The NFL is facing a new scandal following the recent accusations against Justin Tucker, kicker for the Baltimore Ravens. According to a report by the Baltimore Banner, six massage therapists have accused the player of alleged inappropriate sexual behavior in four spas and wellness centers in Baltimore between 2012 and 2016, causing a huge uproar in the league.
The scandal has prompted an immediate reaction from both the NFL and the Ravens. The league announced that it will open an investigation to clarify the facts, following the personal conduct protocol that establishes sanctions for behaviors that affect the integrity of the sport.
Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens is involved in a huge controversy following accusations of inappropriate sexual conduct
The complaints include testimonies from therapists who claim that Tucker "exposed his genitals, made inappropriate movements, and left fluids on the massage tables." Five of them stated that the player "insisted on receiving massages in the pelvic area while having an erection," which led them to interrupt the sessions and refuse to attend to him in the future.
On the other hand, Tucker has vehemently denied the accusations. "I have always conducted myself professionally. I have never been accused of misconduct of any kind before," he stated in a press release. His lawyers have dismissed the allegations as unfounded and stated that there is no evidence to support the therapists' testimonies.
Despite the lack of formal complaints to the police, the massage therapists have reported that some of the establishments where the incidents occurred took immediate action against Tucker, banning him from entering and warning other employees about his behavior.
The NFL stands firm against the inappropriate behavior of its players
This case is reminiscent of the Deshaun Watson scandal in 2021, when the quarterback was accused by more than 20 women of sexual assault during massage sessions. Watson was suspended for 11 games and fined five million dollars, sparking speculation about a possible similar sanction for Tucker.
As the NFL continues its investigation, the controversy keeps growing and has put the Baltimore Ravens in the center of the controversy. The team has not yet made a decision about Tucker’s future, but there is already a debate in the league about whether he will face a suspension, which could affect his career and the franchise’s image.