Brenda Tracy appreciates Jim Harbaugh 'not weaponizing' Mel Tucker allegations for rivalry

Jim Harbaugh has dealt with some off-field issues this season but nothing like what Mel Tucker and Michigan State are going through. Tucker has sexual harassment allegations against him right now after an incident involving Brenda Tracy. Both parties have released statements on the situation but Tucker was suspended without pay on Sunday by Michigan State.

When asked about the situation, Harbaugh did not want to comment. However, he did mention how Tracy has been to Ann Arbor to speak to the Michigan team.

“Jim Harbaugh says he doesn’t want to speak on Mel Tucker’s suspension but notes Brenda Tracy has spoken to Michigan’s team in the past and he supports her work,” Austin Meek of The Athletic said via Twitter.

“Harbaugh: ‘I know Brenda Tracy, respect her a lot.’”

Tracy then responded to Harbaugh, saying she does “appreciate” Harbaugh’s stance. Furthermore, she the situation is not being used to weaponize the intense rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State.

“I really appreciate this stance by Coach Harbaugh,” Tracy said via Twitter on Monday. “This situation should not be weaponized for the rivalry.”

The tweet from Tracy was her first regarding the situation with Tucker. She had retweeted a few items but not composed something original on her own.

Michigan State is still in the midst of investigating Tucker. He will not be on the sidelines for Saturday’s game against Washington and will not be paid either. In all likelihood, Tucker will not be there later in the season when the Spartans play the in-state Wolverines.

Michigan-Michigan State rivalry to stay on the field

There is plenty of recent history of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry escalating. It’s no secret the two programs do not like each other, especially on the football field. Last season was a prime example, with emotions running high in the Big House’s tunnel to the locker room and multiple Spartans players facing disciplinary actions after assaulting two Wolverines.

With the Tucker situation, though, Harbaugh is hoping to keep the rivalry on the field. In matters as serious as sexual harassment allegations involving Tucker, the Michigan head coach has decided to not make a comment.

If there is going to be any tension between Michigan and Michigan State, it will come on Oct. 21. The Wolverines will travel to East Lansing for another edition of a great in-state rivalry. Harbaugh has a career record of 2-1 at Spartan Stadium.