Report: Michigan State suspends Mel Tucker without pay pending investigation

Mel Tucker appeared to be out at Michigan State earlier this afternoon after a very disturbing report surfaced regarding an investigation into the Spartan’s head coach. However, that report has since been refuted by separate insiders.

Per Nicole Auerbach at The Athletic in a response to the Detroit Free Press, Tucker has not been fired in East Lansing yet. Instead, he has been suspended with pay until the conclusion of the investigation. The university later stated that he had been suspended without pay, due to new developments.

MSU coach Mel Tucker has not been fired, a source told @TheAthletic.

Here’s this from the Detroit Free Press: https://t.co/OFulDzpFX6

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 10, 2023

The report from USA Today came out on Saturday night, just a few hours after a 45-14 win for the Spartans over Richmond. It shared details regarding behavior and conduct of Tucker around Brenda Tracy, a former rape victim. She then filed a Title IX complaint with a hearing, the one that may officially decide Tucker’s future with the program, set for the start of October.

Tucker has since attempted to refute the reports and accusations while Michigan State has yet to provide a statement. However, a press conference is set for Sunday afternoon with its subject matter likely surrounding this story.

If the Spartans are able to fire Tucker for cause pending the eventual outcome of this investigation, they will be free from paying him a $70 million buyout. That comes from his ten-year deal worth $95 million that he signed with the school after his first season at the helm.

Much more will likely come out here soon regarding Tucker’s standing at Michigan State. At the very least, though, we know that he has yet to be fired by the Spartan’s leadership which was previously said earlier on Sunday.

More on conflicting reports regarding Mel Tucker

Brett McMurphy of Action Network reported on Sunday that Michigan State fired Mel Tucker in the wake of an investigation for sexual harassment. Moments later, several conflicting reports emerged saying that Tucker was suspended, not fired.

“Mel Tucker fired as Michigan State’s coach, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Secondary coach Harlon Barnett will be MSU’s interim coach w/former coach Mark Dantonio expected to assist in an undefined role,” McMurphy initially wrote on Twitter. “MSU investigating allegations Tucker sexually harassed activist/rape survivor Brenda Tracy, USA Today reported. School has called a 5 p.m. news conference.”

However, minutes later, a conflicting report emerged that Tucker had not been fired but instead suspended by the Detroit Press’ Chris Solari. That report was confirmed by several outlets including The Athletic and ESPN shortly after.

“Hearing MSU football coach Mel Tucker is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the Title IX investigation, per a source,” wrote Solari.

McMurphy tweeted later that Michigan State would wait until after the Title IX investigation:

“Michigan State will wait until Title IX investigation is completed, to make Tucker’s move official, sources said. MSU will claim dismissal w/cause to get out of paying Tucker’s $70-plus million buyout. School expected to disclose more information in 5 p.m. news conference.”