Mel Tucker, the head football coach at Michigan State University, has been suspended without pay following charges of sexual harassment made by a rape victim and sexual violence educator. Athletic director Alan Haller confirmed the punishment, stating that Tucker would be sidelined until the ongoing inquiry is completed.
MSU’s secondary coach, Harlon Barnett, will serve as acting head coach in the meantime. Tucker is accused of making sexual comments regarding public speaker Brenda Tracy and engaging in improper behavior during a phone call in April 2022.
According to a Title IX complaint submitted in December. Tracy alleges Tucker masturbated while chatting to her, but Tucker disputes this, claiming the phone call entailed consenting and personal action.
Is Mel Tucker Married?
Mel Tucker’s wife, JoEllyn, entered his life through a serendipitous blind date. At the time, JoEllyn was a law student at Rutgers University, and the connection was made through a mutual classmate from Tucker’s days at the University of Wisconsin.
Prior to their first meeting, Tucker had the opportunity to speak with JoEllyn and was immediately captivated by her. According to reports, Tucker was drawn to JoEllyn’s intelligence and beauty. He appreciated her straightforwardness and admired her honesty.
The couple’s connection grew stronger, and Tucker eventually proposed to JoEllyn, who happily accepted. From that moment on, their love story began to unfold. Mel Tucker and JoEllyn have since built a beautiful life together, raising two sons named Joseph and Christian.
What Happened Between Tracy and Tucker?
Tracy further alleges that Tucker discussed his marital issues with her and expressed romantic interest on multiple occasions. Following the phone call, Tucker canceled Tracy’s planned appearance at the university and made comments that Tracy perceived as threats to her career if she spoke out.
The independent investigator assigned to the case completed her work in July, and a hearing to determine if Tucker violated the university’s sexual harassment policy is scheduled for October 5 and 6. After the hearing, a final decision regarding Tucker’s employment will be made.
Mel Tucker was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 4, 1972. He acquired a liking for football as a child and went on to play defensive back at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tucker began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State University after his playing career ended.
Tucker’s teaching ability rapidly became apparent, and he rose through the ranks to become a defensive backs coach for numerous college football programs. His ability to connect with athletes and extract their maximum potential piqued the interest of renowned coaches, paving the way for him to take on increasingly major positions.
Mel Tucker And Michigan State University
Tracy and Tucker had been working together since August of 2021 when Tracy told members of the school’s football team about her years-earlier gang rape by four athletes and begged the Spartans to stand up to sexual abuse. According to USA Today, she has utilized her experience to start an educational speaking program and has visited Michigan State athletes three times in the previous two years.
Tracy was chosen honorary captain of the Michigan State football team for a game in the spring of 2022. Tucker and Tracy had not communicated since August of 2022, months after the disputed phone call, when Tracy filed her lawsuit. Tucker signed a 10-year, $95 million deal with Michigan State in November 2021.
Conclusion
As of now, neither Tucker, his agency, Tracy, nor Michigan State University personnel have replied to calls for comment. The inquiry and following hearing will throw further light on the charges and ultimately determine Tucker’s future with the institution.
