Justin Tucker is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving the former Baltimore Ravens kicker his first NFL opportunity since serving a suspension.
Tucker will initially join the Chiefs’ practice squad. The move comes as Harrison Butker, Kansas City’s long-serving kicker, has missed four kicks over the past two games.
Tucker was regarded as one of the league’s best kickers before his career was disrupted by allegations made by 16 massage therapists from spas in the Baltimore area.
The women accused the Pro Bowl player of inappropriate sexual behaviour during sessions. Tucker denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as “unequivocally false”.
In a statement at the time, Tucker said: “I cannot be clearer. These accusations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me, and more importantly, my family.”
Despite his denial, the Ravens released Tucker. Following an investigation, the NFL suspended him for 10 games for breaching the league’s personal conduct policy.
Tucker did not appeal the suspension, saying he wanted to “put the difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible”. He served the ban as a free agent.
The Chiefs’ decision gives him a route back into the NFL while providing competition around Butker’s position. Tucker, Butker and the rest of the Kansas City team are due to play in Denver on Sunday.
