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NBC Sports
2 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Justin Tucker hopes to thread needle between claiming innocence, accepting responsibility
When the NFL announced on Thursday that former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has received a 10-game suspension under the Personal Conduct Policy, the initial reaction based on the bare-bones statement was that the league completed its investigation and its in-house legal process with a finding that Tucker had done what he was accused of doing during one or more massage-therapy sessions. It quickly became clear that the suspension didn't result from the procedures created by the NFL. It came from a negotiation between the league, the union, and Tucker. And that's what made aspects of the statement issued by Tucker's representative confusing. Especially at the outset. 'We are disappointed with the NFL's decision,' Rob Roche began in the comment that was widely distributed to reporters and for the most part disseminated with little if any context or explanation. The NFL's 'decision' wasn't to suspend Tucker 10 games. It was to propose (presumably) a longer suspension if the process played out and to offer Tucker a 10-game suspension. It was Tucker's 'decision' to accept the 10-game suspension. That fact, obscured by Roche's statement, is an important one. Tucker accepted a 10-game suspension for something he loudly insisted he didn't do. 'Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud,' Roche added. 'He stands by his previous statements.' But does he? Who accepts a punishment for something they know they didn't do — especially when reasonable minds will be inclined to include that accepting a 10-game suspension represents an admission of responsibility? 'In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter,' Roche said. 'The people who know Justin best know his character and understand that while he remains fully committed to excellence as a football player, he is deeply dedicated to his most important lifetime roles as a father, husband, and friend.' It's one thing to advise Tucker to take a one-game or a two-game suspension. Ten games sends a much different message. Ten games suggests that Roche and others feared the league would emerge from the hearing before retired judge Sue L. Robinson with a much longer suspension. And so, on one hand, Tucker still says he didn't do anything. On the other hand, he has accepted a TEN-GAME SUSPENSION for something he swears he didn't do. That's a difficult needle to thread, especially if he plans to eventually sue the Baltimore Banner for defamation based on the reporting that sparked this situation in late January. For a defamation case to fly, Tucker will have to prove that the information was false (and that the Banner knew it was false or acted with reckless disregard to the truth or falsity of the information, since Tucker is a public figure). The suspension means, as a practical matter, that Tucker will also need to show that even the NFL was duped by the false allegations.
New York Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Justin Tucker had a decision to make. Will it help him return to the field?
Justin Tucker didn't issue an apology Thursday or acknowledge any wrongdoing after the NFL suspended him 10 weeks for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Instead, in a statement released by his longtime agent, Rob Roche, the former Baltimore Ravens kicker stood by his previous denials and said he's disappointed with the league's decision. The statement also made clear that he will not appeal the decision 'in order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible.' Advertisement Thursday's ruling by the NFL came after a four-month investigation following allegations from 16 Baltimore-area massage therapists via The Baltimore Banner that Tucker engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior during bodywork sessions from 2012 to 2016. Tucker has not faced criminal or civil charges, and the statute of limitations in Maryland makes either scenario highly unlikely. The most accurate kicker in NFL history was released by the Ravens in early May after starring for the team for more than a decade. Then came the ruling and a decision to be made. If he and his high-powered legal team had made it known they planned on fighting it, his status likely would have gone unresolved for months. The matter would have likely landed in the hands of Judge Sue Lewis Robinson, the hearing officer for alleged violations of the personal conduct policy. She would have been charged with making a ruling and then releasing the findings of the investigation. That process would have surely taken a lot more time and would have opened the door for a suspension longer than the 10-week ban Tucker accepted. 'We have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter,' Roche said in the statement. 'The people who know Justin best know his character and understand that while he remains fully committed to excellence as a football player, he is deeply dedicated to his most important lifetime roles as a father, husband and friend.' Attorneys Michael Belsky and Catherine Dickinson, who are representing 13 of Tucker's accusers, praised the league's investigation, calling it 'incredibly thorough and thoughtful.' Dickinson said the league interviewed 15 of the accusers. Yet, Belsky said Friday at a news conference at the SBWD Law office, which is just down the street from the Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium, that Tucker's refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing left 'many of the victims, our clients, with the stain of a denial.' Advertisement 'There was an opening here for an early discussion between Mr. Tucker and the victims and the NFL,' Belsky said. 