Michigan State has suspended football coach Mel Tucker without pay following allegations of sexual harassment that were publicized in a USA Today report.

Allegations and Response: Activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy accused Tucker of sexual harassment during a phone call last year.
* The University President, Teresa K. Woodruff, and athletic director Alan Haller, have suspended Tucker pending an external investigation.
* After the investigation concluded on July 25, a hearing was scheduled for the week of October 5 to determine if Tucker violated the school’s sexual harassment and exploitation policy.
* Tucker was advised not to communicate with Tracy after the report was complete, with Haller increasing oversight of him and the program.

Staff Changes: Following Tucker’s suspension, there have been shifts in the football team’s coaching staff.
* Harlon Barnett, the secondary coach, will serve as interim coach.
* Mark Dantonio, the former coach, was named associate head coach.

Contract Complications: Tucker’s suspension could have financial implications given his existing contractual arrangement.
* Tucker is in his third year of a $95 million, 10-year contract, and if he is fired for cause, the university would not need to pay the remainder of his contract.

Continuing Issues: This incident is not the first scandal Michigan State has had to deal with recently.
* The school had earlier faced a sexual misconduct scandal involving former sports doctor Larry Nassar.
* The University President emphasized that the current university takes allegations seriously, rigorously investigates them and provides resources it did not in the past.

Accusations Background: The nature of the allegations against Tucker involves disturbing claims from Brenda Tracy.
* In April 2022, Tucker allegedly behaved inappropriately during a phone call with Tracy.
* Although Tucker admitted to his behavior during this call, he asserted it was consensual.

Current State: Despite the ongoing situation, the Spartans team’s playing continues.
* The Spartans won against Richmond recently, taking them to 2-0 in Tucker’s fourth season with Michigan State.
* Despite a season marred by charges and suspensions for several players, Tucker remains one of the highest paid coaches in college football.

View original article on NPR

This summary was created by an AI system. The use of this summary is subject to our Terms of Service.