The Kansas City Chiefs and head coach Andy Reid are facing criticism from NFL fans and the legal representatives of Justin Tucker's alleged victims following the team's decision to sign the kicker to their practice squad. Tucker previously served a 10-game suspension after facing accusations of sexual misconduct from 16 massage therapists.
Catherine Dickinson and Michael Belsky, lawyers for Tucker's alleged victims, released a statement expressing surprise at the signing. "It is somewhat surprising given the results of the investigation and the NFL's sanctions, that Mr. Tucker has been signed to another NFL team," they stated. "However, our focus is not on him, it is squarely on the bravery of the women that have come forward, and our hope is that their stories are not forgotten."
Tucker has maintained his innocence, calling the accusations "unequivocally false" and "tabloid fodder." While he was never criminally charged or sued civilly, he served his ban as a free agent and became eligible for reinstatement in November.
The Chiefs' decision to bring in Tucker comes as veteran kicker Harrison Butker has experienced recent struggles, missing 10 field-goal attempts and five extra points since the start of last season. Tucker, who turns 37 next month, also missed 10 kicks during the 2024 season before his release from the Baltimore Ravens.
Coach Andy Reid addressed the signing in a press conference, stating, "He's done his suspension, you know? Took care of that business. And I'll leave it at that." This response drew significant backlash on social media, with fans accusing the organization of prioritizing performance over character. "Anyone surprised? King of looking past what his guys do off the field as long as they perform on the field," one fan commented. Another described the move as "absolutely disgusting."
This is not the first time the Chiefs have given a player with a troubled past a second chance. The team previously re-signed running back Kareem Hunt after he was released following footage of him assaulting a woman. They also signed punter Matt Araiza, who faced accusations of rape, though criminal charges were ultimately not filed and civil cases were dropped.
When asked about the decision-making process for such signings, Reid reiterated, "I try to do homework on it. See exactly what's taken place. (Tucker) served his suspension. Spent time involved in it. That's how I evaluate it."
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce have had past interactions with Tucker. Two years prior to an AFC championship game, a verbal exchange occurred between Mahomes and Tucker when the kicker was warming up in an area typically used by Mahomes. Kelce then became involved, kicking Tucker's equipment, leading to a brief altercation. Mahomes downplayed the incident, stating, "It wasn't like we had any beef that moment. At the end of the day, we're just playing a game. You want to compete and you want to win. But it's not like we had a longstanding beef that carries on."
Meanwhile, Harrison Butker himself has courted controversy for his public statements, including a polarizing commencement address at Benedictine College where he commented on women's career aspirations versus marriage and children. He later formed a political action committee to encourage Christian voting based on "traditional values."