Getty Image / Mike Mulholland
The college football world was turned upside down late Saturday night into the wee hours of Sunday morning when news of a sexual harassment investigation taking place against Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker hit the newswire.
The story initial was broken by ESPN, who revealed they were in a court battle with Michigan State for information they believed they were entitled to via FOIA laws relating to the investigation. Shortly after, USA Today published a detailed account of the cash, with information presented by the complainant, sexual abuse prevention advocate and rape survivor, Brenda Tracy.
You can read details of the situation here.
Yesterday, Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller announced that Mel Tucker was suspended without pay pending the completion of the investigation, with a Title IX hearing scheduled during the Spartans’ bye week in October. Most believe that he has coached his last game in East Lansing.
Late afternoon Monday, Tucker released a statement telling his side of the story. Take a look.
Suspended Michigan State coach Mel Tucker has released this statement through his lawyer: pic.twitter.com/ZuuAfzwoLS
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 11, 2023
Yeah, I’m not sure the fact that she gave you her shoe size is going to do much good for you here, Mel Tucker.
Tucker was named the coach at Michigan State prior to the 2-5 2020 season. The Spartans went 11-2 in an exceptional 2021 season on the back of transfer running back Kenneth Walker III, but went 5-7 last year. Michigan State signed Tucker to a 10-year $95 million contract in November 2021. They won’t be sad about having an excuse to fire him with cause and getting out of the deal altogether.