Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has defended the decision to sign Justin Tucker to their practice squad, stating the kicker has completed his suspension. Tucker, a 36-year-old veteran and Super Bowl winner with the Baltimore Ravens, was previously accused of sexual misconduct by multiple massage therapists in the Baltimore area.
Allegations and Suspension
The accusations against Tucker involved 16 massage therapists during the 2010s. He has consistently denied the allegations and never faced criminal charges. Following an NFL investigation, he received a 10-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The Baltimore Ravens released him in May 2025 due to what they termed a football decision following declining form. Having served the ban last season, Tucker is immediately available for selection.
Head Coach Response and Background
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, as reported by BBC Sport, Andy Reid stated that Tucker has taken care of that business. Reid noted that the team conducted thorough homework before making the signing. When pressed on the specifics of that homework, the head coach declined to elaborate further, confirming Tucker’s place on the practice squad.
Tucker ranks second in NFL history in field-goal percentage with 89.1% across 13 seasons and is a five-time All-Pro. However, he struggled through the worst season of his career in 2024, making just 73.3% of his attempts. The Chiefs brought him in following a difficult run of form from current kicker Harrison Butker, who has missed five of his 16 field-goal attempts this season.
