Justin Tucker’s reported move to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad has sparked a backlash online, with former Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz criticizing the way the signing was announced.
The news first emerged through Kansas City Star reporter Sam McDowell on Wednesday before ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed it. Tucker, a five-time first-team All-Pro, has completed a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
Thanks for the submission!
Rapoport referenced the suspension in his announcement but did not detail the allegations behind it, prompting Schwartz, who won Super Bowl LIV with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, to publicly challenge the omission.
•
“Yes, he has quite the resume, Ian, thank you. Shall we look at what the Google machine pulls up for the last couple of years?” Schwartz posted. “Hmmm, 16 allegations of sexual misconduct, a 10-game suspension from the NFL, and a terrible 73% on FGs in 2024. I feel like this is a Norm Macdonald bit ‘wow that’s the first I’m hearing of this!’
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
“Also hilarious that in the original tweet, he references the suspension but gives no mention of why there was a suspension or what Tucker did! Why are we hiding this?!?”
With Harrison Butker struggling, the Chiefs have signed Tucker as a potential backup option. Butker has made only 11 of his 16 field goal attempts through six games and has also missed an extra point. However, the team’s decision to bring in Tucker has started a debate.
The veteran kicker spent 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before going out of action after the 2024 season. His absence followed a 10-game suspension stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct involving massage therapists in the Baltimore area.
A total of 16 therapists at eight spas accused Tucker of inappropriate conduct during appointments between 2012 and 2016. Tucker denied the accusations and maintained that he had behaved appropriately.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid addresses questions around Justin Tucker’s signing
The Kansas City Chiefs‘ decision to sign Justin Tucker has started a debate on social media, but Andy Reid has made it clear that he is comfortable with the move. The team added the veteran kicker to its practice squad on Wednesday as competition for Harrison Butker, who has struggled this season.
Reid said he did his homework on Tucker’s situation and considered the time that had passed since the kicker served his suspension.
“So he’s done his suspension, you know, and take care of that business there,” Reid told reporters. “I’ll leave it at that for you.
“I try to do homework on it and see exactly what’s taken place since. The kid, he served a suspension. There’s been time involved with it, so that’s how I evaluate it.”
Asked about the possibility of Tucker becoming a distraction, Reid did not appear overly concerned. He also revealed that the Chiefs did not consult players before proceeding with the signing.
Although Tucker is now on the practice squad, his addition does not automatically mean he will suit up against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Chiefs will evaluate him before determining whether to promote him for the road contest.
Edited by Habib Timileyin
