MSU Football Coach Mel Tucker : Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker misled an investigator in the sexual harassment case against him, according to a USA TODAY report.
The report, published on September 22, 2023, found that Tucker made false statements about his location during key events in the case, as well as the nature of why he was at certain locations.
Tucker was accused of sexual harassment by Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist, in December 2022. Tracy alleged that Tucker made sexually suggestive comments to her and masturbated while she was on a phone call with him in April 2022.
Tucker initially told investigators that he was home in East Lansing on the night of the phone call. However, USA TODAY obtained documents and witness statements that contradicted his story.
For example, Tucker’s expense report showed that he was actually in Naples, Florida, on the night of the phone call, attending a golf fundraiser.
Tucker also told investigators that he had never met Tracy in person. However, USA TODAY obtained a photo of the two of them together at a Michigan State football event in 2021.
When confronted with these discrepancies, Tucker changed his story and admitted that he had been in Naples on the night of the phone call. However, he still denied masturbating in front of Tracy.
The USA TODAY report also found that Tucker misled investigators about other aspects of the case, such as the nature of his relationship with Tracy and his reasons for contacting her.
Michigan State suspended Tucker without pay on September 10, 2023, pending the outcome of a Title IX investigation. The school has said that it is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.
The USA TODAY report is a significant development in the case against Tucker. If the findings of the report are corroborated, it could lead to Tucker being fired from his job at Michigan State.
What does this mean for Michigan State football?
The USA TODAY report is a major blow to Michigan State football. Tucker was hired in 2019 to rebuild the program after it had fallen on hard times. He led the Spartans to a 10-win season in 2022, their first 10-win season since 2017.
If Tucker is fired, Michigan State will need to find a new head coach before the 2023 season begins. This will be a difficult task, as the Spartans are already facing a number of challenges, including a lack of depth at key positions and a tough schedule.
What’s next for MSU Football Coach Mel Tucker ?
Tucker has denied the allegations against him and has said that he will fight to clear his name. However, the findings of the USA TODAY report could make it difficult for him to find a new job in college football, even if he is cleared of the allegations.
Tucker could also face legal consequences if the allegations against him are proven to be true. Sexual harassment is a crime in Michigan, and Tucker could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the allegations.