Michigan State Fires Mel Tucker Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Michigan State has fired head football coach Mel Tucker for cause, the school announced on Wednesday.

The university informed Tucker of their intent last week after concluding an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him.

"Specifically, the university terminated Tucker’s contract for his admitted and undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university; and constitute a material breach of his agreement, and moral turpitude," athletic director Alan Haller said in the termination letter.

Tucker said he and Tracy were in an intimate relationship from late 2021 to early 2022, and that the process of his firing was a "miscarriage of justice."

On Monday, Tucker issued a 25-page response to Michigan State's intention to fire him, and denied any wrongdoing.

"Simply put, Mr. Tucker’s response does not provide any information that refutes or undermines the multiple grounds for termination for cause set forth in the notice," Haller said. "Instead, his 25-page response... provides a litany of excuses for his inappropriate behavior."

After taking over as the Spartans' coach in 2020, Tucker signed a 10-year, $95 million extension with Michigan State during the 2021 season, and will forfeit the remaining salary on the contract.

The university will continue its open Civil Rights investigation into Tucker.

Michigan State players now have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal due to the firing of its head coach.