The NFL Scouting Combine provides teams with an opportunity to assess young talent, but for Baltimore Ravens executives, Tuesday in Indianapolis meant facing challenging media inquiries regarding their veteran kicker, Justin Tucker. His situation became a focal point amid ongoing sexual misconduct allegations against the eight-time All-Pro. A report by The Baltimore Banner on January 30 detailed claims that Tucker engaged in “inappropriate behavior” at several upscale spas from 2012 to 2016. Since then, numerous massage therapists have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, which Tucker has strongly denied, labeling them as “unequivocally false.”
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta addressed these serious matters during the Combine. “It’s not what you want to wake up and read,” Harbaugh remarked, adding, “The NFL’s looking into it. They’re going to review it, gather all the facts, and hopefully we’ll have an understanding of it at that time, and once there’s an understanding, then you have a chance to make some determinations.”
With the highest career field goal percentage in NFL history (89.1%), Tucker had a notably poor season, missing eight field goals and two extra points while now facing serious allegations. Harbaugh indicated that the team would be evaluating kickers this offseason, which might have occurred regardless of Tucker’s circumstances due to his performance struggles in 2024. “We’re looking at every position, but I’d say 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,” he stated.
John Harbaugh on Justin Tucker: pic.twitter.com/Ah2MPAB1NT
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 25, 2025
DeCosta solemnly addressed Tucker’s situation, emphasizing the gravity of the claims. “The allegations are serious, concerning. The amount of allegations are serious and concerning,” he noted. “I think we’re fortunate that the league is conducting an investigation. We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can before making our decisions based on that.”
GM Eric DeCosta on Justin Tucker: pic.twitter.com/o2qUOnc9ga
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 25, 2025
Such inquiries are not easy for any head coach or general manager to tackle, and both Harbaugh and DeCosta deserve credit for their transparent responses.
