Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is speaking out after six massage therapists accused him of engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior during sessions between 2012 and 2016. In a statement shared on January 30, Tucker vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “unequivocally false.”
Tucker’s Response to the Allegations
The allegations, first reported by The Baltimore Banner, claim that Tucker acted inappropriately during massage therapy sessions at four different spas and wellness centers. The massage therapists, who remain anonymous, alleged that Tucker asked them to massage his pelvic region while he had an erection, brushed them with his exposed genitals, and left what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after sessions.
In his statement, Tucker denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing his commitment to professionalism throughout his career.
“Throughout my career as a professional athlete, I have always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism,” Tucker said. “I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork.”
Tucker, who shares an 8-year-old son, Easton, with his wife Amanda Bass, also stated that he has never received complaints, been dismissed from a session, or been told he was unwelcome at any establishment.
Tucker Criticizes the Reporting
Tucker accused The Baltimore Banner of distorting innocent or ambiguous interactions to create a sensational story.
“In accusing me of misconduct, the article takes innocuous or ambiguous interactions and skews them so out of proportion they are no longer recognizable,” Tucker said. “It presents vague insinuations as fact. This is desperate tabloid fodder.”
He also claimed the publication relied on third-party speculation to craft a false narrative aimed at generating clicks.
Support for Accountability, But Denial of Claims
While Tucker expressed support for individuals coming forward to report misconduct, he maintained that the allegations against him are baseless.
“As a matter of principle, I respect when individuals come forward to report misconduct of any kind,” Tucker said. “I support a process that allows claims to be properly investigated. But, for the sake of myself and my family, I cannot allow false claims to go unchallenged. These allegations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me and, more importantly, my family.”
The Baltimore Banner’s Perspective
The Baltimore Banner has not directly responded to Tucker’s accusations about their reporting. However, reporter Justin Fenton provided insight into the decision to investigate the claims during a January 30 appearance on The Banner Ravens Podcast.
“It’s about numerous women reporting very inappropriate behavior by a high-profile public figure that has never been brought to light before,” Fenton said. “These are serious allegations; the allegations are numerous. It’s not just a couple of people.”
Reactions from the NFL and the Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens released a statement on January 30, acknowledging the report and Tucker’s response.
“We are aware of The Baltimore Banner’s story regarding Justin Tucker as well as his response,” the team said. “We take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.”
Similarly, the NFL stated that it would “look into the matter.”
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What’s Next?
As of now, neither Tucker’s representatives nor The Baltimore Banner have provided further comments. The situation remains under scrutiny, with both the Ravens and the NFL monitoring developments.
Tucker, a six-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, has built a reputation as a respected athlete. These allegations, however, have cast a shadow over his career, and the outcome of any investigations could have significant implications for his legacy.
For now, Tucker stands firm in his denial, calling the accusations “false and incredibly hurtful” to him and his family.
