Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has released a new statement in which he offered an apology while maintaining that he did not act inappropriately while receiving professional bodywork treatment.
The Baltimore Banner had previously reported that 16 massage therapists from eight spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior. When the accusations against Tucker became public late last month, the five-time All-Pro released a statement saying he has never received any complaints from a massage therapist or been told he was not welcome at a spa or other place of business.
In a new statement provided by his publicist to Outkick, Tucker called the allegations “shocking and heart-breaking,” adding: “It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected and valued as a professional, but more importantly as a person, and to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry. I want you to know I am committed to ensuring that everyone I interact with continues to feel that I respect them and care about them as a human being … I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider. These claims are simply not true. Throughout the last four weeks, I have spent countless hours replaying every interaction I have had with bodywork professionals over the last thirteen years. I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever.”
Tucker’s wife Amanda also addressed the accusations for the first time, saying: “The false allegations against Justin have caused so much hurt to our family. I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully.”
On Tuesday, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta called the number of sexual misconduct allegations made against Tucker “serious and concerning”. According to DeCosta, the Ravens were unaware of any allegations against Tucker until the Baltimore Banner contacted them about the investigative piece on Tucker that was published Jan. 30. He indicated the team will wait for the NFL to finish its investigation before determining Tucker’s future in Baltimore.
Investigators for the NFL have been in Baltimore speaking with some of the women who have accused Tucker of sexual misconduct. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said: “We’ve all got questions, but nobody knows exactly what happened. So, let’s see where the review takes us.”
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