Ravens Announcement on Tucker Move Condemned By ESPN

The Baltimore Ravens have added controversy to controversy now having released Justin Tucker on Monday.

The biggest issue, of course?

The accusations launched against the all-time great kicker that he is guilty of sexual misconduct with a host of area massage therapists.

The next chapter in the controversy?

Baltimore, before officially parting ways with its long-time kicker, had announced that his roster spot would be all about a "football decision.'' But that was a few days ago ... and Tucker hasn't been playing football in the last few days ...

So that comment and this decision read like at the very least a reversal in policy ... and maybe simply as a lie.

And now there is a new chapter.

Upon Tucker's release came a statement from executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta. The GM avoided making any reference to the multiple accusations of sexual misconduct - given that this is at some level a matter for law enforcement and the courts, that seems wise - but the statement was ...

Well ... full of praise.

"Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience, and extraordinary talent made him one of the league's best kickers for over a decade," DeCosta said. "We are grateful for Justin's many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives."

All of that is true. But is it appropriate, given the climate?

One ESPN personality thinks not.

"Was this tone necessary?" Kimes asked, the NFL Live analyst going on to criticize what she termed DeCosta's "fawning language'' when talking about the seven-time Pro Bowler.

Tucker, 35, has the highest career accuracy on field-goal tries at 89 percent in NFL history, though he did struggle last year. The Ravens appeared to show their hand when drafting Tyler Loop in the sixth round, and the rookie is now penciled in as Tucker's replacement.

DeCosta called releasing Tucker an "incredibly difficult" and "tough decision'' and in the end, we get that. With all due respect to the thoughtful Kimes ... we're not quite sure how, given all that is in play, the Ravens can ever "win the press conference'' here on Justin Tucker.