Latest news with #BaltimoreBanner
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Harbaugh talks about 'complex,' 'complicated' decision to cut Justin Tucker amid sexual misconduct allegations
John Harbaugh spoke with media on Wednesday about releasing Justin Tucker for the first time. () (Content warning: This story contains depictions of alleged inappropriate sexual behavior.) The Baltimore Ravens released five-time All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker on May 6 amid allegations from 16 women that he engaged in sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. Advertisement On Wednesday, head coach John Harbaugh addressed the decision for the first time while speaking with media. Like with the team's official statement, Harbaugh declined to directly address the allegations. He described the process as "complex" and "complicated" and ultimately characterized Tucker's release as a "football decision." "It was a complex decision-making process," Harbaugh told reporters. ... "You're talking about arguably the best kicker in the history of the game. Like we said, it's multi-layered, it's complicated. "In the end, it all comes back to what you have to do to get ready for your team to play the first game. I think if you step back and you take a look at all the issues and all the ramifications, you can understand that we've got to get our football team ready. And we've got to have a kicker ready to go. "That was the move that we decided to make. In that sense, it's a football decision." Tucker is accused of engaging in sexual misconduct on separate occasions between 2012-16 at eight different spas in the Baltimore area. The allegations first surfaced publicly in January in a report from the Baltimore Banner. From the Banner, in reporting subsequent allegations: "Their allegations are largely similar to those of the women who came forward earlier, including that he had an erection for most of the massage, intentionally and repeatedly exposed his genitals and brushed some of the therapists' thighs with his fingers. One of the seven new women said he left what appeared to be ejaculate on the massage table after his session." Advertisement Tucker does not face criminal charges and has denied the allegations. 'I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session," Tucker wrote in a statement addressing the allegations. Tucker is regarded as one of the greatest kickers in football history and had been with the Ravens for his entire 12-season career after connecting on 90.9% of his field-goal attempts as a rookie during Baltimore's run to the Super Bowl championship in 2012. Before the allegations, he was a well-respected member of the Baltimore community. Tucker is also coming off the worst season of his career in which he connected on a career-low 73.3% of his field-goal attempts, well below his career success rate of 89.1%. When the Ravens released him earlier in May, general manager Eric DeCosta described the call as a "football decision." "Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances," DeCosta said, per a Ravens statement. "Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker." Nine days before releasing Tucker, the Ravens selected Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. They've since brought in undrafted rookie John Hoyland out of Wyoming for competition.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Harbaugh talks about 'complex,' 'complicated' decision to cut Justin Tucker amid sexual misconduct allegations
The Baltimore Ravens released five-time All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker on May 6 amid allegations from 16 women that he engaged in sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. On Wednesday, head coach John Harbaugh addressed the decision for the first time while speaking with media. Like with the team's official statement, Harbaugh declined to directly address the allegations. He described the process as "complex" and "complicated" and ultimately characterized Tucker's release as a "football decision." "It was a complex decision-making process," Harbaugh told reporters. ... "You're talking about arguably the best kicker in the history of the game. Like we said, it's multi-layered, it's complicated. "In the end, it all comes back to what you have to do to get ready for your team to play the first game. I think if you step back and you take a look at all the issues and all the ramifications, you can understand that we've got to get our football team ready. And we've got to have a kicker ready to go. "That was the move that we decided to make. In that sense, it's a football decision." WATCH: John Harbaugh's first comments since Ravens cut kicker Justin it "complex" decision and multi-layers. Added they have a kicking competition now with rookies Tyler Loop and John Hoyland. — Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) May 28, 2025 Tucker is accused of engaging in sexual misconduct on separate occasions between 2012-16 at eight different spas in the Baltimore area. The allegations first surfaced publicly in January in a report from the Baltimore Banner. From the Banner, in reporting subsequent allegations: "Their allegations are largely similar to those of the women who came forward earlier, including that he had an erection for most of the massage, intentionally and repeatedly exposed his genitals and brushed some of the therapists' thighs with his fingers. One of the seven new women said he left what appeared to be ejaculate on the massage table after his session." Tucker does not face criminal charges and has denied the allegations. 'I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session," Tucker wrote in a statement addressing the allegations. Tucker is regarded as one of the greatest kickers in football history and had been with the Ravens for his entire 12-season career after connecting on 90.9% of his field-goal attempts as a rookie during Baltimore's run to the Super Bowl championship in 2012. Before the allegations, he was a well-respected member of the Baltimore community. Tucker is also coming off the worst season of his career in which he connected on a career-low 73.3% of his field-goal attempts, well below his career success rate of 89.1%. When the Ravens released him earlier in May, general manager Eric DeCosta described the call as a "football decision." "Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances," DeCosta said, per a Ravens statement. "Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker." Nine days before releasing Tucker, the Ravens selected Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. They've since brought in undrafted rookie John Hoyland out of Wyoming for competition.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Homeowners blindsided after government cuts vital disaster relief program: 'Puts our community at continued risk'
