Mel Tucker Hasn't Been Fired By Michigan State -- Yet
Michigan State fired head football coach Mel Tucker on Sunday during a lengthy sexual harassment investigation. A complaint was filed in December 2022 by Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist against sexual violence. Tracy told USA Today about the alleged incident, which no doubt sped up the process to Tucker's dismissal.
Tucker's firing came on Sunday, as reported by Brett McMurphy:
Mel Tucker fired as Michigan State’s coach, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Secondary coach Harlon Barnett will be MSU’s interim coach w/former coach Mark Dantonio expected to assist in an undefined role. MSU investigating allegations Tucker sexually harassed activist/rape…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 10, 2023
According to Tracy, Tucker made several advances and sexual comments towards her that culminated during a phone call on April 28, 2022.
From the USA Today article:
According to her complaint, Tracy sat frozen for several minutes while Tucker made sexual comments about her and masturbated. His violation, she said, reopened 25-year-old wounds from her rape by four men – two Oregon State University football players, a junior college player and a high school recruit.
She filed a complaint with the university's Title IX office in December.
Tracy told USA Today the following:
“The idea that someone could know me and say they understand my trauma but then re-inflict that trauma on me is so disgusting to me, it’s hard for me to even wrap my mind around it. It’s like he sought me out just to betray me.”
Tucker was the toast of college football in 2021, when he led a struggling Michigan State program to an 11-2 record and a win in the Peach Bowl. The Spartans started 8-0, and that run included a come-from-behind win over rival Michigan. It was his second season in East Lansing and followed a 2-5 2022 campaign. He was rewarded that offseason with a 10-year, $95 million contract.
The Spartans came back down to earth last season, as they went 5-7. They had started the 2023 campaign 2-0 before Tucker's firing.
UPDATE: We have conflicting reports! The Athletic is claiming Tucker has not been fired, while the Detroit Free Press says he's been suspended with pay.
MSU coach Mel Tucker has not been fired, a source told @TheAthletic.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 10, 2023
Here’s this from the Detroit Free Press: https://t.co/OFulDzpFX6
We'll see how this plays out.
UPDATE II: It would appear the suspension is just a formality and Tucker will be fired once the Title IX investigation is completed, according to McMurphy.
Michigan State will wait until Title IX investigation is completed, to make Tucker's move official, sources said. MSU will claim dismissal w/cause to get out of paying Tucker's $70-plus million buyout. School expected to disclose more information in 5 p.m. news conference. https://t.co/LwcMXKSjaD
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 10, 2023
UPDATE III: Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller says he has suspended Tucker without pay.
Michigan State AD Alan Haller: “I have suspended Mel Tucker without pay.”
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) September 10, 2023
We'll update as more news becomes available.