Chiefs coach defends decision to sign kicker Tucker
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has defended signing Justin Tucker to the team’s practice squad, saying the kicker has completed his NFL suspension. Tucker was accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists in the Baltimore area; he has denied the allegations and was not charged with a crime. The signing follows poor form from the Chiefs’ regular kicker, Harrison Butker.
Tucker received a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and is now eligible to play. A five-time All-Pro, he has made 89.1% of field-goal attempts over 13 seasons, though his accuracy fell to 73.3% in 2024. Butker has missed five of 16 attempts this season, including two in a 20-3 loss to Seattle; Reid said he had done research before bringing Tucker in but declined to detail it.
In short
- Reid says Tucker has served his NFL suspension.
- Tucker denies allegations made by 16 massage therapists.
- The Chiefs are seeking help after Butker missed five of 16 kicks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Chiefs can argue that signing Tucker is a legitimate sporting decision: he has an exceptional career record, is eligible after serving his suspension, and the team needs a reliable option after Butker’s struggles. Tucker denies the allegations and was not charged, so Reid may consider it fair to assess him on his performance and the league’s completed disciplinary process.
The case against
Critics can argue that a team’s decision also carries responsibilities to players, staff and supporters, particularly given the number of massage therapists who accused Tucker of sexual misconduct. The suspension’s completion establishes his eligibility under league rules, but does not resolve the allegations; Reid’s refusal to explain what research informed the signing may therefore leave reasonable concerns unanswered.