A Michigan State University hearing officer has determined that former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker sexually harassed a rape survivor.
Tucker was accused of sexual harassment by prominent rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy, and Michigan State subsequently fired Tucker in September.
The new 73-page report, according to USA Today, stated that a university hearing officer found that Tucker sexually harassed and exploited Tracy during an April 2022 phone call. On that call, Tucker allegedly masturbated and made sexual comments to her without her consent.
What makes this so disturbing is that the call took place eight months after Tucker had hired Tracy to speak to the football team about sexual violence prevention. The hearing officer, Virginia-based Title IX attorney Amanda Norris Ames, also found that Tucker had engaged in unwanted sexual advances toward Tracy in the months prior to the call.
Tucker, who was fired nearly a month ago after initially being suspended, has 10 days to file an appeal.
“My first reaction was tears of relief,” Tracy told USA Today.
Tucker indicated he plans to sue the school for wrongful termination and to recoup at least some of the roughly $80 million remaining on his contract.
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The school said it terminated Tucker after he subjected the institution to ridicule, breaching his contract and moral turpitude.
Tucker signed a $95 million, 10-year contract nearly two years ago. If the school gets its way, he will lose about $80 million he was due.
