EAST LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Mel Tucker has been head coach of The MSU Spartan Football team for 4 seasons. His suspension was announced Sunday, following the publication of a USA Today article detailing the sexual harassment allegations from sexual violence prevention educator, Brenda Tracy.
Tracy is know for her work as an activist, traveling the country and talking with mostly sports teams to tell her story as a rape survivor. She originally was hired to work with the team and give an educational course with the goal of fighting the culture of sexual violence in sports. She worked with the team on multiple occasions before filing a Title IX report last year.
Dr. Teresa Woodruff, MSU’s Interim President, addressed the 2018 case involving former gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who was charged with up to 175 years in prison for seven counts of criminal sexual conduct.
“In the MSU of today, when any report comes into the university, it is appropriately and rigorously reviewed.” Dr Woodruff said. “This mornings news might sound like the MSU of old, it is not.”
In the Title IX report, Tracy explains a phone call she received from Tucker on April 28th, 2022 where Tucker made multiple sexual comments and engaged in sexual activities over the phone without her consent. Tucker admitted to investigators that the phone call had took place, but said the conversation that took place was mutually consensual.
Tucker is in the 3rd year of $95 million contract, with the current allegation of misconduct, and depending in the outcome of the hearing, Tucker could be fired with out a pay out for the remainder of his contract.
The teams secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as interim coach, while former coach Mark Dantonio will be stepping in as associate head coach.
A formal Title IX investigation of the complaint was completed in July by an outside party. The official hearing is scheduled for the week of October 5th, The University’s Director of Athletics said no final or permanent actions will be taken until then.
