The NFL is set to investigate claims regarding Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s alleged inappropriate conduct with massage therapists at multiple spas and wellness centers around the Baltimore area, as confirmed by a league representative.
A comprehensive article published by the Baltimore Banner outlined the accusations against Tucker, with insights gathered from six massage therapists who detailed their experiences with him between 2012 and 2016. Some of the therapists indicated that they cut sessions short or decided against providing services to him again, while managers from two establishments revealed that they issued bans against Tucker for his conduct.
A spokesperson for the NFL, Brian McCarthy, stated, “We first became aware of the allegations from the reporter investigating this story as they were not previously shared with the NFL. We take any allegation seriously and will look into the matter.” The claims in question involve allegations of Tucker exposing himself, making unwanted physical contact, and allegedly leaving bodily fluids on a massage table following three different sessions.
In response to the serious accusations, Tucker took to social media to vehemently deny the allegations, labeling them as “unequivocally false.” He expressed that the report distorted harmless interactions to such a degree that they became unrecognizable, presenting vague insinuations as if they were established facts.
At 35 years old, Tucker has just completed his thirteenth season in the NFL, all of which have been with the Ravens. He has gained significant fame, distinguishing himself among fans in Baltimore and across the league—a feat not typically attributed to kickers. His remarkable 66-yard field goal in 2021 remains the longest successful attempt in NFL history.
In 2022, Tucker secured a four-year contract extension that extends through the 2027 season, including $17.5 million guaranteed. A spokesperson for the Ravens acknowledged awareness of both the article and Tucker’s rebuttal, asserting that the organization takes all allegations seriously and intends to keep a close watch on the unfolding situation.
According to the Baltimore Banner, a representative from the Ojas spa chain reported that Tucker was “immediately terminated as a client” in 2014 following an incident brought to their attention by a massage therapist. The owners of Studio 921, a now-closed establishment, communicated via an attorney that they “took immediate and decisive action to ban this individual from our business and services to ensure a safe environment for all.”
In his rebuttal, Tucker countered, “I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session, and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business.”
Notably, the allegations bear resemblances to separate claims made against another NFL player, quarterback Deshaun Watson. Over two dozen women accused Watson of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions during his time with the Houston Texans. After being traded to the Cleveland Browns, Watson was suspended for the first eleven games of the 2022 season when an independent arbitrator ruled that he had breached the league’s personal conduct policy.
