Michigan State Coach Mel Tucker Claims ‘Other Motives Are At Play’ In Firing

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker appears on his way out with the Spartans, and he believes the process that led to this point isn’t on the level.

Tucker’s impending firing, which appears to be in limbo at the moment, comes after news broke of a sexual harassment investigation involving the fourth-year coach and rape survivor turned sexual violence educator Brenda Tracy.

The Michigan State coach is accused of making sexual comments masturbating while on a phone call with Tracy.

Though he maintains his innocence.

“While I am saddened by Ms. Tracy’s disclosure of the sensitive nature of this call, let me be perfectly clear—it was an entirely mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country,” Tucker said.

Tucker claims that Tracy gave him “every indication that everything was fine” in the months following the private phone call, saying Tracy even sent him a ‘Happy Father’s Day’ card two months after their conversation that night, and expressing a desire to return to Michigan State.

Mel Tucker Issues Statement On Impending Firing

Now he says that his firing is about more than just the incident with Tracy.

“Let’s be clear. I don’t believe MSU plans to fire me because I admitted to entirely consensual, private relationship with another adult who gave one presentation at MSU, at my behest, over two years ago,” Tucker said in a statement.

Tucker claims that Michigan State “ignored its own policies in pushing a biased investigation” into the claims of harassment from Tracy and that “other motives are in play” with regards to his pending firing.

Secondary coach Harlon Barnett was named the interim coach for the remainder of the season, while former long-time Spartans coach Mark Dantonio has returned to the program as an associate coach working off the field.

Michigan State lost to Washington, 41-7, in its first game under Barrett.