Baltimore Beatdown
Baltimore Ravens General Manager answered multiple questions regarding Justin Tucker, who is under NFL investigation for inappropriate sexual behavior.
For the first time since a report from The Baltimore Banner accused Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of having engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a now total of 16 difference massage therapists, General Manager Eric DeCosta was made available at the NFL Scouting Combine. DeCosta faced multiple questions regarding the allegations, the NFL’s investigation and the team’s response.
“The allegations are serious [and] concerning,” DeCosta said. “The amount of allegations are serious and concerning. I think we’re fortunate that the league is doing an investigation. We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information and we’ll make our decisions based on that.”
Around a decade ago, the Ravens created a “zero-tolerance policy” after running back Ray Rice was cut and suspended indefinitely by the NFL. Since then, the Ravens have made actions with this policy in mind, including cutting running back Bernard Pierce who was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in March 2015.
But when asked about the zero-tolerance policy, something Head Coach John Harbaugh cited when Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was accused of sexual misconduct during massage sessions, DeCosta said he could not define exactly what the zero-tolerance policy means.
“I really can’t because again we look at every case differently and the facts in every single case,” DeCosta said. “We do this for a living. We study players, we look at backgrounds, we look at all these different things. Every case is entirely different. Different facts, different situations. So, we’ll wait for the investigation to take place and we’ll make a decision based off that.”
DeCosta also answered when the Ravens’ organization were made aware of The Baltimore Banner publishing the allegations.
“We were made aware of a local media outlet who was getting prepared to do a story on Justin Tucker and that was the first time we became aware of those allegations or potential allegations that might result,” DeCosta said.
DeCosta did state he has spoken with Tucker.
“I did meet with Justin. I’m going to keep those comments to myself,” DeCosta said. “Personal conversations with Justin is probably the smart thing to do. But at that point we did meet and that’s what I’m going to say about that.”
