Former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker is taking legal action against his former employer after being fired in the aftermath of a sexual harassment scandal. Tucker filed a lawsuit alleging civil rights violations, breach of contract, and defamation, seeking damages of “hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Michigan State and its administration have motioned to dismiss the lawsuit, prompting U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney to give Tucker the chance to amend his complaint. Tucker claims he was discriminated against based on his race and that the school conspired against him to manipulate an investigation into his alleged misconduct.
The school terminated Tucker’s 10-year, $95 million contract for cause after he was accused of inappropriate conduct by a university vendor. Tucker insists the incident was consensual “phone sex.” He argues that the school treated him more harshly compared to white counterparts who faced serious allegations.
Michigan State refutes Tucker’s claims, stating that his due process rights were not violated and that there is insufficient evidence for his conspiracy and discrimination allegations. The school emphasizes that Tucker’s termination was justified due to his admitted misconduct towards a sex abuse survivor.
The legal battle is unfolding in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, with the outcome uncertain. Tucker’s coaching future remains in question, while the Spartans, now coached by Jonathan Smith, are navigating a 4-4 season in 2024. The recent loss to the Michigan Wolverines adds another layer of challenge for the team.
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