Chiefs Sign Kicker Justin Tucker to Practice Squad Amid Media Criticism
Head coach Andy Reid defends the move, arguing Tucker has completed his suspension, while critics point to previous cases of players with criminal charges returning to the field.
By Elena Svoboda ·
The Kansas City Chiefs added kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday. The move triggered immediate scrutiny from sports media figures who questioned the team's decision to bring back a player recently suspended for personal conduct violations.
Head coach Andy Reid addressed the controversy directly during a news conference. He fielded approximately five minutes of questions regarding the signing. Reid stated that Tucker has completed his suspension and taken care of his business. He concluded, “I’ll leave it at that.”
The NFL suspended Tucker for 10 games in 2025. The suspension followed a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. Sixteen female massage therapists accused Tucker of sexual misconduct in the Baltimore area between 2012 and 2016. Tucker has consistently denied the allegations, including in a statement to OutKick when the claims first surfaced.
Critics quickly voiced their opposition to the signing. Dan Le Batard argued that only a small amount of desperation would lead a franchise to welcome back a player he called a pariah. ESPN analyst Mina Kimes shared a screenshot of the original allegations on social media. Several local media members in Kansas City also expressed frustration with the team’s choice.
Proponents of the signing point to precedent within the league. Players with similar or more serious legal issues have returned to the field. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs played on Sunday after being placed on the commissioner exempt list. He faced charges of allegedly strangling and suffocating his girlfriend. His legal team sought to keep a video of the incident private.
Other recent examples include Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold. Cooper returned from the commissioner exempt list on Sunday. He faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and several misdemeanor charges. The Seahawks signed Arnold in August after the Lions released him. Arnold faces eight felony charges related to an alleged plot to kidnap, pistol-whip, and rob three men. He faces up to life in prison.
The case of quarterback Deshaun Watson also provides context. Watson faced allegations from more women involving more serious claims, including forced oral sex. He settled a civil lawsuit filed by one accuser. The Cleveland Browns signed Watson to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history in 2022. Tucker’s accusers have not filed a civil lawsuit.
The Chiefs have a history of signing players with prior incidents, including Tyreek Hill, Rashee Rice, Kareem Hunt, Charles Omenihu, and Frank Clark. Tucker is eligible to play this week. Other players accused of or convicted of serious crimes will take the field in NFL stadiums across the country this Sunday.
Source: Fox News
