Michigan State's Tucker suspended amid sexual harassment investigation
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker has been suspended without pay, Spartans athletic director Alan Haller announced Sunday.
"This step to place Mel Tucker on unpaid leave is equally necessary and appropriate for today's circumstances," Michigan State interim president Teresa K. Woodruff said, according to Bryan Fischer of Fox Sports.
Tucker is in the third season of a 10-year, $95-million extension he signed in November 2021. The 51-year-old is the subject of an ongoing university sexual harassment investigation, per Kenny Jacoby of USA Today.
Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and sexual assault prevention activist, says Tucker made sexual comments and masturbated without her consent during a phone call.
Michigan State hired an attorney to investigate the complaint, and the investigative report was submitted to the school in July, Woodruff confirmed. A formal hearing to determine whether Tucker violated the school's sexual harassment and exploitation policy is scheduled for October.
Haller added that no final decisions regarding Tucker's future will be made until the investigation ends, according to Chris Vannini of The Athletic.
"This investigation is not complete," Haller said, per Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated.
The Spartans are 20-14 since Tucker joined the team in 2020 and 2-0 this season. With Tucker suspended, secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as the team's interim head coach, Haller announced. Mark Dantonio, the school's all-time winningest coach, will be Barnett's associate head coach.
Michigan State beat Richmond 45-14 on Saturday. The Spartans' next game is at home versus No. 8 Washington on Sept. 16.