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As serious allegations of sexual misconduct against veteran kicker Justin Tucker continue to surface, the Baltimore Ravens are actively searching for a new kicker ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Head coach John Harbaugh recently addressed these developments during a press conference at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Harbaugh emphasized the importance of evaluating all positions, especially considering Tucker’s age. He stated that the team will analyze the kicker role in their upcoming roster decisions. “Every position is important, we’re going to look at every single position. But certainly different years you look at different positions. We’re looking at kicker,” Harbaugh explained.
He further noted that even without the current allegations, the kicker role would still have been a management priority due to the natural aging process of players. “The kicker position would’ve been a priority no matter what because – Justin’s our kicker, we love him and I would’ve always expected him to keep going forever, but nobody goes forever,” Harbaugh said.
Tucker, 35, faces allegations from 16 massage therapists who reportedly claim inappropriate behavior during their professional interactions. This troubling information was initially reported by the Baltimore Banner and has raised significant concerns within the league.
The NFL has opened an investigation into the charges against Tucker. Officials have already reached out to at least three women who have made allegations, a process aimed at gathering substantial evidence and understanding the context of these claims.
In his comments, Harbaugh reflected on the emotional weight of the accusations. “It’s not what you want to wake up and read. You don’t want to read about it, it’s not something you want to see. I don’t care what it is in terms of things that are hurtful and harmful to people – it’s too many headlines like that, too many stories that you hear that make you just sad, disappointed,” he remarked.
The Ravens are committed to making informed decisions based on the findings of the NFL’s inquiry. Harbaugh mentioned that the organization will await the investigation’s results before taking any definitive action regarding Tucker. “The NFL is looking into it, they’re gonna review it. They’re gonna try and gather all the facts and hopefully we’ll have a – I’m sure we’ll have an understanding of it at that time. And once there’s an understanding of it, then you have a chance to make some decisions and determinations and things like that and that’s where we’re at right now,” he shared.
Tucker has been with the Ravens for his entire 13-year career, becoming one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history. He is known for his impressive record of 1,775 career points, ranking 16th all-time, as well as his remarkable field-goal percentage of 89.1%, which sets a league benchmark.
In light of the allegations, Tucker has strongly denied any wrongdoing, describing the accusations as “unequivocally false.” His steadfast denial adds another layer of complexity to this ongoing situation.
As the Ravens navigate this challenging landscape, they must balance the immediate need for roster adjustments while ensuring they adhere to the principles of fairness and justice in dealing with serious allegations. This careful approach underscores the franchise’s commitment to both player development and organizational integrity.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor the Ravens’ decision-making process in the days to come. It remains uncertain how the allegations against Tucker may impact the team’s strategy moving forward. The kicker position is critical in any football roster, and the organization needs to ensure they make the best choice for the future.
In summary, while the investigation unfolds, the Ravens remain focused on building a competitive team. Harbaugh’s comments reflect a conscious effort to prioritize every position judiciously while also addressing the gravity of the allegations against Tucker.
This situation is a reminder of the multifaceted challenges sports organizations face, especially when dealing with allegations that can have significant repercussions for all involved.