The NFL has said it will “look into” the allegations of inappropriate behavior by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker during massage-therapy sessions. Given the inherent flaws of the league’s in-house justice system, Tucker has an easy way to short-circuit the process. If he chooses to pursue it.
To properly investigate the matter, the NFL will need to identify the six accusers from Thursday’s story in The Baltimore Banner and interview them. Because the NFL has no subpoena power, the investigation will go nowhere if they don’t cooperate.
Even though there’s no suggestion in the report that any of them have sued, and despite the possibility that the statute of limitations has expired as to any civil claims, Tucker could negotiate settlements with each of them. And if the settlements include (as most do) a confidentiality agreement, the accusers won’t be able to cooperate with the league.
That’s likely what happened with the most recent lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, in September 2024. The NFL launched an investigation, Watson settled the case (presumably with a confidentiality clause), and the NFL’s investigation went nowhere.
Right or wrong, it’s a legitimate legal strategy. And cash settlements are one of the most basic devices for resolving civil claims.
The entire system is based on pursuing claims that, if not settled, will potentially result in a verdict that compensates the plaintiff for harm suffered due to misconduct that is proven in court. The vast majority of civil cases are settled short of a full-blown trial.
That’s why the league needs to revisit the Personal Conduct Policy when it comes to claims of misconduct made against players. One possibility would be to prevent settlements until the accuser(s) are interviewed. Another would be to ban NDAs as part of the settlement process.
It’s still impossible to ensure that a non-employee of the league or its teams will cooperate. And if the accuser(s) won’t, the league will never be able to conduct a proper investigation.
Tucker has a $4.2 million salary in 2025. He’d lose $233,333 for each week of an unpaid suspension. With six accusers, he could possibly spend less than a game check to quickly and quietly end the NFL’s investigation before it even gets started.
Unless and util the league changes the Personal Conduct Policy, it’s a legitimate path toward managing risk and avoiding scrutiny.
That said, Tucker calls the accusations “unequivocally false.” He might flatly refuse to offer a penny to any of the six accusers.
Which would then set the stage for the league finding them, the league talking to them, and the league possibly attempting to take action against Tucker — the same way the league took action against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who eventually was suspended 11 games without pay in 2023.
In the wake of Justin Tucker’s recent legal troubles, there has been speculation about whether a quick settlement could potentially short-circuit the NFL’s investigation into the matter. Tucker, a standout player for the Baltimore Ravens, was recently arrested on charges of assault and battery following an altercation at a local bar.
While the details of the incident are still emerging, there are concerns that a settlement between Tucker and the alleged victim could potentially prevent the NFL from conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Some argue that a settlement could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, potentially allowing Tucker to avoid facing any repercussions for his actions.
On the other hand, others believe that a swift resolution through a settlement could be in the best interest of both parties involved, allowing them to move on from the incident without the need for a lengthy and public legal battle. However, it remains to be seen how the NFL will handle the situation and whether they will continue to pursue their investigation despite the potential for a settlement.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue a settlement or allow the NFL’s investigation to run its course will likely have significant implications for Tucker’s future in the league. Stay tuned for updates as the situation continues to unfold.
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NFL investigation, Justin Tucker, quick settlement, NFL scandal, NFL news, sports news, NFL controversy, settlement agreement, NFL player investigation, NFL updates, sports scandal.
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