Justin Tucker has already seen his Ravens tenure come to an finish, and he might be unavailable to his subsequent group for a lot of the season in 2025 if he’s to line up a deal. The All-Professional kicker was issued a 10-game suspension on Thursday.
Mark Make of the Washington Post notes that Thursday’s information shouldn’t be the results of an arbitrator’s ruling. This case by no means proceeded to a listening to in entrance of Sue Robinson (which did occur with Deshaun Watson, as an illustration). As an alternative, the size of this ban was agreed upon between the events concerned.
The suspension will take effect on Aug. 26, since that represents the roster cutdown deadline around the league. Tucker will first be eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 11. A free agent at the moment, he is still allowed to sign with an interested team at any point (although Thursday’s news certainly hinders the chances of that taking place).
In February, allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions went public against Tucker. The 35-year-old has denied the claims on more than one occasion, but a league investigation was launched into the matter. Thursday’s findings conclude {that a} violation of the league’s private conduct coverage occurred, ensuing within the suspension.
Previous to the draft — with the NFL probe ongoing — the Ravens confronted the potential for shifting on from Tucker. The group meant to attend till the investigation concluded to decide on that entrance, however as soon as Tyler Loop was chosen within the sixth spherical it gave the impression to be a assure a Tucker launch would certainly happen. Early final month, Baltimore moved forward with a post-June 1 cut.
On the time of Tucker’s launch, the Ravens insisted the transfer was strictly soccer associated. The seven-time Professional Bowler posted an area aim fee no decrease than 82.5% throughout his first 12 years within the league (all spent with Baltimore). Tucker skilled a notable downturn in accuracy halfway via this previous season, although, and his general success fee on area targets dropped to 73.3%. Slicing ties with three years remaining on his contract was a transfer little doubt partially knowledgeable by the dip in efficiency, however Baltimore’s resolution additionally implied information comparable to this may very well be coming.
Now that Tucker is about to overlook a lot of the approaching marketing campaign, his possibilities of touchdown a brand new alternative within the NFL have taken successful. A free agent pact previous to the NFL’s investigation concluding was at all times unlikely, and Thursday’s ban — which is not going to be appealed — may very properly result in a full season spent on the sidelines.
“We’re dissatisfied with the NFL’s resolution,” a press release from Tucker’s agent reads partly (via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network). “Justin has at all times strived to hold himself in a manner that may make his household and neighborhood proud. He stands by his earlier statements. With a view to put this troublesome episode behind him and get again on the sphere as quickly as doable, we’ve suggested Justin to simply accept this decision and shut this matter.”
A Tremendous Bowl champion in 2012, Tucker owns a lot of all-time data and has amassed over $51M in profession earnings. That determine may proceed to climb sooner or later, however particularly within the wake of Thursday’s suspension, his NFL future is unclear.
