NCAA probes Michigan State for recruiting violations under Tucker

Michigan State is under investigation by the NCAA for alleged recruiting violations that occurred under former head coach Mel Tucker, school president Kevin Guskiewicz told The Detroit News' Kim Kozlowski.

Guskiewicz said the probe relates to ongoing recruiting issues but did not share what level of violations are being investigated. He plans to meet with the NCAA next week to gain further details into the matter.

"Michigan State athletics has cooperated with the NCAA to review a potential matter concerning the football program under the former staff and will continue to do so for the duration of the process," associate athletic director Matt Larson said in a statement. "NCAA rules do not permit the university to provide any additional details at this time."

The Spartans are in the middle of spring practice under second-year head coach Jonathan Smith. Guskiewicz said he believes the investigation into the program shouldn't impact the current staff.

"We're trying to make the case that this is a whole new coaching staff," Guskiewicz said.

Tucker served as the Spartans' head coach from 2020 to 2023. He posted a 20-14 record with the program.

A confidential complaint was filed against Tucker by rape survivor, advocate, and sexual assault prevention educator Brenda Tracy in December 2022 after she accused Tucker of making sexually inappropriate comments to her and masturbating without her consent during a late-night phone call in April 2022. Tucker argued that the relationship and conversation were consensual.

Tucker was fired in September 2023 after Michigan State said he violated a "moral turpitude" clause in his 10-year, $95-million contract. An investigation conducted by Michigan State a month after Tucker's dismissal found that he had sexually harassed Tracy while she worked with the football team.

Tucker sued Michigan State in federal court after claiming the school offered him up as a scapegoat amid scrutiny about the university's poor handling of previous scandals. He also alleged that led to his firing after the sexual harassment complaint without due process. MSU filed a motion to dismiss Tucker's suit. A judge hasn't made any rulings in the case.

Tracy filed a defamation lawsuit against Tucker in October 2024.