Michigan State University (MSU) fires Mel Tucker for cause, even though he denies all claims that he sexually harassed a rape survivor and assault awareness campaigner. He said he intended to do so.
However, the football coach said there were “other motives at play” and that he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the university’s decision.
“I want to be clear: MSU does not accept my admission that I had a fully consensual, private relationship with another adult who presented at MSU at my behest more than two years ago. I don’t think they’re going to fire me,” Tucker wrote in Tuesday’s article. long statement.
Tucker said the university had known and “changed course” since at least March that it was seeking to fire him for cause. However, the school determined that termination was justified based on the basis of the complaint at the time the information was leaked.
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Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker speaks during Big Ten Conference Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis. (James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“MSU is punishing me for her. [Brenda] “Tracy’s leak violated MSU’s rules regarding investigative confidentiality,” Tucker wrote.
Tucker also said he would be suspended “as an interim measure” “while the investigation continues,” but the school said it had “decided to dismiss him for the following reasons.” no MSU “has solemnly and illogically maintained that this action will not affect the ongoing investigation,” Tucker said.
Tucker said Michigan State University “ignored” his concerns that details of the investigation would be leaked, but the school hired an outside firm to investigate the leaks about Tracy.
“So when I complain nothing happens, but when she complains MSU takes action? This double standard reflects bias against me throughout this process.” ” he said.
Tucker also said the school sent him a termination notice “several days after he requested medical leave due to a serious health condition.”
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker walks along the sideline during the second half of a game against the Richmond Spiders on September 9, 2023 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. (AP Photo/Al Gordis)
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Mr. Tucker again maintained his innocence, saying, “I can only conclude that MSU does not care about my rights, the truth, or its future responsibility to police the private lives of its employees.”
“MSU should have been willing to let its flawed process stand before deciding what to do, and now it has even reneged on that… to MSU, including the Board of Governors and the Athletic Department. We look forward to getting the evidence at some point to find out what they’re really doing.”They knew and spoke out about this issue and their motivations for handling the entire investigative process.” “MSU is currently using a process that explicitly requests confidentiality (which MSU does not provide) to determine whether I have violated school policy after already terminating my employment.” The company claims it is committed to completing a “formal grievance process” (which it has publicly acknowledged). It is up to the people to decide whether any of these are true or fair. ”
Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker congratulates his team off the field during a game against the Richmond Spiders on September 9, 2023 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. (Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Tucker has $79 million owed on his 10-year contract in 2021, so the school could save all of that money by terminating him for cause.
