Mel Tucker, the active coach of Michigan State football, has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment. The university announced on Sunday that Tucker is on leave without pay while the investigation takes place. His future leading the Spartans is now uncertain.
Contrary to initial reports that Tucker was fired, the investigation will continue before the university makes a decision on his future with the program. A formal hearing is scheduled for October 5.
During Tucker’s suspension, secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as the acting head coach, with Mark Dantonio returning to the Spartans as an associate head coach. Dantonio, one of the most successful head coaches in program history, will assist on-field and wear a headset.
Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller stated that an external investigation conducted in July led to the scheduling of the formal hearing. The reasons for Tucker’s suspension on Sunday were not disclosed, but Haller mentioned that interim measures were previously in place.
The allegations of sexual harassment were made by Brenda Tracy, a well-known rape survivor and activist. According to Tracy, Tucker made sexually suggestive comments and engaged in inappropriate behavior during a phone call on April 28, 2022. Tracy filed a complaint in December 2022 and has also alleged other incidents of misconduct.
Tracy, who has visited MSU multiple times as an activist, revealed the details of the complaint to USA Today. She expressed her disgust and betrayal, stating that Tucker sought her out just to harm her again.
Tracy’s advocacy against violence against women stems from her personal experience as a survivor of gang rape in 1998. Since going public in 2014, she has been vocal about the need to end violence against women, especially in the realm of college sports.
Tucker, in his statements to the investigator, admitted to the occurrence of the phone call on April 28 but claimed it was a consensual encounter. He expressed regret for his actions but denied any misconduct.
Tucker had started the season with a 2-0 record before the suspension. In his second season, he led the Spartans to an 11-2 record. However, since then, the team’s performance has been lackluster. Michigan State holds the right to terminate Tucker’s contract “for cause” if his conduct is deemed to have embarrassed the university or constitutes moral turpitude.
The university has been working to rebuild its reputation following the Larry Nassar scandal. Nassar, an MSU physician and former USA Gymnastics doctor, was convicted of sexually assaulting numerous female athletes, resulting in a prison sentence of up to 175 years.
