Just under five months after 16 Baltimore-area massage therapists accused former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of inappropriate behavior during massage sessions, the NFL has concluded its investigation and announced a 10-week suspension without pay for Tucker. This suspension, which is a result of violations of the league's personal conduct policy, is set to commence on roster cut-down day, August 26, and will last until November 11.
One of the massage therapists, who spoke to The Baltimore Banner in January, reported that Tucker repeatedly exposed his genitals during a 2014 session and made unwanted physical contact. She described the NFL's decision as “a small victory,” but expressed that the punishment did not adequately address the long-term impact of Tucker's actions. “I don’t think it’s enough,” she stated. “He got 10 weeks, and we have to deal with this the rest of our lives.”
Another therapist recounted an incident from 2015 in which Tucker not only exposed himself but also left ejaculate on her massage table. She noted feeling “a little vindicated” by the NFL’s ruling, yet emphasized that the suspension did little to alleviate her distress. “It’s the bare minimum,” she said, reflecting on how Tucker’s actions forced her to leave the profession. “I had to walk away from a career because of that man.”
The first massage therapist to come forward shared that the NFL's decision was a “huge win for us as massage therapists.” She highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of respect for massage professionals. “We just want and demand a safe working environment,” she urged, noting an increase in spa owners posting guidelines about appropriate behavior in recent months. “We’re a medical profession. We’re licensed with the state,” she added, pledging to continue advocating for the rights and safety of massage therapists.
The women involved in the case have chosen to remain unnamed to protect their privacy, fearing potential backlash from the Ravens organization or their fanbase. Their attorneys, Michael Belsky and Catie Dickinson of SBWD Law in Baltimore, stated that the NFL's investigation “validated the experiences told by each of the victims.” They criticized Tucker for not taking responsibility sooner, remarking, “It would have been simple for Mr. Tucker many months ago to have apologized and acknowledged wrongdoing.”
As a free agent, Tucker can fulfill his suspension while not currently contracted to any team. If he signs with a team before the season begins, he may participate in training camp and preseason games, but the suspension will activate once the regular season starts in September.
Interestingly, Tucker's suspension is slightly shorter than that of Deshaun Watson, who faced an 11-game suspension after being accused of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Under the NFL's personal conduct policy, serious violations can lead to suspensions of at least six games, influenced by factors such as a “pattern of conduct” and the nature of offenses.
Tucker opted to accept the NFL's ruling rather than contest it through arbitration, which would have revealed further findings from the disciplinary officer. His agent, Rob Roche, advised Tucker to accept the resolution to expedite his return to the field. Roche stated, “We are disappointed with the NFL’s decision. Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud.”
Tucker, an undrafted rookie who made his mark with the Ravens since 2012, has set numerous records, including the highest career field goal percentage (89.1%) and the longest field goal made (66 yards). However, he faced a challenging 2022 season, finishing with a field goal percentage of only 73.3% and missing crucial kicks in tightly contested games.
The allegations against Tucker first came to light in January, following an investigation by The Banner that detailed accusations from multiple massage therapists. These included incidents of Tucker intentionally exposing himself and making unwanted physical contact from 2012 to 2016. Two spas subsequently banned him from their establishments. Despite Tucker's public denials and claims that the allegations “devastate” him, the NFL quickly moved to investigate the claims.
As the Ravens navigated the fallout from these allegations, team officials expressed their commitment to making decisions based on both football performance and the ongoing investigation. Coach John Harbaugh indicated that any decision regarding Tucker’s future would ultimately depend on the team's readiness for the upcoming season.
Tucker’s release in May marked a significant turning point, as the team selected kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the draft, citing “football reasons” for the decision. The fallout from the investigation and the resulting suspension will undoubtedly have lasting implications for Tucker's career and the broader conversation surrounding the treatment of massage therapists in the industry.
