Rivalry talk: Social Media reacts to stunning Mel Tucker news

Today, some stunning news broke for the Michigan State football program as 4th-year head coach Mel Tucker, who was beloved in East Lansing, has been suspended without pay due to an ongoing investigation into sexual harassment. Tucker, who is currently 20-14 since taking over at MSU, will likely never coach a game at Michigan State again — here is how social media is reacting to the Mel Tucker news.

Trending Big Ten news: Mel Tucker is under investigation by Michigan State University.

More: https://t.co/CfS7Ufw60T pic.twitter.com/77PbRTw6Ad

— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) September 10, 2023

Mel Tucker news — 4th-year coach is likely out at Michigan State

To preface these reactions with some details, here is the short version of what is happening between Mel Tucker and Michigan State football. In March, the university began an investigation into sexual harassment claims against Mel Tucker, which came from rape survivor and sexual assault activist Brenda Tracy.

These reports surfaced late last night — around 1:00 AM (EST) or so — and have since turned the world of Big Ten football on its side. Today, the Michigan State football program officially suspended Tucker without pay; he will remain suspended until the conclusion of the Title IX investigation. Once that investigation wraps up, reports state that the school plans on firing Tucker as head coach.

In the meantime, the Spartans have appointed a replacement head coach for the remainder of the 2023 college football season. Notably, ex-Michigan State legend Mark Dantonio will be returning to the sidelines in East Lansing as an associate head coach this year. This means that, despite Jim Harbaugh’s massive win in 2019, the Dantonio-Harbaugh saga will open a new chapter this October.

Social media reactions

Here is some of what social media is saying about today’s Mel Tucker news:

Mel Tucker will forever have a winning record over Michigan and Jim Harbaugh lol

— Eddy 🎣🇺🇸 (@SteadyE69) September 10, 2023

MSU says Mel Tucker was suspended today because of developments. What developments? Other than everyone learning about the investigation what changed from when the complaint was filed? Why not suspend then while investigation was ongoing? Questions I'd ask if I was at presser.

— David Jesse (@reporterdavidj) September 10, 2023

It’s really disappointing the it took journalists shining a light on the Mel Tucker saga for MSU to do something about it. The school was aware of this for months and an investigation was concluded back in the summer. But nothing was done until public opinion shifted things.

— Scott Bell (@sbell021) September 10, 2023

The Mel Tucker saga at Michigan State will go down as one of the strangest and most volatile storylines in modern college football history. I’m in disbelief about how quickly the whole thing unraveled.

— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) September 10, 2023

We should all be united in the fact that Mel Tucker is a douche and not make it personal against MSU. There are so many worthy and talented coaches out there. Embarrassing on so many levels. Get somebody to replace him asap. MSU deserves better.

— 〽️K 💛💙🏈🏀🇺🇦🌻 (@mkgoblue) September 10, 2023

It blows my mind that Mel Tucker had a guaranteed $95,000,000 for a decade of his life and he lost $80,000,000 of it because he couldn’t use good judgement. His name is now tied to this sexual harassment too, so good luck ever finding another coaching role.

— Coach Harbubbles (@JimHarbubbles) September 10, 2023

Fuck Mel Tucker.

Riding with Coach Barnett and Coach Dantonio for the season.

Let’s make it a good one. Go Green.

— Kake (@BemusedSpartan) September 10, 2023

Recap of word salads delivered at MSU 5pm presser:

This situation is “unique and complex.” That said, based on “new developments” caused by certain nosy sportswriters, Mel Tucker has been temporarily fired until the Title IX hearing, at which time he will be permanently fired. https://t.co/mqfz4If2ji

— Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) September 10, 2023

Idk what Mel Tucker was thinking, and Brenda Tracey out of all people 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ how did he think that was gonna end??

— Nate Lewis (@NateLewis77) September 10, 2023

If MSU thinks it can fire Mel Tucker based on what they know today, the only plausible explanation for why they didn’t fire him yesterday or last week or last month was that no one else knew yet.

Leadership.

— Bryan Mac (@Bry_Mac) September 10, 2023

Mel Tucker https://t.co/pIXB8ctjM5 pic.twitter.com/BLX5GZQNeW

— Colston Connoisseur (@UMvsEveryone) September 10, 2023

MSU interim president Dr. Teresa Woodruff stressed multiple times that this is not “the MSU of old” but both she and AD Haller provided little by way of clarity about how the decision to suspend Mel Tucker was determined and whether any new info has come to light

— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) September 10, 2023

My Initial Reaction:

1. Mel Tucker needs to be fired (or at least suspended) right now

2. How could anyone think it was fine to let him keep coaching?

3. The University and athletic department have failed us again

4. I have lost trust in pretty much the entire University

— Daily MSU (@daily_msu) September 10, 2023

FYI: I’m out on the Mel Tucker discourse on here. Clearly I like to push buttons and get a reaction out of MSU fans. And Mel Tucker’s failures have been a great avenue to do so over the years. But there’s a major difference between on-field failures and his off-field actions.

— Scott Bell (@sbell021) September 10, 2023

I’m angry at Mel Tucker and the leaders at MSU pic.twitter.com/MX2y8uKrBk

— Nick Bradley (@The__Detroiter) September 10, 2023

For those who are waking up to the news about Mel Tucker. I want to remind you Sexual harassment is not a joking matter and should not be used in rivalry banter

— Brandon 〽️• 🦁 (@FireUpUmich) September 10, 2023

Why the hell was Mel Tucker allowed to keep coaching… after everything our University has gone through people really thought that was the correct choice?

I am disgusted and heartbroken

— Daily MSU (@daily_msu) September 10, 2023

Mel Tucker’s defense, even if accurate, portrays him as someone who would cheat on his wife with the sexual assault victim advocate. Insanity.

Our school is devoid of leaders. Or, really, just people with good judgement.

— Cedar Village Bagel (@CVBagel) September 10, 2023

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