Michigan State fires football coach Mel Tucker in stunning fall from elite coaching ranks
Michigan State University fired head football coach Mel Tucker for inappropriate conduct on Wednesday, a stunning fall for one of the highest-paid coaches in college sports, who signed a record 10-year, $95 million contract less than two years ago.
The action comes just over two weeks after a USA TODAY investigation revealed sexual harassment allegations against Tucker by Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist hired by Tucker to speak to his team about sexual violence and consent.
Hours after USA TODAY’s investigation, Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller suspended Tucker without pay pending completion of the case. One week later, Haller notified Tucker he intended to fire him, saying the sexual conduct he has admitted to alone violates his contract.
