Michigan State issued a statement on Monday regarding suspended Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker, officially starting the process of officially firing him for cause.
Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault awareness activist, filed a complaint with MSU in December alleging Tucker sexually harassed her in 2022. According to Tracy, Tucker made a series of phone calls to her, bought her gifts, and invited her to his hotel room.
Michigan State announced in their statement that they have informed Tucker his contract is being terminated for cause following these allegations.
“I, with the support of the administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause,” Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller said via ESPN. “This notification process is required as part of his existing contract. The notice provides Tucker with seven calendar days to respond and present reasons to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.”
“The unprofessional and unethical behavior is particularly egregious given that the Vendor at issue was contracted by the University for the sole purpose of educating student-athletes on, and preventing instances of, inappropriate sexual misconduct,” Haller added in Monday’s statement.
Tucker has been suspended by the program since September 10th, with secondary coach Harlon Barnett being promoted to interim coach ahead of their Week 3 loss to No. 8 ranked Washington.
Michigan State will now look to rebuild their program without Tucker moving forward. Luckily for them, they will not need to pay Tucker the remainder of his 10-year $95 million contract if he is indeed fired for cause.
[ESPN]