MSU President Says She Was Unaware of Mel Tucker Report Details, Defends University’s Handling of Investigation

Sept. 12, 2023 ~ Following outcry over Michigan State University‘s delayed suspension of head football coach Mel Tucker over a Title IX report, Interim President Teresa Woodruff released a statement defending the school and board of trustees.

The statement was sent out by email Monday to address the accusations filed in December 2022 by sexual assault prevention advocate Brenda Tracy, who said Tucker engaged in unwanted phone sex earlier that year. Woodruff said the board and top university officials were made aware of the complaint when it was filed, but did not know the details until USA Today broke the story Sunday and that MSU protocols were followed during the confidential investigation.

Graham Couch, a sports columnist for the Lansing State Journal, spoke more about the statement on “JR Mornings With Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds.”