Michigan State rules former football coach Mel Tucker sexually harassed anti-rape activist
A Michigan State University investigation determined former football coach Mel Tucker sexually harassed rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy, then was untruthful in a subsequent investigation.
Findings by a university hearings officer, detailed in a 73-page report, concluded Tucker masturbated and made uninvited sexual comments during an April 2022 phone call with his accuser. The officer also found Tucker made sexual advances on Tracy during the eight months between hiring her as a sexual violence prevention educator and the troubling phone call, according to USA Today.
The 51-year-old team leader is believed to have propositioned Tracy before terminating their business relationship as well.
“My first reaction was tears of relief,” Tracy said after learning of Wednesday’s report.
Michigan State suspended Tucker on Sept.10 before cutting him loose a couple weeks later. He claimed his behavior toward Tracy was welcomed, but the school argued even if that were true, the conduct in which he engaged violated the terms of his contract.
Wednesday’s report found Tracy’s claims the two didn’t have a consensual personal relationship more plausible.
The school’s hearing officer claimed Tucker failed to present any evidence of a romantic relationship between himself and his accuser during a seven-month investigation where he repeatedly contradicted himself.
According to the report, among Tucker’s false statements was that he was on his own personal time — possibly in his Michigan home— when the problematic call he made to Tracy allegedly took place. The hearings officer determined he was participating in a golf tournament in Florida at the time, as evidenced by expenses he billed to the university.
Tucker signed a $9.5 million annual salary deal after a 2021 campaign for which he was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year, according to the College Football Network.
