Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker maintains the mounting sexual harassment allegations against him are ‘simply not true.’ Sixteen massage therapists have come forward with claims of inappropriate behavior.
‘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,’ Tucker said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. ‘I absolutely respect the massage therapy profession and more so the individuals who work as massage therapists.’
In January, The Baltimore Banner reported that six women at multiple spas across the Baltimore area accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior between 2012 and 2016. Ten more women have come forward since The Banner’s initial report, triggering an NFL probe.
Tucker initially released a lengthy statement on X, calling the allegations ‘unequivocally false’ and ‘desperate tabloid fodder.’ He doubled down on Wednesday, saying the claims are ‘so shocking and heart-breaking.’
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‘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,’ he said. ‘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.’
Tucker’s wife Amanda Bass, whom he married in March 2015, told OutKick Wednesday that the allegations have ’caused so much hurt to our family.’ She added, ‘I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully.’
Tucker’s lawyer, Joe Terry, didn’t provide additional comment when contacted by USA TODAY Sports.
Earlier this week, Ravens general manager and executive vice president Eric DeCosta called the allegations against Tucker ‘serious and concerning.’
‘I think we’re fortunate that the league is doing an investigation,’ DeCosta said. ‘We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can. We’ll make our decisions based on that.’
This story has been updated with new information.
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