Big Ten News: Michigan State Coach Mel Tucker Under Investigation

BIG TEN NEWS — Following yesterday’s slate of college football games, including Michigan football downing UNLV by 28 points, new reports surfaced regarding an investigation into Michigan State coach Mel Tucker. Per these reports, the Spartans’ 4th-year head coach (20-14 overall) is being investigated for sexual harassment.

BIG TEN REPORT: Michigan State coach Mel Tucker under investigation

Yesterday, Michigan State football improved to 2-0 on the season, though the win was overshadowed by new reports that 4th-year head coach Mel Tucker is being investigated for sexual harassment. Per these reports — which first surfaced via ESPN — Tucker is currently subject to a Michigan State University-based sexual harassment investigation, as confirmed by multiple inside sources.

ESPN adds that their sources are yet to confirm the identity of the alleged victim and that there are few details about the allegations to this point. Additionally, these sources said the investigation started months ago and is still ongoing.

UPDATE: The allegations were made by one Brenda Tracy; while Tucker confirms there was a relationship, he denies the alleged nature of it. Below are some of his thoughts.

“Ms. Tracy’s distortion of our mutually consensual and intimate relationship into allegations of sexual exploitation has really affected me,” Michigan State coach Mel Tucker wrote in a letter to the investigator, per a USA Today report. “I am not proud of my judgment and I am having difficulty forgiving myself for getting into this situation, but I did not engage in misconduct by any definition.”

Statement on potential investigation

Here is a statement to ESPN from a Michigan State spokeswoman:

“As a matter of protocol, the university does not comment on potential investigations. Let me assure you that if any complaint came forward regarding a violation of the university’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct policy, it would be thoroughly reviewed and followed up on by MSU’s Office for Civil Rights. When investigations do happen, they need the ability to be conducted in a thorough and confidential manner.”

Background on Mel Tucker at Michigan State

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker has been at the helm in East Lansing since the 2020 season — he has a 20-14 overall record, with his Spartans finishing 5-7 overall last fall. Aside from an 11-2 finish in 2021, Tucker is yet to conclude a season with MSU above .500.

Mel Tucker is currently a few seasons into his 10-year ($95 million) contract, which was signed in November of 2021.

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