Stephen A. Smith wants Justin Tucker to receive same energy as Deshaun Watson

After seeing the accusations against NFL kicker Justin Tucker, Stephen A. Smith vows to ensure he receives the same energy directed at Deshaun Watson.

Tucker has been accused of sexual misconduct, with The Baltimore Banner publishing a report alleging he engaged in “inappropriate behavior” at four high-end spas and wellness centers between 2012-16. In the report, six different massage therapists accused Tucker of sexual misconduct that included exposing his genitals, brushing his penis against two of them, and leaving what they believed was ejaculate on the table.

Tucker has since denied the allegations and accused The Banner of committing “journalistic failures” by reporting on them. Friday morning, Stephen A. Smith addressed the allegations on First Take, stating the need to ensure Tucker receives the same treatment as Watson.

“We’re gonna keep that same energy. On this show, we’re gonna do that. Because when Deshaun Watson was accused of these things, we were all over it. Justin Tucker is not getting a pass.” – Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/Nfdayws0b2

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 31, 2025

“These are allegations, we’ve said that. Inappropriate sexual behavior,” Smith began. “Oh, we’re gonna keep the same [energy] we kept with Deshaun Watson. Deshaun Watson was never arrested, but ultimately had to deal with this stuff out of court settlements and stuff like that, ended up being suspended 11 games, ended up being fined $5 million under a settlement reached between the league and the NFL Players Association as well.

“We’re gonna keep that same energy. On this show, we’re gonna do that. Because when Deshaun Watson was accused of these things, we were all over it. Justin Tucker is not getting a pass. We understand that doesn’t mean he’s guilty. We owe it to our audience, we owe it to everybody to be fair. And if we brought that momentum with Deshaun Watson, we can’t escape doing so with Justin Tucker.”

In 2022, the NFL suspended quarterback Deshaun Watson 11 games after dozens of women accused the quarterback of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Watson was never charged criminally, settling 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits he faced out of court. Tucker is coming off the worst season of his NFL career, which Smith believes may have been caused by the looming accusations.