Chiefs Sign Kicker Tucker
Kansas City's practice squad move for Justin Tucker has sparked debate after his 10-game suspension for sexual misconduct claims.
By Ivan Dvorak ·
The Kansas City Chiefs added kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday. The move immediately drew sharp criticism from sports media personalities and local reporters who questioned why the team signed a player still under a cloud.
Head coach Andy Reid faced five minutes of questions about Tucker at his post-practice news conference. He stated that Tucker had completed his suspension and handled his own business. Reid said he would leave the matter at that.
Tucker was suspended for 10 games in 2025 after violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The suspension followed 16 allegations of sexual misconduct by female massage therapists in the Baltimore area between 2012 and 2016. Tucker has vehemently denied these claims, a position he reiterated in a statement to OutKick when the allegations first surfaced.
Critics on social media and television reacted quickly to the signing. Dan Le Batard argued that only a franchise desperate for a kicker would welcome back someone considered a pariah. ESPN analyst Mina Kimes shared a screenshot of the allegations against Tucker, while several Kansas City media members voiced frustration with the decision.
However, Tucker's return follows a common pattern in the league. He is eligible to play this week after serving his penalty. Several other NFL players have returned from similar situations this season. Packers running back Josh Jacobs played on Sunday after being placed on the commissioner exempt list following his arrest for allegedly strangling his girlfriend.
Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper also returned from the exempt list on Sunday. He faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and several misdemeanor charges related to altercations with his then-girlfriend. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks signed Terrion Arnold in August after the Lions released him. Arnold faces eight felony charges connected to an alleged plot to kidnap and rob three men. He faces up to life in prison.
Deshaun Watson faced allegations from more women involving more serious claims, including forced oral sex. A therapist filed a civil lawsuit against him. Despite these issues, the Browns signed Watson to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history in 2022. Tucker's accusers have not filed a civil lawsuit against him.
The Chiefs have a history of signing players with personal issues, including Tyreek Hill, Rashee Rice, Kareem Hunt, Charles Omenihu, and Frank Clark. This Sunday, NFL stadiums will feature players who are accused or convicted of serious crimes. Tucker joining a practice squad is one instance of a team employing a player with a questionable history.
