John Harbaugh Explains Ravens’ Decision on Justin Tucker
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke for the first time since the release of Justin Tucker, the team’s star kicker. Harbaugh acknowledged that the decision was a “complex process” that involved several key figures in the organization.The decision to cut Tucker, considered one of the best kickers in NFL history, was made on May 5, amid an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct. Harbaugh explained that the decision was “multi-layered and complicated,” but that it was ultimately based on the need to prepare the team for the season.
Harbaugh emphasized that the priority now is to focus on the available kickers and prepare them to compete. The team is currently evaluating Tyler Loop, a draft pick, and John Hoyland, an undrafted rookie from Wyoming.“Ultimately, it comes down to what you have to do to prepare your team for the first game. I think if you stop and analyze all the problems and all the ramifications, you can understand that we have to prepare our football team and we have to have a kicker. And that was the decision we made.”
John Harbaugh
Tucker, 35, has been accused of inappropriate conduct by 16 massage therapists. The player has publicly denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations “false”.
Tucker’s release came after the team drafted Tyler Loop, marking the first time in 30 years that the Ravens drafted a kicker.
Harbaugh argued that the decision to cut Tucker was a football decision, even though he hasn’t played since January.
“If it were something simple in black and white, then it would be easy to understand, but I think anyone can analyze everything in perspective and say, ‘Okay, we have to have a kicker ready to play,’ and there are many moving parts in that agreement. It’s simply the reality.”
John Harbaugh
Tucker is coming off the worst season of his career, with a field goal conversion percentage of 73.3%, ranking 31st in the NFL.
The coach also addressed the risk of relying on a rookie kicker, to which he responded that “there are many risks in life”.
