Veteran kicker Justin Tucker ’s departure from the Baltimore Ravens made headlines this week — but it wasn’t just about football. While the team framed the release as a “difficult football decision,” ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes has sparked a broader conversation about the tone the organization used in its farewell statement, especially in light of the serious allegations facing Tucker.
Mina Kimes calls out the Ravens’ overly “fawning” language
In a quote tweet reacting to the team’s official announcement, Kimes wrote, “Was this tone necessary?” Her critique stemmed from the Ravens’ choice of words in the statement, which praised Tucker’s “reliability,” “focus,” and “extraordinary talent,” without acknowledging the 16 allegations of inappropriate behavior — including sexual misconduct — made by massage therapists in the Baltimore area.
Tucker, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, has denied the accusations, and his wife has publicly called them “false.” But the omission of any reference to the controversy in the Ravens’ farewell message raised eyebrows.
Kimes provides sharp response to critics on social media
After facing pushback online, Kimes doubled down with a more direct tweet:
“Me: Hey maybe don’t bend over backwards to praise the incredible resilience of a guy accused by 16 different women of sexual misconduct,” she wrote.
“You: OH YOU’RE CALLING FOR THE DEATH PENALTY?”
Kimes clarified that her criticism wasn’t about canceling Tucker, but rather about the tone-deaf nature of the team’s praise given the context. She emphasized the middle ground between public condemnation and excessive reverence: “There’s a vast spectrum between crapping on someone and singing the praises of a guy being accused by 16 different women of sexual misconduct.”
Was the Ravens’ tone driven by NFLPA pressure?
Some NFL commentators speculated that the Ravens’ positive wording may have been influenced by concerns over player relations or potential backlash from the NFL Players Association. While Kimes acknowledged this possibility, she maintained her core objection.
“I’m not questioning the football decision aspect–I think (NFL.com’s) Gregg (Rosenthal) is correct–moreso the fawning language from EDC (DeCosta),” she tweeted. Kimes even offered an alternative statement the Ravens could have used,“‘Was a football decision. Had an incredibly productive career.’ Easy!”
Also Read: Justin Tucker’s NFL future: Should teams take a chance on the league’s most controversial kicker?
With rookie kicker Tyler Loop set to take over, the Ravens now shift focus to the upcoming season. But Kimes’ critique underscores an increasingly important discussion in sports — how teams handle public relations when serious off-field issues are involved.
Mina Kimes calls out the Ravens’ overly “fawning” language
In a quote tweet reacting to the team’s official announcement, Kimes wrote, “Was this tone necessary?” Her critique stemmed from the Ravens’ choice of words in the statement, which praised Tucker’s “reliability,” “focus,” and “extraordinary talent,” without acknowledging the 16 allegations of inappropriate behavior — including sexual misconduct — made by massage therapists in the Baltimore area.
Tucker, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, has denied the accusations, and his wife has publicly called them “false.” But the omission of any reference to the controversy in the Ravens’ farewell message raised eyebrows.
Kimes provides sharp response to critics on social media
After facing pushback online, Kimes doubled down with a more direct tweet:
“Me: Hey maybe don’t bend over backwards to praise the incredible resilience of a guy accused by 16 different women of sexual misconduct,” she wrote.
“You: OH YOU’RE CALLING FOR THE DEATH PENALTY?”
Kimes clarified that her criticism wasn’t about canceling Tucker, but rather about the tone-deaf nature of the team’s praise given the context. She emphasized the middle ground between public condemnation and excessive reverence: “There’s a vast spectrum between crapping on someone and singing the praises of a guy being accused by 16 different women of sexual misconduct.”
Was the Ravens’ tone driven by NFLPA pressure?
Some NFL commentators speculated that the Ravens’ positive wording may have been influenced by concerns over player relations or potential backlash from the NFL Players Association. While Kimes acknowledged this possibility, she maintained her core objection.
“I’m not questioning the football decision aspect–I think (NFL.com’s) Gregg (Rosenthal) is correct–moreso the fawning language from EDC (DeCosta),” she tweeted. Kimes even offered an alternative statement the Ravens could have used,“‘Was a football decision. Had an incredibly productive career.’ Easy!”
Also Read: Justin Tucker’s NFL future: Should teams take a chance on the league’s most controversial kicker?
With rookie kicker Tyler Loop set to take over, the Ravens now shift focus to the upcoming season. But Kimes’ critique underscores an increasingly important discussion in sports — how teams handle public relations when serious off-field issues are involved.
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