Former Michigan State Coach Mel Tucker to Appeal University's Sexual Harassment Ruling after Allegations by Activist Brenda Tracy

Former Michigan State head coach to appeal sexual harassment ruling with "countless factual and legal errors"; a lawsuit anticipated if the appeal fails.

The probe found that former Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker violated the university's sexual harassment policies, sexually harassing and exploiting Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and activist who he hired as a sexual violence prevention educator.
Tucker was fired by MSU in September for acknowledging he had consensual phone sex with Tracy, a statement that the hearing officer deemed less plausible and contradicted by the evidence when considering Tucker had been on a university-sponsored visit when the phone call occurred.
According to Tracy, he made unreciprocated romantic advances leading to an uncomfortable phone call and subsequent discontinuation of professional collaboration; however, Tucker contends that their relationship was consensual and a personal matter outside the university’s purview.
Accusations also include Tucker making contradictory statements about their relationship and failing to provide evidence or witnesses to support his claims.
Tucker's attorneys stated in a letter to MSU that Tracy used the school's investigation process as she was financially motivated, but her attorney affirmed the hearing officer's decision was based on 'preponderance of evidence'.
Tucker, having almost $80 million remaining on his contract at the time of dismissal, has the option to appeal the decision within 10 days or face further disciplinary action, and has threatened to file a lawsuit if the appeal fails.