Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, September 18, 2023 ~ In a statement released Monday afternoon, Michigan State University Athletic Director Alan Haller announced the university’s intention to fire Mel Tucker.
“I, with the support of the administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause,” Haller said in his statement. “This notification process is required as part of his existing contract.”
The notice goes on to say that Tucker will have seven calendar days to respond and present reasons why he shouldn’t be terminated for cause.
Tucker’s contract, a $95-million dollar 10-year extension deal which he signed less than two years ago, indicates that it can be voided if Tucker causes embarrassment to the university.
PODCAST:
Sept. 19, 2023 ~ Chris Solari, Michigan State University beat writer for the Detroit Free Press, talks with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie about Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller notifying Head Football Coach Mel Tucker of the university’s intent to fire him with cause.
Sept. 18, 2023 ~ Lomas Brown and Sean Baligian discuss MSU’s decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Mel Tucker. This topic plus the highlights, scores, and stats from this weekend’s Lions, Spartan, and Wolverine gridiron matchups.
(CONTINUED) “This action does not conclude the ongoing Office for Civil Rights case; that rigorous process will continue,” Haller went on to say. Today’s action however suggests that even if the Title IX investigation brings a positive result for Tucker, it won’t be enough to save his job.
Coach Tucker was suspended back on September 10 following the publication of sexual harassment allegations made by rape survivor and advocate Brenda Tracy.
The complaint, which was detailed in a USA Today report, was filed with the university’s Title IX office back in December.
Tracy, who was enlisted by Tucker to raise awareness about sexual violence, says that the coach made sexual comments about her and masturbated during an April 2022 phone call.
Tucker admitted to masturbating during the phone call, but claims that it was “consensual.”
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