Former Michigan State coach Mel Tucker has filed a wrongful termination suit against the university seeking unspecified monetary compensation after he was fired with cause amid a harassment scandal in 2023.
The 75-page suit, filed in a federal court in Michigan, accuses Michigan State of “improperly weaponizing the University’s investigative procedures against Plaintiff,” according to USA Today, causing Tucker to “experience severe emotional harm and suffering” amounting to “hundreds of millions in damages.”
Tucker was first placed on administrative leave without pay on Sept. 10, 2023. The school initiated the firing process eight days later amid an ongoing university investigation.
Tucker is accused of sexually harassing rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy, who developed a relationship with Tucker after an on-campus speaking engagement with the Spartans in 2021. Tracy’s complaint included allegations of unwelcome advances from Tucker, who allegedly masturbated during an April 2022 phone call without her consent. Tucker admitted to the act but claimed it was part of a consensual, personal relationship.
Wrongful termination lawsuits are common from college football coaches who are fired for cause as they seek to recoup some or all of the money they were owed as part of lucrative contracts. Tucker had nearly $80 million remaining on his contract when he was dismissed early into his fourth season.
In another recent example from the Big Ten, former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald sued Northwestern for $130 million after he was fired amid hazing allegations last July.
A well-traveled former defensive coordinator at the college and NFL level, Tucker finished his Michigan State tenure with a 20-14 record. Secondary coach Harlon Bennett served as the Spartans’ interim coach following Tucker’s ouster as the team limped to a 4-8 record. The program has since hired Jonathan Smith from Oregon State in the full-time role.
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