Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker has been accused of sexual misconduct by prominent rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy. Tracy alleges that Tucker made sexual comments and masturbated without consent during a phone call, leading to an ongoing Title IX investigation into the matter.
The partnership between Tucker and Tracy, which initially aimed to fight the culture of sexual violence in sports, has now turned into a scandal. Tucker, who is one of the highest-paid coaches in all of sports, allegedly violated Tracy’s trust and re-inflicted trauma upon her by engaging in inappropriate behavior during a professional call.
Tracy’s complaint, filed with the university’s Title IX office in December, alleges that during a phone call on April 28, 2022, Tucker made sexual comments and masturbated without her consent. According to Tracy, this violation reopened old wounds from her past trauma as a rape survivor.
Tucker, in his statements to the Title IX investigator, admitted to masturbating during the call but claimed that it was consensual “phone sex.” He expressed regret over the situation but denied engaging in misconduct by any definition.
Michigan State hired an outside Title IX attorney to investigate Tracy’s complaint, and the formal hearing to determine whether Tucker violated the school’s policy is scheduled for October 5 and 6. The stakes are high for both parties involved, as Tracy fears for her career and reputation, while Tucker could potentially lose out on his lucrative contract if fired for cause.
In response to USA TODAY’s investigation into the matter, Michigan State suspended Tucker without pay, pending the resolution of the Title IX case. The university emphasized that such actions are not taken lightly and are necessary given the circumstances.
The case raises broader questions about the university’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment and its commitment to progress in addressing such issues. With the backdrop of past failures in addressing similar cases, Michigan State’s response to this crisis will be closely watched and will have far-reaching implications.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the case, both Tucker and Tracy have shared their sides of the story with the Title IX investigator, presenting conflicting accounts of their interactions and the nature of their relationship. As the investigation unfolds, the truth of what transpired between them will hopefully come to light, providing closure to all parties involved.
