NFL star banned over sexual misconduct scandal lined up for shock return to the league with new team

Disgraced former NFL kicker Justin Tucker is set for a tryout with the New Orleans Saints, bringing him one step closer to a blockbuster return to the league.

Tucker has just finished seeing out a 10-week suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, after he was embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal that led to his release from the Baltimore Ravens in May. 

The 36-year-old kicker, who is married, was accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists across eight spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area. He denied any wrongdoing and branded the accusations 'shocking and heart-breaking'.

Five months after the NFL made its decision, Commissioner Roger Goodell officially lifted his suspension earlier this month, paving the way for a return.

And Saints coach Kellen Moore confirmed on Monday that Tucker, as well as Cade York, will try out for the team on Tuesday after its regular kicker, Blake Groupe, missed two field goals on Sunday.

When asked if he plans to address the allegations made against Tucker when he visits, Moore said: 'That's all part of the visit and the conversations you have to have.'

He added: 'Just like a lot of players, there's the field component of this thing that you get guys in here to evaluate them, but also you just want to get to know the people and get to know maybe a circumstance here and there and certainly he had a suspension in the league, he's served that suspension.

'Obviously there's some information to collect. Obviously, our personnel group will do a really good job collecting all the information and having the conversations ... but this will be a workout, and we'll see how that stuff takes place.'

Tucker was cut by the Ravens after 13 seasons, and still had three years left on his four-year, $22million contract. At the time of his release, he was the highest-paid kicker in the NFL. 

The alleged incidents were all said to have occurred between 2012 - Tucker's rookie season in Baltimore - and 2016. 

Among the allegations leveled against Tucker are that he repeatedly - and deliberately - exposed his erect penis. 

Two therapists claim he brushed them with his penis. More than once, meanwhile, the kicker is accused of leaving what appeared to be ejaculate on the massage table. 

Back in February, it was reported that NFL investigators visited Baltimore to interview therapists who had made the bombshell claims about the Ravens kicker. 

When the accusations first surfaced, Tucker said: 'I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider. These claims are simply not true.' 

His wife Amanda Bass said at the time the allegations became public knowledge that she 'fully supports' her husband and believed he had been 'falsely' accused.

Tucker met Bass at the University of Texas before they married in 2015. They have one child together and she told Outkick: 'The false allegations against Justin have caused so much hurt to our family. I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully.'  

In a bizarre statement back in May, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta made no mention of the allegations and heaped praise on Tucker, who had been with the team since 2012. DeCosta insisted his future was decided by on-field factors.

'Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,' the statement read.

'Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.

'Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league's best kickers for over a decade.

'We are grateful for Justin's many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.'