Served

  Not sure if this is national news but Justin Tucker, the place kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, is being accused of sexual assault. These charges come from massage parlors. The ladies saying that Tucker either exposed himself to them or brushed up against them. The first report involved eight women and now the number has grown to 16. The last alleged assault took place in 2016. You do have to wonder why it took so long. Justin Tucker has flatly stated the charges are completely false and he never did a thing that was inappropriate. I don't know much about him other than what I've seen on television. He's married, has children and does commercials for Royal Farms stores. Oh, he also sings opera on occasion and is a 100% legit opera singer. As for his personal life, I haven't a clue.

 The legal pundits are discussing this on the television. I'm sensing a bit of support for Tucker because of their explanation of the law. They are stressing that it is up to the massage parlor to prove those accusations. He has not been formally charged with anything as of this writing. Still, the court of public opinion is in session. One of the massage parlors involved in this has changed ownership since that time. I've joined in the jury pool regarding this situation. It's important to note that none of those accusing Tucker say he actually touched them in any way other than "brushing" up against them. They are saying he "exposed" himself to them, well, some of them anyway. Having never been to a massage parlor I can't say much but seems to me something like that might happen quite a bit. You do take your clothes off to get a massage don't you? 

 As I said, I've never been to a massage parlor and can only go by reputation. The reputation isn't a good one, at least from what I know. Now, I've seen on television that there are legit massage parlors with licensed "therapists" that are 100% professional, clinical even. I expect the Baltimore Ravens football team has a few of those on staff. So, it does make me ask why Tucker was going to those outside ones. I wonder what their reputation is? I haven't heard anything said about that, as of yet. Tucker did get married in 2015, his last encounter took place in march of 2016. Maybe Mrs. Tucker influenced that decision. I do think the legit ones are called "spas" and not parlors. But, like I said, I wouldn't know about that.

 My thinking is this, Tucker is nearing the end of his career and the money has been made. These accusers are aware of that, and figure now it is time to cash in. Tucker is now a married man, with children and a legacy to protect. At first it was just a single person, then others joined in with the "me too" stories. Just like that 16 women are now traumatized, marginalized and demanding justice. What they really want is cash. There has already been some talk of a settlement. Yes, the idea is being floated by the attorneys representing those massage therapists. No response from the Tucker camp as there have been no charges filed, although the NFL has committed to conducting a full investigation. If you are Justin Tucker what do you do?

 Here's the sad part in all of this. Tucker really has only two choices. Spend millions of dollars and possibly years of litigation or pay a settlement. If you pay, you are saying you are guilty, isn't that the thought? If you refuse, stand your ground, you possibly go broke! There are lawyers willing to litigate the case for years, as a sort of "side hustle" in the hope of a large reward, the accusers are paying nothing. That is an all too familiar scenario in todays world. What we used to call ambulance chasers has been elevated to a much higher level. For many attorneys that is their gateway to an annuity! Same concept only without having to purchase anything to obtain it, just do the work.

 As the saying goes, I don't have a skin in the game. I stand to gain or lose absolutely nothing. I'm just a casual observer in all of this. If you are a fan of the Ravens, place kickers, field goal makers, or opera singers perhaps you have a bias. I like Tucker as much as you can like anyone you don't know. He holds a lot of records for kicking a ball. I like his commercials on television, pretty funny stuff. I have heard his sing. A married man with small children I have never heard anything negative about him prior to this. Am I shocked? No, surprised perhaps, but we all have a past that may or may not contain some questionable behaviors. It appears to me these accusers are tempering their accusations in an attempt to gain some credibility. Well, he didn't really do anything others haven't done; but he is Justin Tucker. And that's my opinion on the case. Until I see credible evidence to the contrary, I'm going with that.

 I do find it sad that wealth and/or fame makes you a target for such as this. Your only defense is cash! You either hire a legal team to defend you or pay a settlement (out of court) to avoid that expense. You may succeed in clearing your name, although many will simply claim your innocence was purchased. If you pay the settlement you might as well be admitting guilt. You get to save your money but your reputation is forever stained. If it fails on legal grounds there is always the civil lawsuit that may follow. So yes, there is a price to be paid for being successful isn't there. Fortunately, I have avoided that pitfall!