Ravens’ President Addresses Investigation into Justin Tucker
Palm Beach, Fla. – Baltimore Ravens President Cerci Brown has announced that the organization will delay any decisions regarding kicker Justin Tucker’s future with the team until the NFL concludes its ongoing investigation into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Investigation Overview
The investigation stems from accusations made by 16 massage therapists associated with eight spas in Baltimore, alleging inappropriate behavior by Tucker during their sessions from 2012 to 2016. This period coincided with Tucker’s initial years in the league when he quickly established himself as one of the top kickers in NFL history.
Team’s Stance on the Investigation
Brown emphasized the team’s commitment to fully understanding the circumstances before making any decisions. “From our perspective, we want to make sure we fully understand the facts, actually understand the facts, hear both sides of the situation, conduct the investigation appropriately and conclude, allowing us to make a decision based on full information,” he stated.
Details on the Allegations
Specific allegations against Tucker include claims of inappropriate sexual behavior and actions categorized as misconduct during massage sessions. Tucker has publicly denied these allegations, describing them as “clearly false.”
League’s Investigation Timelines
NFL investigators began interviewing the alleged victims last month. The league’s protocol for cases involving player misconduct can be lengthy; previous instances, such as the investigation into Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, took five months to resolve.
Current Status of Tucker
As the investigation proceeds, Tucker will be allowed to participate in the Ravens’ offseason conditioning program starting on April 21, followed by team practices in May and June. Brown clarified, “That’s all that’s governed by the CBA and NFL personal policies of action.”
Future Considerations for the Ravens
The Ravens’ management continues to evaluate their options regarding the kicker position. General managers Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh confirmed that they were observing potential draft options at the NFL combine in February, signaling that they are preparing for different scenarios regardless of Tucker’s situation.
Contract Implications
Should the Ravens choose to part ways with Tucker, they would incur a $7.5 million dead cap penalty, which would be split over two years. However, they could gain $4.2 million in salary cap space this year by designating him as a post-June 1 cut. This decision is not expected to be immediate as the investigation unfolds.
Conclusion
As the allegations and investigation continue to develop, the Ravens organization remains focused on its protocols and the well-being of all parties involved. Brown reiterated the importance of a thorough process: “We want this to happen much faster than that… certainly know that we need to reach a large number of people who need to provide evidence before we can confirm that.” The outcome of this investigation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future for both Tucker and the Ravens.