'There was a way that this could have happened and gone down in a way that was different than how it did. Unfortunately, Mr. Tucker dug in with his denials, and we are where we are today.' Belsky was asked what's next for his clients and said they were still digesting the results of the investigation, and any responding course of action was 'TBD.' Meanwhile, as a free agent, Tucker is free to sign with another team. He can participate in training camp and even kick in the preseason. However, he would officially revert to the reserve/suspended list on Aug. 26, roster cutdown day around the NFL. He wouldn't be eligible for reinstatement until Nov. 11, two days before the official start of Week 11 and 10 days before his 36th birthday. Bringing Tucker into a training camp would surely generate questions and criticism for an organization and probably be a distraction that football decision-makers wouldn't want to deal with in late July. Most teams carry only one kicker. Signing Tucker now so he'll be available in mid-November would be a clear message to a team's current kicker that he almost certainly isn't in the long-term plans. The most recent version of Tucker as a kicker was a diminished one from the ridiculously high standard he set early in his career. Tucker had his worst NFL season in 2024, missing eight field goal attempts and two extra-point tries. The Ravens stuck with him, and he had a strong finish to the season. But for the only time in his career, Tucker was one of the primary reasons Baltimore lost a few of its games, rather than being the prominent reason for winning. His 73.3 field goal percentage was fourth worst among kickers who were active for more than 10 games. Advertisement But what if a contending team with an established and well-respected general manager and head coach enters the second half of the season with major questions at one of the game's most important positions? Year after year, in a league where the margin of victory and defeat is so small, promising seasons are sometimes made or lost on the foot of kickers. Would a team view Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowler, as the final piece to a championship puzzle? Would an established GM be willing to absorb the heat if he felt Tucker would help his team win games in December and January? By not appealing, Tucker left that door ajar.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton proposes to high school sweetheart Reese Damm in a magical seaside moment
Ravens Kyle Hamilton engaged! (Image credits: X/IG) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton made headlines this week for more than just his on-field prowess. The standout defender got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Reese Damm, in a beautifully planned seaside proposal. The couple shared the big news on Instagram, giving fans a look into their fairytale moment. Held on June 23, the engagement was full of elegance, intimacy, and family love. Romantic proposal stuns fans and NFL circles The proposal setting was a picture-perfect backdrop—a seaside location framed by an arch draped in soft pink flowers. Kyle dressed sharply in a white shirt, blue blazer and pants, finished with brown shoes. Reese glowed in a light blue, off-shoulder dress paired with white sandals. The romantic energy was captured in photos that quickly drew love from across the NFL community. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) A highlight of the post was Reese giving a closer look at her sparkling diamond engagement ring, capturing hearts across social media. Family and friends joined the couple for the celebration, making the moment even more special. The pair, who met in high school, have been inseparable through college, career, and Kyle's NFL journey. Their love story has grown quietly behind the scenes—until now. Nearly 7 years of love and loyalty The couple's relationship began back in high school at Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia, where they met as teenagers. What started as a youthful romance grew into a strong foundation that has lasted nearly seven years. Through college life and Kyle's rise at Notre Dame, Reese remained a constant by his side, quietly cheering him on through every chapter. From homecoming to NFL Draft night, the pair has stood the test of time. In February, Reese reflected on their journey by posting highlights from the 2023 NFL season. 'Year 3 highlights pt 2,' she captioned a carousel of photos featuring moments from the field and their time together. She's been a loyal presence since Kyle was drafted by the Ravens in 2022, celebrating every professional milestone with personal pride and support. Rising star on and off the field As Hamilton prepares for his fourth season with Baltimore, his football career is trending as high as his personal life. Over three seasons, he has recorded 250 total tackles, including 186 solo and 64 assists. His standout play has earned him two consecutive Pro Bowl selections, including a nod in 2024. He was also ranked No. 11 on CBS Sports' 'Top 25 NFL Players Under 25.' Also read: Garrett Wilson and girlfriend Shay Holle turn heads with romantic Italy getaway after Jets minicamp wraps up NFL writer Cody Benjamin wrote, 'It's almost unbelievable now that Hamilton started just four games as a rookie... Need a timely sack? He can do it. Need a critical pass breakup? He's there. The Notre Dame product all but sets the standard for do-it-all safety play.' While Kyle continues to lead on the field, his engagement to Reese Damm proves he's winning in life too. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Herald Scotland
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Justin Tucker suspension: Everyone loses as ex-Ravens kicker penalized
And, yeah, some rookie you've never heard of is going to benefit from the fact that Baltimore had already cut ties with Tucker, creating an open job to compete for in training camp. But there are no winners from this sad saga. There are most definitely losers, though, and they are as follows: Justin Tucker Duh. On the one hand, he ought to be grateful the NFL's announcement was, per usual, devoid of details regarding his violation of the league's personal conduct policy. And unlike the penalty the league levied against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson three years ago, in what can only be described as similar circumstances - at the time, 24 women had filed civil suits against him involving allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions - Tucker has not been fined nor ordered to undergo treatment or an evaluation. Watson was and had to pay $5 million. But Tucker is radioactive. Last season was decidedly the worst of his 13-year career. Still the most accurate kicker in NFL