The Baltimore Ravens are describing it as a soccer determination, and it got here earlier than the NFL accomplished its investigation into Justin Tucker.
Regardless of the underlying causes, the crew is transferring on from its star kicker.
The Ravens introduced Monday they’ve determined to launch Tucker, months after experiences that he was accused of inappropriate sexual habits by therapeutic massage therapists. A five-time All-Professional, the 35-year-old Tucker has performed his whole 13-year profession with Baltimore. He’s thought-about among the best kickers in NFL historical past, though 2024 was his worst season.
The Baltimore Banner has reported that over a dozen therapeutic massage therapists have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual habits. The NFL said it would investigate, and the Ravens drafted kicker Tyler Loop late final month.
“Generally soccer choices are extremely troublesome, and that is a kind of cases,” Ravens basic supervisor Eric DeCosta stated in an announcement issued by the membership. “Contemplating our present roster, we’ve got made the powerful determination to launch Justin Tucker.”
That remark was per what coach John Harbaugh stated at rookie camp Sunday, when he indicated a choice on Tucker may come earlier than the NFL accomplished its investigation.
“Each determination we make needs to be based mostly on soccer,” Harbaugh stated. “You’ve bought a rookie kicker in right here. You took him within the sixth spherical, early within the sixth spherical. He’s a proficient man. Simply from a soccer standpoint — wage cap, all of the various things that you just simply consider — no matter we determine to do over the following few weeks shall be based mostly on soccer.”
Tucker has maintained he didn’t act inappropriately whereas receiving skilled therapy. A message in search of remark was left along with his publicist Monday.
Tucker holds the report for the longest kick in NFL historical past at 66 yards, and his success charge of 89.1% on subject objectives is the most effective all-time amongst gamers with at the least 100 makes an attempt. He was the final remaining participant on the Ravens from their most up-to-date Tremendous Bowl title, which occurred when he was a rookie.
In 2022, he agreed to a four-year contract extension by way of the 2027 season. That deal included $17.5 million assured.
Tucker missed a career-high eight subject aim makes an attempt final season, though he rebounded a bit down the stretch. Then got here the Banner’s report in January that left his future doubtful.
“Justin created many important and unforgettable moments in Ravens historical past,” DeCosta stated. “His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary expertise made him one of many league’s finest kickers for over a decade. We’re grateful for Justin’s many contributions whereas taking part in for the Ravens. We sincerely want him and his household the easiest on this subsequent chapter of their lives.”
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
