Coach Mel Tucker - Darron Cummings/AP
Michigan State University has officially fired its football coach, Mel Tucker. This decision comes after a process that started last week.
Related Content: Michigan State University Plans to Fire Coach Mel Tucker
Sexual Misconduct Allegation and Investigation
The university initiated an investigation into Tucker following a complaint of sexual misconduct made by Brenda Tracy, a speaker on sexual assault awareness.
Grounds for Termination
The university stated that they terminated Tucker’s contract because of his actions, which he admitted to, that brought disrespect and ridicule to the university. This was seen as a major breach of his agreement with the university.
Michigan State suspended Tucker without pay on September 10, and on September 18, the athletic director, Alan Haller, informed Tucker through a letter that they planned to fire him for cause. The investigation into Tracy’s complaint began in December 2022, and there is a university hearing scheduled for the future.
Legal Battle Over Contract
This firing is the final step in Michigan State’s separation from Tucker, who still had nearly $79 million remaining on his contract. By firing him for cause, the university aims to avoid paying him any of the remaining money.
Haller mentioned in the letter that they had gathered clear evidence of misconduct that justified this termination for cause.
Tucker and his lawyers disagreed with the firing and called it unjustified. Tucker expressed that he felt the university was not concerned about his rights or the truth.
Haller stated in the termination notice that Tucker’s responses were filled with excuses and did not refute the grounds for termination set forth in the notice.
Tucker’s responses have set the stage for a potential legal battle over the remaining $79 million on his contract. He expressed a desire to discover more about what the university knew and said about the matter.
In her complaint, Tracy alleged that Tucker engaged in inappropriate behavior without her consent during a phone call in April 2022. Tucker denies this, stating that their interactions were consensual and unrelated to their work.
Ongoing Hearing and Confidentiality Concerns
Despite the firing, a hearing to determine whether Tucker violated university policy is still scheduled for early October. Tucker’s lawyers have criticized the university’s investigation, calling it flawed and lacking due process.
They also raised concerns about confidentiality after a story in USA Today detailed the allegations against Tucker. The school has hired a law firm to investigate the alleged information leak.
Tucker’s Coaching Record and Interim Coach
Tucker’s tenure at Michigan State ends with a 20-14 record, including a successful 11-2 campaign in 2021. Harlon Barnett will serve as interim head coach, subject to board approval, in October.
Upcoming Game and Future
Michigan State has faced challenges on the field, losing their first two games under Barnett with a combined score of 72-16. They are scheduled to play against Iowa on Saturday night.
Information from ESPN was used in this report.
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