Ex-Michigan State coach Mel Tucker files wrongful termination suit

Field Level Media|published: Fri 2nd August, 13:02 2024

Mel Tucker looks on during a Michigan State game against Central Michigan on Sept. 1, 2023.

Former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker is suing the university, claiming wrongful termination and racial discrimination.

Tucker is seeking unspecified monetary damages in the federal lawsuit. The university fired him last September following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations after a woman, who was hired to speak to the players about sexual violence, said the coach harassed her.

Michigan State signed Tucker to a 10-year, $95 million contract extension in November 2021. He was fired for cause, costing him about $80 million remaining on his contract.

Tucker, 52, has denied the allegations and accused the woman of extortion and trying to destroy his career.

Named in the 75-page lawsuit, filed late Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, are the university, former interim president Teresa Woodruff, athletic director Alan Haller, general counsel Brian Quinn and members of the board of trustees.

Tucker contends in the lawsuit that the university led an "improper, biased, and sham investigation" and intended to fire him all along. The suit also alleges his contract was terminated "on the basis of his race, destroying the career of one of the most prominent and successful Black head coaches in college football."

Tucker had a 20-14 record as Michigan State coach. He was Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2021 when the Spartans went 11-2.

--Field Level Media