Big Ten news: Report reveals new detail on Mel Tucker investigation

The Mel Tucker investigation has captured the attention of the entire nation due to its strange and sudden nature. From the initial report breaking at 1:00 AM on Sunday to a series of events — including Michigan State suspended Tucker — that followed soon after, it has been a strange week for the Big Ten thus far. Yesterday evening, yet another negative detail was revealed about the Spartans’ 4th-year head coach, who — according to a new USA Today report — cost MSU millions while delaying his hearing.

New report states Mel Tucker made millions at Michigan State while delaying suspension

Yesterday, a new USA Today report was released, shedding light on new details regarding the Mel Tucker investigation at Michigan State.

After rape survivor and sexual assault advocate Brenda Tracy filed her initial complaint against the Michigan State football coach in December of 2022, the school had the investigation wrapped up by August of this year — a normal timeline of events. The initial Title IX hearing was scheduled for August 22nd and 23rd, yet Tucker and his attorney gunned down dates until the hearing was ultimately set for the first week of October, about 10 months after Tracy’s initial complaint.

Despite the Michigan State policy stating that a decision is typically made around 60 days after the investigation ends, Mel Tucker and his attorney have pushed the hearing back months. In fact, all of this hurts Michigan State even more — seeing as Tucker made roughly $750,000 per month, he had racked up an estimated $6 million+ since the investigation into these sexual harassment claims began. Tucker was suspended by Michigan State shortly after USA Today’s initial reports last weekend.

So, while delaying his hearing for months, Tucker ultimately cost Michigan State University millions of dollars until his suspension (without pay), which was reportedly triggered by USA Today’s article on Sunday morning. Still, the 4th-year head coach continues to deny the allegations, stating that everything that happened between him and Brenda Tracy was consensual. He also insists that the investigation is a “sham” that MSU is using to opt out of the remaining $80 million left on his contract, which Michigan State will not need to pay if he is fired with cause due to this investigation.

It’s worth noting that, instead of the usual 90-day investigation period, Tucker’s has gone on for over 216 due to him not meeting with the investigator for three months.

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