USATSI

Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker received notice on Monday that the school intends to fire him for cause in the wake of an ongoing sexual harassment investigation. Tucker is accused of harassing rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy, who had previously spoken to Tucker’s team. On Tuesday, Tucker released a lengthy statement responding to the notice where he argues that “other motives are at play” in the school’s decision. Tucker claims that Michigan State “ignored its own policies in pushing a biased investigation” into the claims of harassment from Tracy.

“Let’s be clear. I don’t believe MSU plans to fire me because I admitted to entirely consensual, private relationship with another adult who gave one presentation at MSU, at my behest, over two years ago,” Tucker said in the statement. 

Tucker proceeded to claim that Michigan State has had knowledge of the information “on which it supposedly relies to end my contract since at least March 2023” and that only the public revealing of the school’s investigation has prompted action in the form of termination. He argues that the school has denied him due process by terminating him weeks before a scheduled hearing in the case (Oct. 5), pointing out an “about-face” from athletic director Alan Haller who initially claimed Tucker’s indefinite suspension was an “interim measure” while the investigation continued. 

Tucker was placed on administrative leave without pay on Sept. 10, shortly after the allegations were made public. The school argued in Monday’s…