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Michigan State announces suspension details for Mel Tucker amidst sexual harassment investigation
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Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller announced at a news conference on Sunday that head football coach Mel Tucker has been suspended without pay amid a sexual harassment investigation.
Tucker’s fate with the program will not be decided until an October hearing that will determine whether he violated the school’s sexual harassment policy.
Haller stated on Sunday that his decision to suspend Tucker was supported by Michigan State’s leadership.
“Interim measures are something that are constantly evaluated throughout the process,” Haller said. “As there have been new developments before the hearing… I have suspended Mel Tucker without pay as an additional interim measure. As the investigation continues, I made this decision with the support of university leadership.”
Michigan State interim president Teresa Woodruff added that the decision to put Tucker on unpaid leave was a necessary and appropriate one.
“The action AD Haller took comes with the full weight of my support,” Woodruff said. “As he shared, the new developments before the formal hearing can impact the case and the community. This step, to place Mel Tucker on an unpaid leave, is equally necessary and appropriate for today’s circumstances.”
The Spartans face No. 8 Washington next Saturday. They will be led by secondary coach Harlon Barnett, who was named the interim head coach on Sunday. MSU also revealed Sunday that former head coach Mark Dantonio is returning to the program to help in a reduced capacity.
Michigan is 2-0 after beating Central Michigan and Richmond in its first two games.
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.