With new evidence surfacing on Mel Tucker's sexual harassment scandal involving advocate Brenda Tracy, it was found that the 51-year-old coach had violated the sexual harassment policy of Michigan State.
It was a huge victory for Tracy, who had accused Mel Tucker of sexual harassment, USA Today reported. This development severely tarnishes the reputation of one of the nation's highest-paid coaches.
"In sum, considering all available evidence, the Resolution Officer finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Respondent subjected Claimant to unwelcome conduct based on sex when he FaceTime video called Claimant without a shirt on; when he attempted to meet up with Claimant alone following the Spring Game; and when he non-consensually masturbated and used graphic, sexual language on a phone call with Claimant," the report read.
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The 73-page report was issued on Wednesday, October 25, with a hearing officer determining that the former Spartans football coach sexually harassed and exploited Tracy after masturbating and making sexual comments without her consent via phone call on April 2022, ESPN reported.
This was far different from the claim of Tucker, who said that both were in a consensual and intimate relationship.
However, the investigative process is still not reportedly complete. Tucker still has a chance to appeal the decision. For their part, the university has opted not to comment on the matter.
Mel Tucker's downfall
Mel Tucker was fired last month after Athletics Director Alan Haller informed him that he violated the terms of his contract by bringing "public disrespect, contempt, and ridicule upon the university."
Haller also told the 51-year-old coach in the letter that his interactions with Tracy were grounds for termination, regardless of whether he was found to have violated the school's sexual harassment policies.
It was an unfortunate turn of events for Tucker, who had $80 million remaining in his contract with the Spartans. Tucker's dismissal relieves the school of any responsibility to pay his contract.
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