Michigan State Suspends Football Coach Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Mel Tucker, the head football coach at Michigan State University, was suspended without pay on Sunday amid an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, university officials said.
A report in USA Today, published early Sunday morning, detailed allegations that Mr. Tucker harassed Brenda Tracy, a prominent advocate who speaks out against sexual abuse, after they teamed up to fight the culture of sexual violence in college sports. Ms. Tracy travels the country counseling college and professional athletes to stand against harassment and abuse, and made several visits to Michigan State in the past two years.
Ms. Tracy accused Mr. Tucker of making sexual comments and masturbating during a phone call with her on April 28, 2022, according to USA Today, and she filed a formal Title IX complaint with the university in December.
Alan Haller, a university vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said during a news conference on Sunday that the decision to abruptly suspend Mr. Tucker as head coach was “based on developments that may have a potential impact on the ongoing investigation.”
