EAST LANSING, Mich. — Coach Mel Tucker will be fired from Michigan State University’s (MSU) Athletics Department.
Athletic Director Alan Haller made the announcement on Monday.
The news comes a week after sexual harassment allegations against him were made public.
The morality clause is listed as reason for the decision, explaining they have reason to fire him if "the coach engages in any moral turpitude or which, the university's reasonable judgment, would tend to bring public disrespect, contemp or ridicule."
The allegations against Tucker were made by Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and leader of an organization that educates student athletes about harassment and assault. She spoke a handful of times at MSU in 2021 and 2022.
The statement adds the university has "amassed a body of undisputed evidence of misconduct that warrants termination for cause."
Haller's full statement reads:
“I, with the support of administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause. This notification process is required as part of his existing contract. The notice provides Tucker with seven calendar days to respond and present reasons to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.
“This action does not conclude the ongoing Office for Civil Rights case; that rigorous process will continue.”
Tucker issued a statement the following day, saying he is "disappointed—but not surprised" over his contract's termination.
Read Tucker's full statement below:
Mgt Press Release 9-19-23_ (002) by WXMI on Scribd
