There were conflicting reports as to the employee status of Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker, after a bombshell announcement that the Spartans HC had been involved in an alleged phone call sexual harassment incident.
Following Michigan State Vice President and Athletic Director Alan Haller telling a press conference that the HC would be suspended without pay, the Stadium’s Brett McMurphy reported that he was fired.
The Athletics Nicole Auerbach hit back by saying he was not fired but suspended without pay, pending a hearing to see if Tucker violated school policy.
Auerbach says that McMurphy’s tweet which has 4 million+ views is inaccurate and should be amended, but he doubled down with another tweet.
The journos traded barbs on social media, and while there is miscommunication at best, it is still not good news for the Spartans, who at least have a bye this weekend.
“Mel Tucker has coached his last game at MSU,’ tweeted McMurphy.
At the heart of the story is an accusation that Tucker had sexually harassed rape survivor Brenda Tracy.
According to Kenny Jacob, reporting for USA Today, “Tucker made sexual comments about her and masturbated.”
The charge is serious, the authenticity still to be proven and the HC is still on the payroll, for now, at least until next month’s hearing.
Tucker has a buyout clause of $70 million so the matter will come at a cost, to the university or to the HC.
