MSU investigation report delivers verdict on Brenda Tracy's sexual harassment allegations on former coach Mel Tucker
Mel Tucker was fired with cause from his position as head coach of the Michigan State Spartans last month. Prior to his dismissal, Tucker had been suspended without pay following allegations that he sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault prevention advocate and rape survivor.
Following an internal university investigation, a 73-page report was released on Wednesday. In it, Tucker was deemed responsible for violating Michigan State's sexual harassment policy. A hearing officer ruled that his account of events was not supported by the evidence and that Tracy's story was more plausible.
Tucker had been accused of making unwanted sexual advances and masturbating without Tracy's consent. The conclusion of the report stated:
"In sum, considering all available evidence, the Resolution Officer finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Respondent subjected Claimant to unwelcome conduct based on sex when he FaceTime video called Claimant without a shirt on; when he attempted to meet up with Claimant alone following the Spring Game; and when he non-consensually masturbated and used graphic, sexual language on a phone call with Claimant." [h/t USA Today]
Tucker had nearly $80 million remaining on the five-year, $95 million contract extension he signed in 2021 at the time of his dismissal. After being fired with cause, and deemed responsible, he will lose out on that sum.
He will likely, however, attempt to recoup some of the money by disputing the termination in court. It is unclear how much money, if any, Tucker will receive.
Mel Tucker previously disputed the allegations levied by Brenda Tracy
Amidst allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances towards Brenda Tracy, Mel Tucker had denied any wrongdoing. The former Michigan State Spartans coach released a statement, through his lawyer, which read, in part:
"It was an entirely mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country. She initiated the discussion that night, sent me a provocative picture of the two of us together, suggested what she may look like without clothes, and never once during the 36 minutes did she object in any manner, much less hang up the phone."
Check out Mel Tucker's full statement here.
He also alleged that the accusation was driven by financial motives. Furthermore, Tucker claimed that Tracy did not accuse him of any wrongdoing until their relationship soured. While a university hearing officer ruled against him, the process is likely far from over.