Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has called the mounting allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against kicker Justin Tucker “serious” and “concerning”, but says the team will let the NFL’s investigation play out before determining how to handle the situation.
DeCosta made his first public comments on the matter on Tuesday at the NFL’s annual scouting combine in Indianapolis. The Baltimore Banner has reported that 16 massage therapists from eight spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area have accused Tucker of the inappropriate behavior. The initial accusations include claims that Tucker exposed his genitals, brushed some of the therapists with his penis and left ejaculate on treatment tables. Two spas told the Banner they had banned Tucker from returning. One therapist who spoke to the Banner described Tucker’s alleged behavior as “really degrading”. Another said that “I can’t watch sports anymore. I see his face everywhere.”.
League officials have reportedly spoken with at least three of the women so far. Tucker has posted a statement on social media calling the allegations “unequivocally false”. His lawyers have also issued a statement denying the allegations. “Mr Tucker has never behaved inappropriately during any massage therapy session, and certainly never in the manner described … Any suggestion to the contrary is a fictitious and utterly baseless claim,” attorneys Thomas A Clare and Steven J Harrison told the Banner last month.
DeCosta said he first became aware of the accusations when a Baltimore media outlet, presumably the Banner, was about to publish the allegations and that he met with Tucker. But he declined to provide details on Tuesday of that conversation. DeCosta said the team will wait for the results from the NFL investigation, and will consider the allegations against Tucker on a case-by-case basis.
Tucker is considered by many to be the greatest kicker in NFL history, and holds the records for longest field-goal and career field-goal percentage. He has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times since he joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012. The 35-year-old is one of the few kickers to become a well-known name, and is also known for his performances as an amateur opera singer.
