Mel Tucker Firing Overview
Michigan State University fired head football coach Mel Tucker on September 27, 2023, for cause, citing sexual misconduct allegations. This decision followed a Title IX investigation into claims by activist Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor who had spoken to the team on sexual assault prevention. Tucker was suspended without pay on September 10, 2023, after USA Today reported the allegations.

Key Allegations
Tracy accused Tucker of sexual harassment, including unwanted advances and masturbating during a phone call in April 2022, which she described as non- consensual. Tucker maintained the interaction was part of a consensual romantic relationship involving mutual flirting and phone sex. The university's athletic director, Alan Haller, rejected Tucker's 25-page defense as inadequate, stating it admitted to problematic conduct that brought "public disrespect, contempt, and ridicule" to the institution, breaching his contract and involving moral turpitude.

Contract and Aftermath
The firing nullified about $79 million remaining on Tucker's 10-year, $95 million extension signed after the 2021 season. MSU aimed to avoid payout by classifying it as "for cause." Subsequent legal issues included Tracy suing Tucker for defamation in 2024 over his claims about their relationship.