s the bare minimum,” she added, pointing out the challenges she faced as a result of the allegations.
For the massage therapists, the broader discussions prompted by this case underscore a call for respect and safety in a profession that demands not only skill but also a safe working environment. One massage therapist, who led the charge in bringing attention to her experiences, remarked on the positive shift in awareness and dialogue around appropriate behavior within the industry. “We just want and demand a safe working environment,” she asserted.
Michael Belsky and Catie Dickinson, the attorneys representing many of the therapists, praised the NFL for validating the experiences of the victims through its investigation. They expressed disappointment in Tucker’s approach, criticizing his decision to dispute the therapists’ credibility rather than acknowledge their experiences. “This was completely unnecessary and should not be acceptable,” they stated, drawing attention to the ethical expectations placed upon players.
Although Tucker is currently a free agent and was released by the Ravens earlier this year, he retains the possibility of serving his suspension without a contract. If he signs with a team before the regular season commences, he can still participate in training camp and preseason activities, serving his suspension only when the season starts.
This suspension mirrors the league’s disciplinary actions in other cases, including that of Deshaun Watson, who received an 11-game suspension last year after facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, violations involving serious offenses such as sexual assault can lead to significant penalties, particularly when factors like a pattern of conduct come into play.
Tucker’s acceptance of the NFL’s decision came after deliberation with his agent, Rob Roche, who advised him it would be best to move forward with his career. “In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter,” Roche noted in a public statement, reiterating Tucker’s consistent denial of the allegations.
Despite his impressive career, holding records for field goal percentage and longest field goal, Tucker’s recent performance did not meet expectations, leading to his release from the Ravens in May based on “football reasons.” The organization had previously expressed unwavering faith in Tucker’s abilities, but the pressure of the investigation and the surrounding allegations undoubtedly influenced their decision-making.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for a safe working environment in all professions, highlighting the nuances and challenges that come with navigating personal conduct in the public eye.
