Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker on the sidelines during the Spartans game against Wisconsin in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. A week after Michigan State sent notice of its intent to fire Mel Tucker for cause amid allegations of sexual harassment, the suspended fourth-year coach responded through his lawyers by once again blasting the university.
The letter sent to Tucker last week highlighted admissions it claims he made during the investigative process, including commenting about Tracy’s physical appearance, making flirtatious statements and masturbating while on a phone call with her. Michigan State’s position is Tucker’s actions violated terms of his contract, including not speaking negatively of the school in public and conducting himself ethically and professionally.
“Tucker is just the fall guy for the University’s negligence and misfeasance,” the letter states, “the long history of which includes and predates the Nassar matter, but which unfortunately has continued and tainted the University’s handling of this matter.” The 25-page letter sent Monday to Haller includes a report from “expert witness” Brett Sokolow, who is on the advisory board of the Association of Title IX Administrators. He concluded Tucker’s actions wouldn’t constitute prohibited conduct “even if proven” and the RVSM complaint against Tucker should be dismissed.