Ravens Release Justin Tucker, Risking Permanent End to NFL Kicking Career
Kickin' It Old School?
Don't Count on Tucker in the NFL This Year
Justin Tucker, a renowned kicker in NFL history, found himself unexpectedly looking for a new team after the Baltimore Ravens cut him on Monday, yet his prospects aren't looking too hopeful.
Tucker faces the grim reality that he might not see the field again, not as just another athlete seeking a fresh opportunity.
Allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior with massage therapists, currently under NFL investigation, pose a significant setback for Tucker. These allegations, involving up to 16 masseuses, could have a career-ending impact, given their combined weight.
The NFL Investigation Continues
Despite the ongoing investigation, the NFL has confirmed that "the matter remains under review," indicating that the league has yet to determine the validity of the allegations. Tucker, who vehemently denies all accusations, has enlisted legal support to defend himself.
However, Tucker finds himself in a sticky legal situation, as he's unable to raise his defense in court, given a lack of criminal charges or civil suits to date. This leaves Tucker in a precarious position, waiting for the investigation to conclude before he can potentially clear his name.
Uncharted Waters
With no team willing to sign Tucker under the cloud of an NFL investigation, he's left to bide his time, hoping for a clean bill of health from the league. Unfortunately, if the league confirms sanctions, Tucker's NFL career would likely be at an end.
The league's disciplinary officer, appointed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, would handle the issue. While the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy does not require high legal standards for determinations, Tucker may need an all-clear to continue playing.
Enter the Deshaun Watson saga
The fallout from the Deshaun Watson scandal, where the Cleveland Browns found themselves embroiled in controversy after adding Watson, adds an extra layer of complexity to Tucker's case. Most front offices are likely to be hesitant to follow the Browns' example.
Performance Factors
Compounding Tucker's woes is the fact that last season saw a dip in his performance, with a career-low 73.3% field goal percentage. His struggles came at an inopportune time, as he entered his 35th year andhenged questions about a potential decline in his abilities.
Despite his remarkable record, teams are cautious about signing aging players, especially those coming off a lackluster season and embroiled in a controversy that risks becoming a PR disaster. The weight of these factors might spell the end of Tucker's NFL career, as the likelihood of finding a new team looks slim.
[1] https://deadspin.com/allegations-against-nfl-kicker-justin-tucker-detail-gra-1848656398[2] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37586352/baltimore-ravens-release-kicker-justin-tucker-week-1-roster-cuts[3] https://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill/baltimore-ravens-have-released-justin-tucker-because-of-an-nfl-investigation-into-misconduct-cl-10282024[4] https://www.sportscasting.com/fantasy-football/justin-tucker-released-baltimore-ravens-career-in-jeopardy/
- While Justin Tucker's skills as a kicker are undeniable, obstacles such as an ongoing NFL investigation, a dip in performance, and concerns about his age and recent controversy could make him an unattractive prospect for NFL teams, even by 2025.
- The NFL's examination of Tucker's conduct, involving allegations of inappropriate behavior with massage therapists, still lingers, with the matter yet to be definitively resolved.
- Not only must Tucker prove his employability amidst these allegations, but he also needs to overcome the residual effects of the Deshaun Watson scandal, which may deter teams from signing him due to potential PR implications.
- As the NFL's disciplinary officer determines Tucker's fate, he remains in a precarious position, forced to wait for a decision that could mean the end of his NFL career.
- If Tucker can somehow navigate these obstacles and convince a team to take a chance on him, he'll have to demonstrate his football skills again in American-football, just like back in the days when he was known as "Kickin' It Old School."
