Chiefs coach defends signing kicker suspended after sexual misconduct allegations

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid offered only a short explanation Wednesday when he was asked why the team was comfortable signing kicker Justin Tucker, who has not played in the NFL since 2024 after a string of sexual misconduct allegations. “He’s done his suspension. Took care of his business there. I’ll leave it at that,” Reid said when he was asked what message signing Tucker sent to female fans. Asked what level of involvement team ownership had in the signing, Reid said, “We try to do our homework best way we possibly can and talk to a lot of people and make sure things are OK.” On Wednesday, the Chiefs signed Tucker, 37, to their practice squad.

Kansas City was looking for competition at the kicking position because of the poor performance of starting kicker Harrison Butker, who has missed five of his 16 field-goal attempts this season. Tucker last played for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2024 season. In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner reported accounts from six women who accused Tucker of nonconsensual sexual behavior during massage therapy sessions from 2012 to 2016, including that he exposed his genitals and brushed women with his exposed penis. The following month, 10 more massage therapists came forward with more accusations against Tucker. He denied all allegations at the