EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former head football coach Mel Tucker is suing Michigan State University over his firing.
A lawsuit was filed Wednesday at United States District Court in Grand Rapids. It centers around Tucker’s firing during a sexual harassment investigation last fall.
Tucker is accused of sexually harassing activist Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor he hired to speak to his team about sexual misconduct.
Tracy filed a complaint against Tucker in December 2022, saying he sexually harassed her multiple times and masturbated without her consent during a phone call in April 2022.
During the investigation, Tucker coached the first two games of the 2023 season, but he was suspended after Tracy’s allegations were revealed by the media.
The school ultimately fired Tucker for cause before the investigation had been completed. He was in the second year of a 10-year, $95 million contract at the time.
Tucker claims the university’s investigation was a “sham” aimed at firing him. He said his right to due process was violated, and he’s requesting compensation.
Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller, general counsel Brian Quinn, interim President Teresa Woodruff, and the university’s board of trustees are named in Tucker’s lawsuit.
The 75-page document accuses Michigan State officials of defamation during press conferences and firing him without any real basis.
You can view the entire lawsuit below.