Mel Tucker Suspended Indefinitely Following Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct By: Brody Sorbera
(Editor's Note: MSU officially fired Mel Tucker hours after this article was originally written)
An article was published in the middle of the night by USA Today breaking a scandal involving Michigan State Head Football Coach Mel Tucker, where he was accused of masturbating on the phone and making lewd comments towards a rape survivor and activist, Brenda Tracy. The two had previously formed a working relationship to raise awareness (ironically) about sexual violence in colleges. This undoubtedly will cost Mel Tucker his job and reputation (which was already questionable at best) and will leave another black eye on the Michigan State athletic program and university.
This all started as part of her tour to universities nationwide to educate students about sexual violence. She and Mel Tucker entered a professional relationship where he invited her to campus three times to talk to his players and even be recognized as an honorary captain at the team's spring game. Still, their relationship ended on April 28, 2022, when Tucker masturbated and made lewd comments to Tracy during a phone call. This, of course, completely contradicts their partnership to prevent stuff like this.
For now, Mel Tucker has yet to be fired, but the odds of him ever coaching another game as Michigan State head coach are slim to none. It is a very messy situation all around. If this is true, Mel Tucker should be ashamed of himself for not only inflicting more pain on this girl but causing potential lasting damage to the Michigan State football program.
Now Michigan State is not only investigating Mel Tucker, who also has a hearing scheduled for October 5 to determine whether he violated school policy. His contract can be terminated if it's determined that he violated school policy. He is currently in a $95 million contract, making him one of the wealthiest coaches in college football. Still, they are also investigating who leaked the information about the investigation and the girl's identity. Overall, this is a complete mess for the program and everyone involved in the fallout. It could take years to recover as Michigan State, on and off the field, already had problems before competing in a tough division and a history of cultural issues in the program.
Sources:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38426696/michigan-state-plans-look-so urce-leak-mel-tucker-investigation?platform=amp
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/09/10/michigan-state-football- coach-sexual-harassment-claim/70679703007/
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2023/09/12/mel-tucker-msu-history-timeline/708 21189007/