Michigan State announced Sunday it has suspended head coach Mel Tucker without pay as he is the subject of an ongoing university sexual harassment investigation.
Spartans athletic director Alan Haller and interim president Teresa Woodruff made the announcement after a USA Today report Sunday revealed a filed complaint by Brenda Tracy was investigated by Michigan State which hired a Title IX attorney and concluded its investigation July 25. Tracy is a rape survivor and activist.
A formal hearing is scheduled “to determine whether Tucker violated the school’s policy banning sexual harassment and exploitation” on Oct. 5-6, according to USA Today.
Haller said the university’s investigation is still ongoing.
“As there have been new developments before the hearing and with the best interests of everyone including student-athletes and the university community in mind I have suspended Mel Tucker without pay as an additional interim measure while the investigation continues,” Haller said. “I made this decision with the support of university leadership.”
Secondary coach Harlon Barnett will have interim head coaching duties, and former head coach Mark Dantonio will become an associate head coach, according to Michigan State.
Tucker signed a 10-year, $95 million contract extension in November 2021. He first became head coach of the Spartans prior to the 2020 season.
