OFFICIAL: Mel Tucker Suspended By Michigan State, Pending Investigations Conclusion
In this story:
EAST LANSING — Michigan State University has suspended head football coach Mel Tucker without pay after reports surfaced that he was under investigation for the alleged sexual harassment of activist Brenda Tracy.
MSU athletic director Alan Haller announced the university's decision at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, with the support of Michigan State interim president Teresa Woodruff.
Tucker will remain suspended pending a formal hearing of the investigations findings during the week of Oct. 5, which coincides with the football program's bye week.
“As there have been new developments before the hearing, and with the best interest of everyone, including student-athletes and the university community in mind, I have suspended Mel Tucker," Haller said. "While the investigation continues, I made this decision with the support of university leadership.”
In Tucker's absence, Haller said that secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as acting head coach for the Spartans going forward. Additionally, former Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio has also agreed to serve in an associate head coach role for the program.
"Today, I met with our student-athletes and coaches to provide an update on the leadership of the program," Haller said. "A former Spartan student-athlete with 21 years of coaching experience, including 15 on the Spartans' sideline, Coach Barnett has an incredible connection to our university, and takes incredible pride in being a Spartan. He has established a relationship with student athletes, and is focused on their well-being, first and foremost.
"Coach Dantonio...is an exceptional football coach, and will be a tremendous resource for Harlon. Both men have a deep love and care for Michigan State football, Spartan athletics, the university and the East Lansing community."
Haller said he was made aware of the complaint against Tucker in December, when it was filed by Tracy.
"Upon receiving the reports from the claimant regarding Mel Tucker, MSU's office of civil rights immediately commenced a review and subsequent investigation per university protocol using an outside, third-party investigator," Haller said. "The external investigator concluded their review and submitted their investigative report on July 25, with a recommendation of a formal hearing, which will occur the week of October 5th.
"The university’s formal conclusion of the investigation will occur once the hearing and final decision processes are complete. I want to emphasize again, this investigation is not complete.”
Michigan State University's full press conference regarding Mel Tucker's suspension can be viewed below. Spartan Nation will have more on this story as it develops.
For more coverage of Michigan State Athletics:
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpartanNationPodcast
- Follow us on Facebook: @SpartanNation
- Follow us on Twitter: @mlounsberry_SI | @a3danm
