If Mel Tucker cares at all about Michigan State, he should resign as head football coach immediately.
That he hasn’t already done so, before the depth of recent sexual harassment allegations came to light, is stunning.
At minimum, he exercised extremely poor judgment in his alleged actions with Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and advocate fighting against sex abuse.
She had been brought onto campus as a gang rape survivor to help MSU guard against an issue its athletic department has failed to prevent in the past.
Tucker taking such interest in having a sexual relationship with her was clearly out of bounds and a fireable offense.
It certainly has brought shame and embarrassment to a university that already had enough to linger for decades in the aftermath of the Larry Nassar and other recent abuse of power scandals.
Tucker’s $90 million contract extension was an egregious mistake based on one good season. His program has floundered since. Not only is he no longer a suitable representative for MSU, but his ability to recruit effectively and be the leader of young men has vanished.
Michigan State has an interim president and a revamped, albeit still confused, board of trustees. Leadership isn’t exactly a strength, although athletic director Alan Haller has shown promise in a number of ways.
And leadership’s hands are tied because of red tape that is inevitable before a dismissal can be executed.
That is why it is imperative Tucker resign.
He inflicted this upon himself. To fight MSU contractually would only hurt others unnecessarily, and tarnish his reputation even more. It’s up to Mel Tucker to do the right thing and step down voluntarily. The damage is done. It’s irrevocable.
Let MSU move forward instead of being a reminder of its sordid past.