Brenda Tracy, the woman who accused Mel Tucker of sexually assaulting her, is suing him and Michigan State for $75 million in damages, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
The university fired Tucker for cause in September, saying he engaged in “undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university; and constitute a material breach of his agreement, and moral turpitude.”
Tracy alleged Tucker sexually harassed her during a phone call in April 2022.
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Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker during Big Ten Conference Media Days July 26, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tucker acknowledged having phone sex with Tracy, but he said it was consensual. His attorney also said Michigan State had no cause to fire him because he did not “engage in unprofessional or unethical behavior.”
Tracy argues her reputation has been damaged by Tucker and the school, and she has suffered “emotional and physical distress.”
Tracy filed an intent to sue through the state’s Court of Claims.
Michigan State did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker congratulates his team as players exit the field during a game against the Richmond Spiders Sept. 9, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. (Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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By firing Tucker for cause, Michigan State does not have to pay the remaining $79 million on his contract. He signed a 10-year contract worth $95 million in 2021 with the university.
Tracy is a sexual assault prevention advocate who has traveled the country to tell her personal story of surviving a gang rape by four college football players in 1998. Tucker hired her to speak to his team.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker watches against Michigan in the first half of a game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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She said afterward that Tucker had called her multiple times after the visit and even brought up meeting him alone. She alleged the coach asked whether she would date him if he weren’t already married and masturbated without her consent during a phone call, according to USA Today.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson and Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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