'This investigation is not complete': The latest on Michigan State, Mel Tucker sexual harassment investigation

Michigan State officials have now addressed the sexual harassment investigation involving Spartans head coach Mel Tucker.

Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller announced Sunday evening that Tucker has been suspended without pay “as a conditional, interim measure.” Haller and Michigan State interim president Teresa Woodruff emphasized during the press conference that the investigation is ongoing. 

“This investigation is not complete,” Haller said.

“That process will not be complete until there’s a hearing and final decision,” Woodruff later added.

USA Today reported late Saturday night that Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and prominent sexual misconduct activist, filed a complaint in December with Michigan State’s Title IX office regarding Tucker and accused him of unwanted sexual advances and masturbating during a phone call with her.

Tucker told an investigator that the “phone sex” was consensual, according to USA Today.

After the complaint was filed, Michigan State immediately began a review using an outside third-party investigator, according to Haller. The investigator finished their review and submitted their report to Michigan State July 25 with a recommendation for a formal hearing, which will take place Oct. 5.

Nevertheless, the decision to suspend Tucker came less than 24 hours following the report from USA Today.

“For me, it was working and waiting for the university as it relates to their investigative process and making sure they were allowed to complete their investigation,” Haller said. “Although the investigation was complete on the 25th (of July), there’s still ongoing processes that still need to be played out.”

Tucker, who is in his fourth season as Michigan State’s head coach, signed a 10-year, $95 million contract with the Spartans in November 2021 that’s fully guaranteed unless Tucker is fired for cause. 

Tucker has a 20-14 overall record as Michigan State’s coach, including an 11-2 mark in 2021 and a 5-7 finish last year.

“The university’s objective has been and remains focused on conducting a fair, thorough and unbiased investigation and allowing the processes to play out,” Haller said. “… The university’s formal conclusion of the investigation will occur when the final decision processes are complete.”

Haller confirmed that Michigan State defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett, an MSU alum, will serve as the Spartans’ head coach and that former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio will help in a yet-to-be-determined role.

Haller informed Michigan State players of the news Sunday afternoon.

The Spartans, who are 2-0, face No. 8 Washington on Saturday. Michigan State beat Richmond, 45-14, on Saturday.