With Mel Tucker suspended amid an investigation into allegations of sexual assault, Michigan State has notified its football coach that it intends to fire him for cause.
Athletic director Allan Haller said in a statement Monday that "with the support of administration and board, I have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause."
Tucker, who has approximately $80 million remaining on the 10-year, $95 million contract he signed with Michigan State in November of 2021, now has seven days to respond to the notice and present reasons to Haller and interim president Teresa Woodruff as to why he should not be terminated for cause.
Tucker, 51, is alleged of sexual harassment by Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and sexual assault prevention activist who was hired by Michigan State to conduct an educational program for the players on Tucker's team. During a phone call in April of 2022, Tracy claims Tucker masturbated without her consent. Tucker insists it was a "mutual, private event between two adults."
In its notice to Tucker, Michigan State cited the Early Termination Provision in his contract, which states he may be fired for cause if he "engages in any conduct with constitutes moral turpitude or which, in the University’s reasonable judgement, would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt or ridicule upon the University."
The notice went on to say that MSU has "has amassed a body of undisputed evidence of misconduct that warrants termination for cause," citing Tucker's relationship with a contracted vendor of the university.