Alleged Incidents Occurring Between 2012 and 2016
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct, as reported by the Baltimore Banner. Six different massage therapists have accused Tucker of inappropriate behavior at several spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area.
The allegations detail incidents where Tucker allegedly "exposed his genitals, brushed two of the therapists with his exposed penis, and left what appeared to be ejaculate on the massage table after three massage appointments." According to the reports, some therapists even chose to terminate their sessions early and opted not to work with Tucker again due to their experiences, which reportedly took place between 2012 and 2016.
Specific Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
In the allegations detailed by the Baltimore Banner, five of the therapists stated that Tucker requested massages of his pelvic area or inner thighs while he was visibly erect. They also claimed he frequently moved his pelvis to shift the sheets, resulting in full or partial exposure of his genitals. Two therapists noted that Tucker made contact with their bodies using his exposed penis, and three others discovered a significant wet spot on the massage table upon returning to the room after Tucker's departure, which they believed to be ejaculate.
Background on Justin Tucker
At 35 years old, Tucker has been with the Ravens since May 2012, when he joined the team as an undrafted free agent. Over his 13-season career in the NFL, he has played exclusively for the Baltimore Ravens.
A representative from one local spa noted that Tucker was "immediately terminated as a client" after an alleged incident in 2014. One of the therapists involved in the allegations mentioned that she had shared her experiences with others throughout the years, labeling the incidents as "really degrading." Additionally, the attorney for a now-closed spa indicated that their establishment took swift action to prohibit Tucker from returning, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for clients and staff.
Tucker's Denial and Legal Context
On Thursday, Tucker publicly denied the allegations through a social media statement, asserting that the claims are "unequivocally false." His legal team described the allegations as "impossible to prove" and insisted that their client has never been banned from the spas where these alleged events occurred. They emphasized, “Mr. Tucker has never behaved inappropriately during any massage therapy session, and certainly never in the manner described [by the Banner]. Any suggestion to the contrary is a fictitious and utterly baseless claim.”
A spokesperson for the NFL 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.”
One of the therapists involved remarked, “I can’t watch sports anymore. I see his face everywhere,” highlighting the emotional toll these allegations have taken on the individuals involved.
Statute of Limitations and NFL's Personal Conduct Policy
The allegations have not been submitted to law enforcement, according to the women involved. Legal analysts have indicated that the statute of limitations for bringing such claims may have lapsed. Nevertheless, the NFL retains the authority to investigate and potentially impose penalties on Tucker if the league deems appropriate to address conduct that undermines the integrity of the NFL, as outlined in its personal conduct policy.
This situation draws parallels to the NFL's previous response when Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million following accusations from 24 women regarding various forms of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.