BREAKING: Michigan State fires head football coach Mel Tucker
It's now official — Michigan State University has fired head football coach Mel Tucker amidst allegations of sexual harassment.
MSU athletic director Alan Haller announced on Monday he has given Tucker notice expressing his intent to fire Tucker, for cause, without compensation. A clause in Tucker's contract allows the university to fire the head coach for cause if he "engages in any conduct which constitutes moral turpitude or which, in the University's reasonable judgement, would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt, or ridicule upon the University (e.g. material insubordinate or impropriety involving a student.)"
Tucker was suspended without by by Michigan State on Sept. 10 after USA Today released an article in which sexual misconduct prevention advocate Brenda Tracy accused Tucker of sexual harassment.
"I, with the support of administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause," Haller said. "This notification process is required as part of his existing contract. The notice provides Tucker with seven calendar days to respond and present reasons to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.
"This action does not conclude the ongoing Office for Civil Rights case; that rigorous process will continue."
Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett will continue to serve as acting head coach of the Spartans in the interim, with former head coach Mark Dantonio serving in an advisory role to Barnett as "associate head coach".
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