Michigan State news conference: School suspends Mel Tucker without pay amid allegations

This story has been updated with statements from Mel Tucker and Michigan State.

Michigan State has suspended football coach Mel Tucker without pay, the university announced in a Sunday news conference. The announcement comes after news surfaced of a sexual harassment investigation into football coach Mel Tucker.

USA TODAY reported early Sunday that Tucker was under investigation for non-consensually masturbating on a phone call with sexual assault activist Brenda Tracy, whom he had brought to campus a number of times to speak to Michigan State football players about sexual violence.

MEL TUCKER NEWS: Michigan State suspends head football coach Mel Tucker

Haller said in the conference that the university hired an external Title IX investigator to look into the complaints against Tucker, with the review submitted July 25. He confirmed a formal hearing regarding the findings will occur on the week of Oct. 5, coinciding with the Spartans' bye week. He added the "fair, thorough and unbiased investigation" is still ongoing and that the university wanted to "allow the process to play out."

Update, Sept. 18: Michigan State on Monday announced that it has informed Tucker the school intends to fire him for cause, with Haller claiming the notification to be part of Tucker's contract. Per Chris Solari:

Haller confirmed in the conference that secondary coach Harlon Barnett will act as interim coach, with former head coach Mark Dantonio returning as associate head coach.

REQUIRED READING: Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker accused of sexually harassing rape survivor

Tucker signed a fully guaranteed 10-year $95 million contract extension in 2021 after Michigan State went 11-2. Due to the allegations him, Michigan State may be able to fire him for cause and not pay the full amount remaining on the contract, due to a clause concerning "moral turpitude."

Tucker is 20-14 during his time at Michigan State, with one bowl victory in the 2021 Peach Bowl. The Spartans are off to a 2-0 start in 2023.

More: Where Michigan State coach Mel Tucker's contract stands amid sexual harassment claims

Update, Sept. 11: Tucker on Sept. 11 responded to allegations of sexual harassment against him.

Update, Sept. 19: Tucker has responded to Michigan State's intent to fire him with cause:

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Michigan State news conference: School suspends Mel Tucker without pay