Mel Tucker (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
An attempt by former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker to appeal the findings in a sexual misconduct case, which ultimately led to his dismissal, has been denied.
Background of the Misconduct Case
The East Lansing school’s equity review officer, an attorney, stated in a decision dated Wednesday that Tucker’s failure to provide information proving error or bias led to the denial.
Tucker admitted to investigators that he engaged in consensual phone sex with Brenda Tracy.
Tracy is an advocate for ending sexual and interpersonal violence. She is a public speaker who has spoken about her experiences as a rape victim. Tracy also encourages change through her work, which initially got her a position at MSU in 2021.
Tracy’s Complaint and Public Awareness
In 2022, Tracy filed a complaint alleging that Tucker sexually harassed her during an April phone call. Several months later, she submitted a complaint to the school’s office for civil rights and Title IX education.
USA Today brought Tracy’s allegations to the public’s attention on Sept. 10.
Suspension and Contract Termination
Tucker faced suspension in September, and Michigan State terminated his contract later that month. The school cited Tucker’s actions, which subjected the institution to ridicule and breached his contract, along with moral turpitude, as reasons for his dismissal.
Violation of School Policies
A resolution officer concluded in October that Tucker engaged in behavior that violated the school’s relationship violence and sexual misconduct and Title IX policy by sexually harassing and sexually exploiting Tracy.
Tracy’s Response
In a Thursday post on X, Tracy expressed gratitude for those who believed and supported her.
“It’s been a 13-month-long nightmare,” Tracy wrote. “Tucker was found responsible for sexual harassment & exploitation and today his appeal was denied.”
Messages seeking comment were left on Thursday with Tucker’s attorney, Jennifer Belveal, and agent, Neil Cornrich.
Financial Implications and Coaching Career
Tucker, who was in the third year of a $95 million, 10-year contract, was due to earn about $80 million remaining on the deal. His coaching career began in 1997 as a graduate assistant for the Spartans under Nick Saban. After coaching stints at Colorado, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, he returned to Michigan State with one of the most significant contracts in college sports.
This report used information from ESPN.
