Suspended Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker said Monday that allegations of sexual harassment against him are “completely false” and the intimate phone call he had with activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy is outside the scope of both Title IX and school policy.
In a two-page statement released by a Detroit law firm, Tucker sharply criticized Tracy for suggesting their relationship was anything but consensual and ripped the months-long investigation into his behavior as deeply flawed.
“I can only conclude that there is an ulterior motive designed to terminate my contract based on some other factor such as a desire to avoid any Nasser taint, or my race or gender,” Tucker said.
Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller suspended Tucker without pay Sunday, less than 24 hours after Tracy’s allegations became public in a USA Today report.
The university hired a Title IX attorney to investigate Tracy’s complaint and the investigation concluded July 25. The university hired a Title IX attorney to investigate Tracy’s complaint and the investigation concluded on July 25. “That’s why I want to share the truth with you. According to Tucker’s contract, the school can fire him for cause if “he engages in conduct that constitutes moral depravity or would, in its sole judgment, tend to bring public contempt, ridicule or disrespect upon the university.” You can also get more stories sent to you if you “materially breach” your contract.
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“Ms. Tracy’s attorney told us from the very beginning that I should not lose my job over her allegations, but that it would take a lot of money to make it go away,” Tucker said. Her twisting our relationship months after its conclusion is designed to restore her career and ruin my life. It was precipitated by greed. “
Tracy and Tucker became friends over Tracy’s advocacy work. However, their friendship took a new turn in April of 2022, when Tucker masturbated on a phone with her. This was reported by USA Today. “We developed a friendship which grew to an adult, intimate relationship,” said Tucker, 51, who has two children and is married. “At this stage, my wife had been estranged from me for a very long time. She has spoken to the Michigan State football team multiple times. She has spoken with Michigan State’s Football team several times. She initiated the conversation that night and sent me a provocative photo of the two us together. She also suggested how she might look without clothes. And not once did she ever object, let alone hang up, during the entire 36-minute call. “Reporting by The Associated Press.
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