Brenda Tracy responds to Harbaugh comments, Gov. Whitmer releases statement

If you live in the state of Michigan — even if you do not root for Michigan football or the Michigan State Spartans — you are well aware of what is happening in East Lansing with Mel Tucker. Right now, the 4th-year MSU coach is under investigation for the sexual harassment of rape survivor and sexual assault activist Brenda Tracy, who is known in the state for her work with both the Michigan and Michigan State football programs. Today, Jim Harbaugh gave credit to Tracy’s character — which she responded to on social media — and Governor Whitmer released a statement on the matter.

Jim Harbaugh response when asked about Mel Tucker situation

Earlier today, during his Monday media availability, here is what Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh said when asked about the incident between Brenda Tracy and Mel Tucker:

“I don’t know a thing about it,” Jim Harbaugh said on Monday when asked about the investigation at Michigan State. “I know Brenda Tracy, she’s been — I respect her a lot. She’s done really good things (and) talked to our team. As far as (the Mel Tucker investigation), not in a position to to weigh in on it. Have no understanding or facts of the matter.”

Brenda Tracy responds on social media

Shortly after, Brenda Tracy took to Twitter (now known as ‘X’) to respond to Harbaugh’s statement:

“I really appreciate this stance by Coach Harbaugh,” she said. “This situation should not be weaponized for the rivalry (between UM and MSU).”

Governor Whitmer released statement on Mel Tucker investigation

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also released a statement on the Mel Tucker-Brenda Tracy investigation earlier today:

“As a survivor, I’m shocked,” Whitmer’s statement read. “As a Spartan, I’m disappointed. As Governor, I want answers. I know the pain that so many feel when allegations like this come to light because I live it too. It’s retraumatizing. MSU holds a special place in so many of our hearts — which is what makes this hurt more. We deserve to know when the university knew about these allegations and why they made the decisions they did. We need to ensure that one of our state’s flagship universities, one that carries so much weight around the world, is learning from the past and not recreating it.   

“Spartans, survivors, and Michiganders — we deserve better,” she concluded.

It is also worth noting that (currently suspended) Mel Tucker continues to deny the harassing nature of his interactions with Brenda Tracy, stating that it was a mutually understood relationship. Below is Tucker’s full statement, followed by a response from Brenda Tracy.

Suspended Michigan State coach Mel Tucker has released this statement through his lawyer: pic.twitter.com/ZuuAfzwoLS

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 11, 2023

My response to Coach Tuckers statement:

“This is just more of the same DARVO, deflection, victim blaming and lies that I’ve been dealing with now for months.

Coach Tucker has been delaying and trying to stop the investigative process since the beginning. He can’t afford to go… https://t.co/2UnzJLmv7C

— Brenda Tracy (@brendatracy24) September 12, 2023

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!