The Trump administration has canceled a disaster mitigation program intended to reduce risks, such as those in flood-prone areas, with impacts for states like Maryland. Among other cuts, it is also ending funding for a project to restore wetlands and revitalize nearby neighborhoods in South Baltimore. The Baltimore Banner explained how these cuts will directly impact coastal, low-lying Maryland communities. The state reportedly lost about $83 million in federal funding for infrastructure that strengthens disaster resilience when a national $882 million program was ended in April. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grants had been managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reduce the dangers that disasters pose to people and facilities at the local level. Under the new administration, a FEMA spokesperson described the program as "wasteful and ineffective." Maryland is also losing another $27 million in wetlands restoration money for a project along the Patapsco River's Middle Branch. The full grant was closer to $32 million — $5 million had already been spent on planning, which may now go to waste. The loss of federal funding can be devastating for disaster-prone communities. The mayor of Crisfield, Darlene Taylor, said in a statement that the BRIC program "provided essential support for small, rural towns like ours to address chronic flooding challenges. Withdrawing this funding increases our vulnerability to future flood events and puts our community at continued risk." Crisfield currently sits about three feet above sea level, according to the Banner. In her statement, Taylor pointed to the practicality of these kinds of programs, which aim to proactively prevent not only catastrophic losses to human life, homes, and businesses, but also the massive economic costs that ensue. Do you think the federal government should give us tax breaks to improve our homes? Definitely Only for certain upgrades Let each state decide instead No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Similarly, the money meant to restore the native wetland habitats in Maryland was not only a pro-environment initiative but also a pro-community one, with plans for parks and trails. Now, projects in Maryland and elsewhere are forced to scale back or even stop as staff and supporters scramble to raise funds from other sources. Driving at least some of the urgency is that flooding, as Taylor described, can be "chronic" in affected areas — local officials know it can come back again and again. As heat-trapping pollution fuels rising global temperatures, extreme weather — like heavy rains, hurricanes, and floods — is becoming more destructive and more frequent. That disasters can hit the same neighborhoods again and again only underscores the case for investing in strong infrastructure designed to help residents withstand the impacts. In Maryland, across the United States, and even around the world, environmental project leaders must readjust their expectations in the face of federal spending cuts. Many are trying to raise more money without the U.S. government's help. Some local leaders are also holding out hope that federal agencies will eventually reverse their decisions and restore once-promised support. Building resilience before disasters strike is more important now than ever to promote sustainable development and environmental protection. Fortunately, many advocacy groups and conservationists aren't letting the news of funding cuts curtail their missions. And you don't have to be a resident of coastal communities to support them. Concerned citizens of planet Earth can learn about critical climate issues and share about them with others. That learning can also include getting informed about pro-environment policies and voicing support to keep them funded and functional. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Chicago Tribune
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Baltimore Ravens release Justin Tucker, calling it a ‘football decision' amid NFL investigation into inappropriate behavior
Justin Tucker's career as a Raven has come to a stunning end. Baltimore released its longtime kicker on Monday, more than three months after more than a dozen female massage therapists accused Tucker of acting inappropriately at several Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers. The NFL's investigation into the allegations against him remains under review, league spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. 'Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances. Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker,' Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement Monday. 'Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league's best kickers for over a decade. We are grateful for Justin's many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.' Tucker, 35, had been the Ravens' kicker since 2012, was one of the faces of the franchise and has long been considered one of the greatest kickers in the history of the sport and a likely Pro Football Hall of Fame selection. He has denied the allegations, calling them 'unequivocally false,' in a lengthy statement that he posted on X after the first Baltimore Banner report in which six massage therapists said he exposed his genitals, brushed two of them with his exposed penis and left what was believed to be ejaculate on the massage table following three of his treatments, among other disturbing details. The alleged incidents took place between 2012 and 2016, according to the report, and led to Tucker allegedly being banned from two spas, Ojas and Studio 921. A Ravens spokesperson said following the initial report that the organization was aware of The Banner's story and that it takes 'any allegations of this nature seriously' and would continue to 'monitor the situation.' But after the initial story and Tucker's subsequent denial, several more women came forward days later with strikingly similar accounts in another Baltimore Banner report. One of those women also spoke to The Sun. One of the accusers provided the The Banner with a letter she said she shared with her employer in 2015 that said Tucker 'made it a point in previous sessions