Crow's Harbour says cutting Tucker is a “complex” decision

Owings Mills, Maryland – Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh made his first speech since Justin Tucker, acknowledging that it was a “complex decision-making process” that included himself, boss Steve Bisciotti, team president Sashi Brown and general manager Eric Decosta.

Tucker, the most accurate kicker in the NFL, was released on May 5 in the case of an NFL sexual misconduct investigation.

“I mean, you can say the best kicker in the history of the game,” Harbour said after his second OTA practice in the offseason. “Like we said, it's multi-layered (and) complex. But, ultimately, it all boils down to what you need to do in the first game you prepare for your team. And, I think if you step back and you see all the problems and all the consequences, then we can understand that our football team is ready, we've got a kick and decided on a step.''

Harbaugh added: “So it’s a football decision and now we have to spend all the focus and time on preparation.

Tucker, 35, was charged with misconduct by 16 massage therapists at eight high-end spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area, according to Baltimore Banner. All the alleged misconduct reportedly took place between 2012 and 2016, Tucker's first five seasons in the NFL.

Tucker twice publicly denied any misconduct. He called the allegations “clearly wrong” and described the article of the banner as “desperate tabloid feed.”

Crow officials have previously said they will wait for the NFL investigation to draw conclusions before deciding Tucker. But Baltimore's historic move to choose Taylor in the team's sixth round of the NFL draft lasted for nine days. This marks the first time the series has drafted the kicker in 30 years.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released Tucker in a statement earlier this month that it was a “football decision”.

When asked how to mark it as a football decision if Tucker hasn't been kicked since January, Harbaugh said: “Like I just said, it's a multi-layered decision. If it's just a simple thing in black and white, that's easy to understand, then I think anyone can look at the whole thing in perspective and say, 'Okay, we have to kick and we're ready, that's a fact, it's a fact.”

Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowl player, had the worst season of his career. He missed 10 total football plays, three more than last season. His 73.3% conversion rate (22 out of 30 innings) ranked 31st in the NFL last season.

In replacing Tucker, the competition between Baltimore and Wyoming's undrafted rookie kicker John Hoyland. The Ravens last played with rookie kickers when they won the Super Bowl in 2012 with Tucker.

Harbour was asked about the level of risk that the champion truck team can rely on rookies to play football.

“There are a lot of risks in life,” Harbor said. “There are risks (when) you get in the car; you will drive home in the rain. I hope you are very careful. This road will take risks.”