AP admits mistake in covering Ravens' Justin Tucker story

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Associated Press admits mistake in covering Ravens' Justin Tucker story

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Richie Whitt | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 9:35 AM ET

Justin Tucker's trials and tribulations from sexual misconduct allegations have resulted in controversy amid media outlets covering the story.

In a story about Tucker's vehement denial of the charges from 16 massage therapists, the Associated Press didn't give credit to the outlet that broke the story and got the kicker to go on-the-record.

Raven Country properly credited Outkick with a link to its story first having the news. The first story about the therapists' allegations was published by The Baltimore Banner.

The AP corrected its original story on Thursday morning, updating it with a credit to OutKick.

“This was an oversight," an AP spokesman told Awful Announcing. "We updated the story to note that Outkick first reported Justin Tucker’s new statement.”

As the Ravens raise a skeptical eyebrow toward what management calls "serious" and "concerning" allegations against him, Tucker responded this week with a blanket denial.

"I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider," Tucker said in an interview with Outkick. "These claims are simply not true."

The legendary kicker is facing charges of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior during sessions from 2012 to 2016 at eight spas in and around Baltimore. The NFL is investigating the claims.

“The allegations are serious, concerning. The amount of allegations are serious, concerning,” Ravens' general manager Eric DeCosta said this week at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, via Pro Football Talk. “I think we’re fortunate the league is doing an investigation. We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can, and we’ll make a decision based on that.”

In his first public response since the allegations began in January, Tucker steadfastly denies any wrongdoing.

"Throughout the last four weeks, I have spent countless hours replaying every interaction I have had with bodywork professionals over the last thirteen years," Tucker said. "I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever. It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected and valued as a professional, but more importantly as a person, and to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry."

Tucker's wife, Amanda, is also publicly coming out in support of her husband.