Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters on Tuesday that the allegations of inappropriate conduct during massage sessions against kicker Justin Tucker are "serious and concerning," and the team is waiting for the results of the league's investigation before making a decision on how to proceed.
DeCosta's comments marked the first time a member of the organization has publicly discussed Tucker since The Baltimore Banner published an article on Jan. 30 in which six massage therapists accused Tucker of inappropriate conduct.
The number of massage therapists accusing Tucker of inappropriate conduct has since grown to 16 from eight Baltimore-area spas. All say Tucker's actions occurred between his 2012 rookie year and 2016.
Tucker has denied the allegations.
"The amount of allegations are serious and concerning," DeCosta told reporters during his Tuesday media session at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "I think we're fortunate that the league is doing an investigation. We'll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can. We'll make our decisions based on that."
The NFL said in a statement on Jan. 30 that it would look into the allegations against Tucker, and DeCosta said on Tuesday that he has met with the league.
"I think in this case we're waiting for as much information as possible," DeCosta said. "Again, we're fortunate that the league has come down to Baltimore. I've met with the league. I believe the league is meeting with other people in Baltimore as well. We'll wait for the details of that investigation, and we'll make a decision based on that."
DeCosta also said that he has met with Tucker and that he would "keep those comments to myself."
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters later Tuesday that he also has spoken to Tucker about the allegations.
"The NFL is looking into it," Harbaugh said in Indianapolis. "They're going to review it and try to gather all the facts, and I'm sure we'll have an understanding of it at that time. Once there's an understanding of it, then you have a chance to make some decisions."
Tucker signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Texas in 2012. He's gone on to become the most accurate kicker in NFL history, making seven Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2012.
