Key takeaways:

• Justin Tucker, the Ravens kicker, faces accusations from nine massage therapists regarding inappropriate conduct.
• Tucker has categorically denied all allegations, labeling them as "unequivocally false."
• The NFL announced it would investigate the claims, with the Ravens supporting a thorough review.

Justin Tucker, the well-known kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, is currently under scrutiny as AP News reports that nine massage therapists from various spas have accused him of sexual misconduct during their sessions. The allegations, which emerged from a detailed investigation by the Baltimore Banner, detail inappropriate behavior by Tucker from 2012 to 2016, leading to two spas allegedly banning him from returning.

The first report revealed that six therapists had already come forward, describing disturbing encounters with the kicker, including claims that he requested massages of intimate areas while exposing himself. Following this, three additional therapists came forward, raising the total number of accusers to nine. One therapist alleged that Tucker left a "large wet spot" on the massage table, which the therapists believed to be ejaculate, according to the USA Today.

Tucker, who has built an impressive career in the NFL and is recognized as the best place kicker with the highest field goal percentage, has countered these allegations vigorously. In a public statement, he described the claims as "desperate tabloid fodder," asserting, "I cannot be any clearer. These accusations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me and, more importantly, my family." Tucker maintains he has never been banned from any spa or received prior complaints regarding his conduct, which he called a complete misrepresentation of his actions, as reported by The Guardian.

As the NFL and the Ravens announce that they are taking the allegations seriously, they indicated they would conduct thorough investigations. The spokesperson for the NFL stated, "We take any allegation seriously and will look into the matter." As this situation develops, the Ravens organization has reiterated their commitment to handling allegations of this nature seriously and fairly.CNN