Michigan State University plans to fire head football coach Mel Tucker in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him.
The MSU athletics department announced the decision in a statement.
Athletic director Alan Haller said, “I, in collaboration with the administration and the board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of my intent to terminate his contract. This notification process is required as part of his existing contract.” “The notice provides Tucker seven calendar days to respond and show cause to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.”
Haller’s statement concluded, “This action does not end the Office for Civil Rights’ ongoing case; that rigorous process will continue.”
The head coach had already been suspended without pay.
Tucker is under investigation over an incident involving Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor who works to educate athletes about sexual assault and harassment. Tracy alleges that Tucker made sexual comments to her while she masturbated on the phone without her consent.
In a statement, Tucker called the claims “completely false.”
He said in part, “It was a completely mutual, private event between two adults living on opposite ends of the country. She initiated the discussion that night, sent me a steamy photo of the two of us together, suggested What she might look like without clothes, and not once during the 36 minutes did she object in any way, let alone hang up the phone.”
Tucker has more than $79 million remaining on his contract, which the school is attempting not to pay after firing him, ESPN said,