to expose his erect genitals to me by untucking the drapes, regardless of how many times I have to redrape him and tell him he is messing up the drapes.' She also accused Tucker of running his fingers 'along my inner thigh' and leaving a 'large spot of ejaculation on my bottom sheet' where his genitals had been and signed the letter, which was also signed by someone she said was her supervisor. The NFL previously said it takes 'any allegation seriously' and that it was looking into the matter, though that process can take months. The league's personal conduct policy for players states that even if a case does not 'rise to the level of criminal charges, players are held to a higher standard and could still face punishment, including suspension.' It also states that players could face punishment for 'assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses.' In 2022, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended by the NFL for 11 games and fined $5 million after more than 20 women alleged that he committed sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. Watson denied the allegations and reached confidential settlements with most of the accusers. That same year, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was asked about Watson's suspension, which was initially two games and then six games before an agreement on a longer period, and praised the organization's 'zero tolerance' policy for domestic violence that was put in place after video emerged of running back Ray Rice punching his future wife in an elevator in 2014. 'We stayed away from that particular situation when we drafted players and signed free agents,' Harbaugh said then. 'That's [owner] Steve [Bisciotti's'] decision, and I'm glad we have that policy.' The Ravens released Rice in 2014 after the video emerged, but in 2018 kept cornerback Jimmy Smith after he was suspended for four games after the NFL found evidence of 'threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors' toward a former girlfriend that also displayed 'a pattern of improper conduct.' Last year, wide receiver Zay Flowers did not face discipline from the league or the team after a police investigation into an alleged incident was suspended without any charges and team president Sashi Brown said last March there had been 'no change' in the franchise's 'philosophy' and 'approach' with regards to the policy. As for Tucker, the five-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowl selection and currently the most accurate kicker in NFL history (89.1%) was set to enter the second year of a four-year, $24 million contract extension that he signed in August 2022. A Texas native and undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2012, Tucker quickly became a prominent figure on the field and off it. He made the game-winning field goal in the team's 'Mile High Miracle' playoff victory over the Broncos in Denver as a rookie and hit a 38-yard field goal that proved to be the margin of victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 47 that season. In 2021, he set an NFL record for the longest field goal with a 66-yarder as time expired to lift the Ravens to a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions. His 417 made field goals are also the most among active kickers and a franchise record, and his 1,775 points scored are also a franchise record and rank 16th all-time. Away from the game, he was omnipresent in the Baltimore area in advertisements for Royal Farms. The New York Times Magazine and '60 Minutes' profiled his operatic skills. He has talked about his faith and used his singing to raise funds for the Baltimore-based nonprofit Catholic Charities. But he also had his worst season in 2024, making a career-low 73.3% of his field goal attempts and missing two extra point attempts. Still, until the allegations surfaced, Baltimore had planned for Tucker to be its kicker next season. 'I think he finished the season strong,' DeCosta said during the team's season-ending news conference. 'I think I have every expectation that Justin's going to be a great kicker for us next year and moving forward.'
NBC News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC News
Baltimore Ravens release kicker Justin Tucker after accusations of misconduct by massage therapists
The Baltimore Ravens on Monday announced they were releasing kicker Justin Tucker, calling it a tough decision based on the team's current roster. Tucker, 35, who has been with the team since 2012, in January was accused of inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions by six women who spoke to The Baltimore Banner. The news outlet the next month reported allegations of more women. Ravens Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric DeCosta made no mention of the allegations in Monday's statement that Tucker was being released by the team. Tucker has denied any wrongdoing, and he has not been charged with any crime. The Ravens last month drafted a kicker, Tyler Loop, in the sixth round. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has said that the any decision made about Tucker's place on the team would be based on football, reported. 'Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances," DeCosta said in Monday's statement that Tucker would be released. "Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker." DeCosta thanked Tucker for his contributions to the Ravens, and said highlighted Tucker's "reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent.' Tucker is considered one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. He had some struggles during the 2024 season. An NFL investigation into the allegations of misconduct against Tucker remains in progress, NBC Sports reported. Tucker has called the allegations in The Baltimore Banner 'unequivocally false.' 'In accusing me of misconduct, the article takes innocuous, or ambiguous, interactions and skews them so out of proportion they are no longer recognizable, and it presents vague insinuations as fact,' Tucker said in a statement in January. 'This is desperate tabloid fodder.' DeCosta thanked Tucker and said the team wishes him and his family well. 'We are grateful for Justin's many contributions while playing for the Ravens,' DeCosta said. 'We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.' Tucker was signed by the Ravens in 2012 as a free agent. He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and is a Super Bowl champion, winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens at the end of the 2012 season.
