Michigan State Football Coach Mel Tucker Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

Michigan State University (MSU) head football coach Mel Tucker has been suspended without pay amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The suspension was announced by MSU Vice President and Athletic Director Alan Haller during a news conference on Sunday.

The allegations against Tucker emerged after Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and prominent activist, accused him of making sexual comments towards her and engaging in non-consensual sexual acts during a phone call in April 2022, while she was involved in advocacy work with the Spartans. Tucker acknowledged masturbating during the call but claimed it was consensual “phone sex.”

Tracy had filed a complaint with the university’s Title IX office in December, leading to an investigation conducted by an outside Title IX attorney, which concluded in July. A formal hearing to determine whether Tucker violated school policy is scheduled during the Spartans’ bye week in early October.

Haller explained that Tucker’s suspension without pay was a decision made in light of new developments in the case that came to the university’s attention. However, specific details were not disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.

“The university’s formal conclusion of the investigation will occur once a hearing and final decision processes are complete,” Haller stated. He emphasized the university’s commitment to conducting a fair, thorough, and unbiased investigation.

In Tucker’s absence, Michigan State defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett will serve as the interim head coach. Additionally, former MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, who served from 2007 to 2019, will return to the program as an associate head coach.

Tucker was hired by Michigan State in 2020 and later agreed to a substantial 10-year, $95 million salary contract extension. As head coach of the Spartans, he has achieved a record of 20-14.

Michigan State has previously faced criticism for failing to act on complaints against Larry Nassar, a former U.S.A. Gymnastics and campus physician who was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of female athletes over nearly two decades. He was sentenced to a minimum of 100 years in prison.

Michigan State President Teresa K. Woodruff emphasized that the university’s response to the allegations against Tucker is characterized by an independent and unbiased investigation, distinguishing it from past controversies.