The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday they are releasing kicker Justin Tucker, months after the NFL said it would look into reporting by the Baltimore Banner that more than a dozen massage therapists had accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior — and shortly after the team drafted another kicker.

Tucker has maintained he did not act inappropriately while receiving professional treatment.

“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement issued by the club. “Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.”

D.C. to host 2027 NFL Draft on National Mall

The 2027 NFL draft is heading to the nation’s capital on the National Mall, bringing the widely popular event back to Washington for the first time in decades.

President Donald Trump made the formal announcement in the Oval Office flanked by Commissioner Roger Goodell, Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The Commanders reached an agreement last week with the D.C. government to build a new home on the old RFK Stadium site, pending council approval.

Browns’ Bush faces assault charges

Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush faces charges of harassment and misdemeanor simple assault after allegedly chasing a woman through his suburban Pittsburgh house and smashing her cellphone.

Officers said they responded to a 911 call on Sunday from Bush’s home.

The woman, who was identified only as his girlfriend, alleges Bush assaulted her, took her car keys and broke her phone to prevent her from calling for help.

Investigators say Bush admitted he smashed the phone but denies getting physical with the woman. Police say they saw injuries on her wrist and foot.

NBA

Cavs’ Atkinson earns Coach of the Year award

Kenny Atkinson went through a winless preseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers and wondered if his team would be any good.

Turns out, they were better than good. And their coach — he was the NBA’s best this season.

Atkinson is now an NBA Coach of the Year winner, announced Monday night as this year’s recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy.

Atkinson led Cleveland to a 15-0 start to the season — one of three winning streaks of at least 12 games this season by his club — and led the Cavaliers to the best record in the Eastern Conference.

NHL

Islanders win draft lottery, Sharks second

The New York Islanders vaulted nine teams, including the last-place San Jose Sharks, to win the NHL draft lottery and the opportunity to have the No. 1 pick.

The Islanders, who finished 10th in the standings and are in the midst of a front-office change, overcame having just a 3.5% chance of winning the lottery.

New York has the right to pick first for the fifth time in team history, and first since selecting John Tavares with the No. 1 pick in 2009.

Sharks will pick second, with the Chicago Blackhawks securing the third pick.

MLB

Cubs place Imanaga on IL with sore hamstring

The Chicago Cubs placed left-handed starter Shota Imanaga on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, a day after he got hurt when going to cover first base.

Chicago made the move before the opener of its series against San Francisco. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell was recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

Imanaga got hurt during Sunday’s 4-0 loss at Milwaukee after going to cover first base on a potential double play in the sixth inning of what was then a scoreless game.

Rangers hire Bret Boone as new hitting coach

Former big league infielder Bret Boone was hired as the hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, who are last in the American League in runs scored.

It will be the first time Boone, the brother of New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, is on a major league coaching staff.

Bret Boone will join the Rangers on Tuesday for the opener of their three-game series in Boston.

Boone’s hiring came a day after Texas fired offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker.

Astros place DH Alvarez with inflamed hand

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez is going on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right hand.

The issue had caused the three-time All-Star to miss the last two games of the Astros’ weekend series with the Chicago White Sox. The move is retroactive to Saturday.

Houston recalled catcher César Salazar from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.

College football

Michigan coach Moore facing suspension

Michigan is expected to suspend football coach Sherrone Moore for two games this year to address allegations that he failed to cooperate in the NCAA’s sign-stealing investigation.

Moore is expected to miss the Wolverines’ third and fourth games against Central Michigan and Nebraska and all athletic-related duties during those weeks.

Gophers athletics

Golfer McCauley fourth at Columbus Regional

Junior golfer Isabella McCauley finished round one the NCAA Columbus Regional.

The Inver Grove Heights native carded a three-over-par (75), placing her tied for the fourth individual spot amongst the six competitors.

McCauley started with five pars and two birdies on the front nine. She found eight more pars and a birdie on the back nine. She finished the day tied for 44th place.

Ohio State’s Nellie Ong holds the top spot overall, shooting a six-under-par 66 in the first round.

— From news services