history, he converted a career-low 73.3% of his field-goal attempts. It gave the Ravens a convenient excuse to cut a 35-year-old who was at the top of his positional compensation scale. And in light of the sexual misconduct allegations made by Baltimore-area massage therapists for incidents that reportedly occurred between 2012 and 2016, no team was likely to touch Tucker before the league completed its investigation into the matter - and there will undoubtedly be less consideration for him now given he won't be eligible to return until Nov. 11. But this runs deeper. Again, the NFL didn't offer details as to why it had suspended Tucker, though The Baltimore Banner reported them in spades. All the while, Tucker, a practicing Catholic, has denied them, characterizing the website's reporting as "unequivocally false" - yet also won't appeal his suspension. Take that for what it's worth. At this point, it seems unlikely Tucker plays in the NFL again. And what appears to be the final chapter of his once enviable career has probably delivered a fatal broadside to his Hall of Fame candidacy given the high bar his position already demanded. In a statement issued last month and attributed to executive vice president and GM Eric DeCosta, he said, "Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances," when explaining why the Ravens released Tucker with three years left on his four-year, $22 million extension. Anyone paying more than a scintilla of attention knew the move involved far more calculus than that, but that's how the Ravens chose to frame it. They missed the mark. This is the same organization that was spotlit by the Ray Rice situation in 2014, when the team's top running back was seen on video assaulting his fiancee in an elevator. He was eventually released and never played another NFL snap after being indefinitely suspended. Following the issuance of Watson's penalty in 2022, head coach John Harbaugh said of the Ravens' stance about player misconduct, "Basically, we're kind of zero tolerance. You have to know the truth, you have to try to understand the circumstances, but we've stayed away from that particular situation - when we draft players, when we sign them as free agents. "I'm glad that we have that policy." (For what it's worth, the Ravens just spent a second-round pick on linebacker Mike Green, who's been accused of sexual assault multiple times in the past.) More: Opinion: NFL's suspension of kicker Justin Tucker is essentially a guilty verdict Any profession has people who are less-than-savory characters. The NFL is no different, but its scandals make headlines that members of Fortune 500 companies (or far less notable ones) rarely draw. It's just baffling the Ravens - a well-run, first-rate organization by nearly every other measure, on or off the field - would further jeopardize their brand. They undoubtedly carefully parsed their announcement signaling Tucker's departure. DeCosta also thanked him for his "many contributions" to the franchise (meaning its win total). It's fine that the club took its time before cutting the cord while doing its own due diligence on the matter. But given the circumstances, "The Ravens have released Justin Tucker" always seemed to be about the extent of what he deserved. The victims In the event crystal clarity is needed here, victims are not "losers." But the NFL's verdict offers further credence that they've lost too much. According to The Banner's reporting, 16 massage therapists from eight local spas shared horror stories about Tucker's alleged misconduct. It's important to note he has not been charged with a crime, and the statute of limitations in Maryland to file a civil action against him is long past. Sadly, this is often how it goes whenever women are exploited. They won't see a penny in the aftermath of their trauma, which could be very difficult to escape for the balance of their lives. Nobody's lost more than them, and that can't be forgotten. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
New York Post
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Ravens All-Pro Kyle Hamilton gets engaged to longtime girlfriend in French getaway
Kyle Hamilton's having himself a nice offseason. On Friday, the All-Pro safety is now engaged with his longtime girlfriend, Reese Damm. The pair posted a series of photos of Hamilton getting down on one knee and popping the question on a waterfront in France, with framed pictures and candles to set the scene. 4 Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is engaged to his high school sweetheart. Instagram/@dammreese The high school sweethearts have been together since they attended the Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia. Hamilton went on to play football at Notre Dame, where he spent three years and was named an All-American in his final season before he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and was selected by the Ravens with the 14th overall pick. He racked up 138 tackles, eight interceptions and eight tackles for loss in 31 career games with the Fighting Irish. 4 Kyle Hamilton (L) and Reese Damm attend the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images Upon heading to Baltimore, the safety wasted no time making an impact as he was a Pro Bowler and earned First Team All-Pro honors in just his second season when he tallied 81 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 15 games. 4 Hamilton is a star defensive back for the Ravens. Instagram/@dammreese This past season, he raised his tackle total to 107, made the Pro Bowl once again, nabbed All-Pro Second Team honors and was ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. As for Damm, she went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in public relations and image management from South Carolina, according to the Daily Mail. She has since tried her hand in music as she has released two EPs and a single while also working a PR job at Zest Social Media Solutions. 4 Kyle Hamilton with Reese Damm. Instagram/@dammreese The couple went viral when Hamilton was drafted in 2022, as they showed off an elaborate handshake as they celebrated the moment. Hamilton is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract but recently had his fifth-year option picked up by the Ravens, which will pay him $18.6 million that season.
